LB.ua chronicles the latest events in Ukraine in English for foreign readers.
Read previous articles on the topic:
On January 16 The Verkhovna Rada adopted more than a dozen of controversial amendments to the law 'On the Judicial System and Status of Judges' and the procedural laws regarding additional measures to protect the safety of citizens. Most opposition politicians, international organizations and European countries consider these laws a violation of basic constitutional rights of 45 million citizens of Ukraine.
On Sunday, January 19, clashes broke out between Euromaidan protesters and police on Hrushevskoho Street in the centre of Kyiv, after radical protesters decided to break through the police cordon in the direction of the Government House and the Verkhovna Rada.
Police used stun and gas grenades, as well as tear gas. Protesters threw stones at the enforcers. Unrest on Hrushevskoho Street continues for the fourth day.
00:50. Three Euromaidan activists, detained on January 20, have been charged with violation of Art. 294 of the Criminal Code - participation in the riots. Darnytsia district court in Kyiv sentenced all three activists for two months in jail.
Yukhim Dishkanta and two of his friends, Arthur Moskalets and Dmitry Kovalchuk, were arrested on January 20 on Lavrska Street. Before that they were attacked by 'titushki' (sporty looking young people in black clothes who participate in AntiMaidan activities) on the same street. 'Titushki' broke Arthur's nose and after that a group of those young people led them deep into a park near a monument to the victims of Holodomor ('death by hunger') and made them sit on a bench.
'They made a call. A car arrived in some time. Two of us were put in the luggage compartment, and another one - to the salon. There was already one person. Along the way they searched us. Arthur was hit twice in the head. They drove us to Desnyansky district police office', said Moskalets.
01:18. Public activist Igor Lutsenko, who was allegedly kidnapped this morning and then got out of the forest near Kyiv, where he was brought and thrown by his kidnappers, is undergoing medical examination in 'Boris' clinic at the moment.
His lawyer Eugenia Zakrevskaya told LB.ua that his internal organs had been damaged. He also has an eye injury, three of his teeth knocked out and multiple bruises on the body. He can hardly walk because his kidnappers had beaten him on legs and heels.
Journalists were not allowed to talk to him, but police officials were.
01:37. Automaidan activists liquidated 'titushkas' camp on a new Obukhov highway. They dismantled a tent belonging to 'titushki' and dispersed the guys who lived in it.
Approximately 20 'titushek' fled in the direction of a railway situated nearby. Still, activists managed to detain two of the young men. Later they'll be brought to House of Trade Unions in Kyiv for questioning.
02:20. Police used water cannons against protests on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv.
The temperature in Kyiv is about minus 10 degrees Celsius.
03:25. Guy brutally beaten by 'Berkut' riot police fighters at a Colonnade of Dynamo Stadium died on Tuesday evening because of the injuries incompatible with life. He had multiple fractures, in particular fracture of the cervical spine.
In particular, he said: 'In Bishkek, the capital was burned, the whole centre was burned. Do we want this? That's why we stand here. Because those thugs can do anything behind these simple normal people who came to speak about their everyday concerns'.
03:50. Students of the National University of theatre, cinema and television of Karpenko-Kary have cancelled action under Podolsky detention facility in support of six of their fellow students, which was to be held in the morning on January 22.
According to Facebook post by journalist Tatiana Danilenko, unidentified men in civilian clothes came to the students' dormitory and tried to detain one of the students of the university by attacking and beating him. The guy managed to escape.
04:15. Unidentified men, presumably 'titutshki' (AntiMaidan activits) torched car 'Daewoo Lanos' on Reytarskaya Street in the centre of Kyiv. according to AutoMaidan activists, it wasn't the first case when 'titushki' smashed windows of the cars parked in the centre and threw Molotov cocktail into the car.
According to reports on AutoMaidan page in Facebook, 'titushki' cover themselves and their cars with ribbons used by Euromaidan activist in order not to be detected.
05:00. Conflict on Hrushevskoho street escalated once again in the morning. Although the whole night till now has passed quietly.
About half past four in the morning opposition protesters threw a few Molotov cocktails at the police. In twenty minutes the law enforcers replied by shooting people on barricades and throwing gas grenades in their direction.
Also, law enforcement officers used a big searchlight that shined at the demonstrators.
05:28. On Wednesday night Euromaidan self-defence troops in Kyiv identified a large base of 'titushki' in a dormitory on Shcherbakova Street.
