Ukraine’s Protesters Face Violent Crackdown in Kiev
Ukraine’s Protesters Face Violent Crackdown in Kiev
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Anti-government demonstrators stand among the smoke of burning barricades during clashes with riot police in Kiev, February 18, 2014.Sandro Maddalena—AFP/Getty Images
A new round of violence broke out in Kiev on Tuesday as anti-government protesters clashed with police outside Ukraine’s parliament and the nearby headquarters of President Viktor Yanukovych’s ruling party. Opposition medics told AFP at least three protesters were killed and more than 150 were injured, including dozens of police officers. The body count has gone up to at least nine reported deaths. The flare-up comes about three months after demonstrations began when Yanukovych spurned a long-anticipated E.U. association deal in favor of closer ties with Russia. The opposition continues to demand a new government headed by its leaders and sweeping reforms that put Ukraine back on its path toward greater integration with the E.U.
Anti-government protesters clash with police on Independence Square in Kiev on Feb. 19, 2014.Alexander Koerner—Getty ImagesUkrainian riot police stand in front of a fire ring around Independence Square during the continuing protest in downtown Kiev, on Feb. 19, 2014. Sergey Dolzhenkos—EPAMonuments to Kiev's founders burn as anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square, Feb. 18, 2014. Efrem Lukatsky—APAntigovernment protesters clash with riot police at the Independence Square in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Jan. 18, 2014 David Mdzinarishvili—ReutersAnti-government demonstrators stand on barricades during clashes with riot police, Feb. 18, 2014. Sandro Maddalena—AFP/Getty ImagesAnti-government demonstrators stand among the smoke of burning barricades during clashes with riot police in Kiev, February 18, 2014. Sandro Maddalena—AFP/Getty ImagesAnti-government demonstrators clash with riot police, Feb. 18, 2014. Sandro Maddalena—AFP/Getty ImagesPolicemen run amid flames during clashes with anti-government protesters in front of the Ukrainian Parliament in Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014.Anatoli Stepanov—AFP/Getty ImagesProtesters are ready to storm Kiev city hall as Maidan self-defence activists guard the building to prevent it during their confrontation in Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014. Barbaros Kayan—LeJournal/SIPA USAAnti-government protesters clash with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014.Francesca Volpi—SIPA USAAn anti-government protester is engulfed in flames while running from the scene during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014.Efrem Lukatsky—APAn anti-government protester finds cover during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014.Efrem Lukatsky—APAn anti-government protester holds a Molotov cocktail during clashes with Interior Ministry members in Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014.ReutersProtesters take over the main office of the ruling Ukrainian 'Party of Regions' political party in downtown Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014.Oleg Petrasyuk—EPAInterior Ministry members injured during clashes with anti-government protesters are escorted by colleagues in Kiev, on Feb. 18, 2014.ReutersAn Interior Ministry member, who was injured during clashes with anti-government protesters, receives medical treatment as he lies on a stretcher in Kiev February 18, 2014.Andrew Kravchenko—Reuters
