European Parliament is ready to present its resolution regarding Ukrainian situation. EU condemns use of force. Protests are ongoing

Thousands of Ukrainians gathering on Independence Square
(Image: Euan McDonald)

Western politicians including representatives of USA and EU have strongly condemned recent use of force by Ukrainian government against peaceful protesters when security forces and riot police have attempted to disperse the protests on the night of 11 December and stormed Independence Square, the main site of the protesters.

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of EU, who is in Kyiv since Tuesday, 10 December, has also expressed deep concern of EU and condemned using of force and stripping citizens of their fundamental rights and freedoms, which include freedom of expression, peaceful protests and gatherings. It’s worth mentioning that Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich has assured Mrs. Ashton along with other representatives of Western countries that the talks with the oppositional forces will be organized and the force won’t be used again. Thus Mrs. Ashton expressed her disappointment over the recent events as the violent storming of the protesters happened the same night.

Ukraine: Yanukovich meets the previous Presidents without cameras; US and EU high representatives arrive in Kyiv; protesters remain on Maidan

Massive anti-government protests in Kyiv
(Image: IPress)

Ukrainian President Victory Yanukovich is expected to meet three previous presidents, Leonid Kravchuk, Leonid Kuchma and Victor Yushchenko. The meeting is planned to be held on Tuesday, 10 December, and was initiated by first President of independent Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk.

Leonid Kracvhuk has proposed Victor Yanukovich to hold negotiations with the previous presidents in order to discuss current situation and deepening political crisis and to organize also national dialogue attended by the representatives of government and oppositional forces which is considered being necessary to resolve the crisis in a peaceful way. Victor Yanukovich has accepted this invitation.

The meeting of four Ukrainian presidents was expected to be aired online of one of the state TV channels, but on Tuesday it was announced the recorded version of the meeting will be shown on the state TV in the evening. The meeting is being held behind the closed doors, with no journalists and reporters allowed.

Western countries support Ukrainian protests. EU mission in Ukraine could be prolonged

Massive rallies in Kyiv against the current government
(Image: Moscow Times)

Western countries including EU countries, USA, Canada and others expressed their support of Ukrainian people and their peaceful protests for the changes in the country and European integration.

Recent actions of Ukrainian authorities and excessive violence used by security forces and police against peaceful protesters have worried and embarrassed Western politicians and have been strongly condemned.