Leader of the group hiding on Shcherbakova was brought to Independence Square, where he said that 'titushki' in the dormitory were from Poltava and Kremenchug. They rented rooms for 100 people.
06:20. A few thousand of opposition protesters were on Hrushevskoho street this night. It was relatively quiet. A few times conflict escalated. Thus, radical protesters threw Molotov cocktails at the police, and the law enforcers responded with stun grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas.
07:15. A few 'titushki' of those who flooded Kyiv were detained by Euromaidan activists this night.
One of them in the House of Trade Unions told that he arrived to Kyiv from Krivoy Rog 'simply to stand with the flag'. He said he was promised 200-300 UAH ($25-35) for a day of such standing by some representatives of the ruling Party of Regions.
07:50. Euromadian Chief Medical Officer confirmed the death of one of the participants of clashes on Hrushevskoho Street. According to him, young man received four gunshot wounds. He died around 06:00 am. Doctors believe he was shot by a sniper.
08:08. 'Berkut' riot police attacked Euromaidan protesters on Hrushevskoho street.
'Berkut' and internal troops fighters detain and beat demonstrators and lead them behind their cordon.
People were not ready for the attack, as they were shocked by the death of a man who had been shot by police.
08:26. The Interior Ministry confirmed the death of a young men on Hrushevskoho Street from a gunshot wound.
The press secretary of the Interior Ministry Sergey Burlakov said the police, located on Hrushevskoho Street has no firearms.
08:31. Law enforcers retreated to their former positions on Hrushevskoho Street after opposition protesters launched a counterattack.
08:58. There is a massive arrival of buses in Pechersk district of Kyiv, where the government quarter is located.
'Thousands of 'titushki' are walking along Pechersk. In organized colonies', posted the opposition party 'UDAR' lawmaker Irina Gerashchenko in 'Facebook'.
Several hundred activists with sticks and helmets have gathered on barricades on Khreschatyk and Instytutska Streets.
09:11. Another opposition protester has been shot on Hrushevskoho Street, reported EspressoTV journalist referring to the medical service.
According to him, a sniper shot from the sixth floor of one of the houses on Hrushevskoho Street. It is reported that both this and the previous demonstrator were killed by headshots.
09:20. According to 'Interfax-Ukraine' sources in the Interior Ministry, 'Berkut' started the offensive against opposition activists on Hrushevskoho street because of a new composition of Molotov cocktails, which they threw at security forces.
09:30. One of the young men shot dead on Hrushevskoho Street was 20-year-old Sergei Nigoyan - active Euromaidan participant Evromaydana (was in self-defense of the tent city on Independence Square).
It is reported that one of the bullets hit the guy in the head, and another one in the neck.
09:45. About 200 Euromaidan activist suffered gunshot wounds on Hrushevskoho Street.
09:50. Prescheduled session of the Verkhovna Rada, which supposedly was to be held tomorrow, January 23, won't take place, reports LB.ua referring to it own sources in the ruling Party of Regions.
09:57. The cause of death of the second protester on Hrushevskoho Street was a direct hit to the heart, told an eyewitness of the incident to 'Radio Svoboda' ('Radio Liberty').
10:03. Demonstrators came close to security forces cordon on Hrushevskoho Street.
10:16. 'Espresso.TV' journalist has been detained by 'Berkut' riot police fighters during the confrontation on Hrushevskoho Street, while performing his professional duties.
10:17. Scandalous laws adopted by The Verkhovna Rada on Januart 16 entered into force.
10:43. Ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Germany openly criticized the meeting with the Minister of Justice of Ukraine Elena Lukash and Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara relatively recent developments on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv. This happened after the ambassadors were not given the floor at the meeting.
10:45. Prime Minister Nykolai Azarov said he was sorry for the victims among opposition protesters on Hrushevskoho Street, but its their own fault.
'Rioters can not be called peaceful. They are criminals who violate order. I officially declare that these victims are on the conscience and responsibility of the troublemakers. I demand that the authorities immediately investigate this issue', said Azarov at the opening session of the government.
11:03. In response to the actions against protesters on Independence Square in November and December of the last year, the U.S. Embassy cancelled the visas of several Ukrainian citizens related to the use of force.
11:08. The district courts of Kyiv at the request of investigators and prosecutors chose a preventive measure in the form of detention to the first ten suspects in the riots on Hrushevskoho Street, according to a statement issued by the press service of the prosecutor's office in Kyiv.
