Ukrainian protesters ready to 'take a bullet in the head'
Violent clashes in Kiev set to escalate if president Yanukovych ignores ultimatum to hold snap election
UKRAINE'S opposition leaders have told anti-government protesters to "go on the attack" if embattled president Viktor Yanukovych does not call a snap election to end the crisis.
At least three people have died in violent clashes on the streets of Kiev since demonstrations began on Sunday. While there is an "uneasy standoff" between protesters and riot police this morning, it is unlikely to hold.
Yanukovych held a three-hour meeting with the three main political opposition leaders yesterday, but it ended without a deal, The Guardian reports. Opposition groups described the talks as "useless", setting the scene for further clashes in the capital today.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Opposition leaders issued an ultimatum this morning calling on Yanukovych to announce early elections within 24 hours or face more violence on the streets. Vitali Klitschko , the former heavyweight boxer (pictured above) who has become a prominent opposition leader, said he was willing to face "a bullet in the forehead" if the president did not comply.
Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov has described the deteriorating situation as "scary" and warned it was "getting out of control". Lavrov told the BBC he believed that EU politicians were guilty of inflaming the situation.
The US has threatened to impose sanctions on Ukraine in an effort to stop the clashes that have seen barricades set on fire and Molotov cocktails hurled at riot police. The fighting continued overnight with parts of Kiev turned into a "war zone", says Sky News.
Government forces have "hit back" using rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas to try to disperse the crowds.
Two protesters died from bullet wounds yesterday, according to Ukraine's general prosecutor, while the third died after falling from a rooftop while fighting with police. Protesters report that dozens of people have been seriously injured during the clashes, which have been running since Sunday evening.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - April 21, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - devilish decrees, biblical blunders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 carefully selected cartoons about the Trump-Daniels jury selection process
Cartoons Artists take on a stress-free life, rare peers, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Loire Valley Lodges review: sleep, feast and revive in treetop luxury
The Week Recommends Forest hideaway offers chance to relax and reset in Michelin key-winning comfort
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Where has the Wagner Group gone?
Today's Big Question Kremlin takes control of Russian mercenaries after aborted mutiny and death of leadership
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Will Ukraine's leadership reset work?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy hints at ousting of popular military chief, but risks backlash amid dwindling munitions, delayed funding and Russian bombardment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published