11:21. The opposition party 'UDAR' leader Vitali Klitschko urges President Viktor Yanukovich to clear the streets off riot police and begin negotiations immediately.
11:50. Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski said that earlier he told President Viktor Yanukovich everything he had to say. He said it was obvious that the Ukrainian authorities intend to use power to resolve the political conflict.
11:58. 'Berkut' and internal troops began pushing protesters aside with their shields. Law enforcers under the cover of shields dismantled a large barricade set by Euromaidan activists.
12:18. 'Berkut' and interior troops dismantled a barricade on Hrushevskoho Street.
12:20. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich took part in a festive prayer service at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on the occasion of the Day of Unification and Freedom.
12:24. The opposition 'Svoboda' faction leader Oleg Tyagnibok have announced a national mobilization, as the opposition has exhausted all possibilities for a peaceful solution of the political crisis.
12:29. 'Berkut' and internal troops move along Hrushevskoho Street under the cover of shields. They move slowly. Demonstrators throw stones at law enforcers.
12:34. 'Berkut' and internal troops cleared Hrushevskoho Street off the protesters. During the attack they dismantled barricades.
Opposition protesters retreated to Independence Square.
12:38. 'Berkut' cleared Hrushevskoho Street off opposition protesters up to European Square. Now it's stepping back to Dynamo Stadium. Riot police fighters are followed by the protesters.
12:57. 'Berkut' riot police beat and detained several demonstrators on Hrushevskoho Street. Two of them were beaten and taken behind the cordon of security forces.
12:58. Two men have been carried away by ambulances from European Square. Their faces were covered in blood, they both were unconscious. One of them has journalist's license.
13:08. President Viktor Yanukovich has instructed law enforcers to thoroughly investigate the deaths of protesters on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv and called on the opposition to start negotiations.
13:12. More and more 'Berlut' riot police fighters are gathering near Dynamo Stadium on Hrushevskoho Street.
13:24. 'Berkut' arrested at least 40 people after the today's attack.
13:37. Court seized bank accounts of the public organizations 'Social responsibility' and 'Kyivites - for reforms', which raised money for Euromaidan.
13:40. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton calls on the Ukrainian authorities and protesters to immediately stop violence in Kyiv.
13:44. An armoured vehicle drove to Hrushevkoho Street. At the moment its' standing behind security forces cordon.
14:00. Investigation department of Pechersk district police department opened criminal proceedings into the death of two people under Part 1 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code (murder).
14:12. Russian State Duma deputies voted for the statement on Ukraine. 388 deputies supported call on Western politicians not to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
The State Duma has blamed Western countries and extremist opposition on the situation in Ukraine.
14:21. President Viktor Yanukovich began meeting with the leaders of the opposition parliamentary factions in the Presidential Administration.
14:28. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called on all parties of the conflict in Ukraine to refrain from violence.
Journalists were broadcasting from the stairs leading to the library.
According to orders number 13 and number 14, adopted on January 22, from now on law enforcers are allowed to use aerosol grenades 'Drift 2', light and sound grenades 'Flame-M', 'Torch - C' and 'Dawn -2', as well as hand-held smoke grenades 'Lilac-3' for the 'protection of public order'.
Besides, order number 13 defines the procedure for applying water cannons 'to prevent riots and group violations of public order, to reflect attacks on buildings, premises, facilities and vehicles regardless of their affiliation, to protect citizens and to protect themselves from attacks and other acts that endanger their life, health, housing or property'.
'Today you are carrying a heavy cross and the Church will stay with you to the end, just as Simon Kirineysky helped Christ carry the cross to Golgotha.
14:58. Two corpses were found in the vicinity of the village Gnedin in Boryspil district of Kyiv region, reported ZN.UA.
According to this information, there were signs of torture on the bodies, and their heads were wrapped with tape.
Local district policeman confirmed the discovery of one body and the information about signs of torture on it.
15:07. The second men shot dead on Hrushevskoho Street may be a native of Belarus Mikhail Zhiznevsky.
15:24. Parents whose children study in schools in Pechersk district of Kyiv, where the government quarter is located, are getting phone calls from headteachers asking them to pick up their children before 16:00. Many teachers say they've been warned that metro stations will be closed at this time.
According to LB.ua readers, suspension of metro operations may be connected with a possible final sweep of Euromaidan camp on Kyiv's Independence Square.
15:40. Opposition lawmakers received court summons regarding blocking the rostrum in the Verkhovna Rada, told the opposition party 'UDAR' deputy Sergey Kaplin to LB.ua.
15:53. Man, who fell from a colonnade near Dynamo Stadium yesterday, is alive, said head physician of Kyiv City Clinical Hospital № 17 Nikolai Demin.
He added that the man, who is 43 years old, is alive and can walk, and his condition is almost satisfactory.
15:54. The secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada, as well as technicians, assistants and committees in the parliament were sent home at 13:00, according to 'UDAR' lawmaker Irina Gerashchenko post in Facebook.
16:10. Events on Hrushevskoho Street on January 19-22 in photos and video (constantly updated).
16:13. Law enforcers urged Ukrainians to stay away from Independence Square. According to the press service of the Interior Ministry, due to the recent events in the centre of Kyiv, there is a big chance to be injured.
16:26. Communal enterprise 'Kyiv underground' announced that metro stations will work according to a fixed schedule. Earlier it was reported that central stations could be closed due to events in the centre of Kyiv.
In this regard, they remind people that in Ukraine it is forbidden to organize mass protests and participate in them with covered faces, as well as setting up tents and usage of sound-amplifying equipment. Thus, all the actions of the protesters are illegal, they say.
16:40. Participants of the working meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) honoured victims of clashes on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv with a minute of silence, twitted President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.
16:47. The European Union may discontinue official relations with Ukraine if it is confirmed that riot police used firearms against opposition protesters, stated Vice-President of the European Parliament Jacek Protasiewicz.
16:57. Desnyansky district court of Kyiv sentenced three of eight students of the National University of theatre, cinema and television of Karpenko-Kary, detained on January 20, to three months of jail for their participation in the unrest on Hrushevskoho Street.
17:08. A large force of law enforcement officers is gathering in the Ukrainian House on European Square.
17:10. The European Union is ready to verify accounts of the Ukrainian oligarchs in the EU banks before introducing sanctions against them, announced European Commissioner for Budget Janusz in Brussels.
17:11. Poland's Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador in Warsaw on Wednesday to voice its concern about a crackdown on anti-government protests in Kiev.
Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz, secretary of state at the ministry, told the ambassador that Poland felt 'deep concern' about new laws in Ukraine restricting protests, and said the flare-up of violence this week might be linked to the new restrictions, the statement said.
17:14. According to Euromaidan group in Facebook, opposition activists have started a fight with 'Berkut' soldiers near the Presidential Administration on Luteranskaya Street.
'The protesters began to fight with 'Berkut' on Luteranskaya Street near the Presidential Administration... 'Berkut' vehicles are already burning', says a post in the group.
The protesters are throwing Molotov cocktails at 'Berkut' fighters standing near the Presidential Administration.
17:15. People keep gathering on Independence Square in the centre of Kyiv. Currently there are about eight thousand Euromaidan activists there.
17:27. United opposition leaders Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Vitali Klitschko and Oleg Tyahnibok came out of the Presidential Administration after nearly three-hour talks with Viktor Yanukovich, but refused to comment on the meeting.
'We can tell you everything later. All comments will be announced on National veche', said Klitschko. Yatsenyuk said they would comment the situation on a briefing at the House of Trade Unions.
17:44. Traffic police closes entrances to Kyiv's centre.
17:46. Dniprovskiy district court of Kiev sentenced 'Spilnobachennya' journalist Vladimir Karagyaur for two months of jail. He was detained at the gas station for buying gasoline for generators set on Independence Square.
17:51. Lvov Mayor Andriy Sadovy announced a mourning for victims of clashes on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv.
18:00. Presidential press service doesn't comment the meeting of President Viktor Yanukovich with the United opposition leaders - Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Vitali Klitschko and Oleg Tyahnibok.
18:15. Five people were killed in clashes on Hrushevskoho Street over the past 24 hours, said coordinator of Euromaidan medical services Oleg Musiy.
He also added that four of them died of bullet wounds - to the head, heart, chest and neck. The fifth activist died either after fall from a big height or of a gunshot wound.
Only two deaths have been confirmed officially by now.
18:21. Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, chairman of the Committee on National Security and Defence Volodymyr Lytvyn called on lawmakers to immediately hold an unscheduled session of the Verkhovna Rada to discuss the current situation in Kyiv.
18:35. Minister of Justice Elena Lukash said that negotiations between the government and the opposition on resolving the political crisis will most probably continue on Thursday, January 23.
18:43. The opposition 'Svoboda' faction stated that 'Berkut' riot police smashed Euromaidan infirmary located on the ground floor of the building of the National Academy of Sciences on Hrushevskoho Street.
18:44. Russian Embassy in Ukraine doesn't recommend compatriots who are currently in Kyiv visit places of the massive clashes between radical protesters and police.
18:57. The opposition party 'Batkivshchyna' leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk said President Viktor Yanukovich offered to move negotiations on resolving the conflict for the next day.
According to Yatseniuk, Viktor Yanukovich offered to withdraw Prime Minister Nykolai Azarov from the summit in Davos so that he could take part in negotiations.
19:09. More than 50 thousand people have gathered on Kyiv's Independence Square as of 6:45 pm.
19:09. The opposition party 'Svoboda' leader Oleg Tyagnibok said that negotiations with President Viktor Yanukovich resulted in nothing.
19:31. According to 'Batkivshchyna' leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk, in the course of negotiations with Viktor Yanukovich the opposition announced a proposal to host a session of the Verkhovna Rada in the nearest future in order to cancel the laws adopted on January 16.
He also added that the opposition raised a question of the government's resignation. 'It was told they would think about it', stressed Yatsenyuk.
19:33. U.S. Department of State
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
January 22, 2014
The United States strongly condemns the increasing violence on the streets of Kyiv, which has led to casualties and the shooting deaths of two protesters. We urge all sides to immediately de-escalate the situation and refrain from violence. Increased tensions in Ukraine are a direct consequence of the Ukrainian government’s failure to engage in real dialogue and the passage of anti-democratic legislation on January 16. However, the aggressive actions of members of extreme-right group Pravy Sektor are not acceptable and are inflaming conditions on the streets and undermining the efforts of peaceful protestors. We likewise deplore violence by unofficial groups known as 'titushki'.
We also condemn the targeted attacks against journalists and peaceful protestors, including detentions. The Maidan movement has been defined by a spirit of non-violence that we strongly support.
We urge the Government of Ukraine to take steps that represent a better way forward for Ukraine, including repeal of the anti-democratic legislation and beginning a national dialogue with the political opposition. The United States has already revoked visas of several people responsible for violence, and will continue to consider additional steps in response to the use of violence by any actors.
19:54. A body found in the vicinity of the village Gnedin in Boryspil district of Kyiv region belongs to Euromaidan activist Yuri Verbitsky, who was kidnapped along with civic activist Igor Lutsenko early in the morning on January 21.
Almost in 15 hours after his abduction Igor Lutsenko found himself in a forest near Kyiv, where he was brought and thrown by his kidnappers. Later he was brought for medical examination in 'Boris' clinic.
His lawyer Eugenia Zakrevskaya told LB.ua that his internal organs had been damaged. He also had an eye injury, three of his teeth knocked out and multiple bruises on the body. He could hardly walk because his kidnappers had beaten him on legs and heels.
20:15. The opposition party 'Svoboda' leader Oleg Tyagnibok says that the government intends to introduce a state of emergency in the country and use army against Euromaidan protesters.
20:25. The opposition party 'Batkivshchyna' leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk gave the authorities 24 hours for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
'If not, tomorrow will go forward together, I won't live with the shame. If I catch a bullet in the forehead, so it will be', he said.
LB.ua chronicles the latest events in Ukraine in English for foreign readers.
Read previous articles on the topic:
On January 16 The Verkhovna Rada adopted more than a dozen of controversial amendments to the law 'On the Judicial System and Status of Judges' and the procedural laws regarding additional measures to protect the safety of citizens. Most opposition politicians, international organizations and European countries consider these laws a violation of basic constitutional rights of 45 million citizens of Ukraine.
On Sunday, January 19, clashes broke out between Euromaidan protesters and police on Hrushevskoho Street in the centre of Kyiv, after radical protesters decided to break through the police cordon in the direction of the Government House and the Verkhovna Rada.
Police used stun and gas grenades, as well as tear gas. Protesters threw stones at the enforcers. Unrest on Hrushevskoho Street continues for the fourth day.
00:50. Three Euromaidan activists, detained on January 20, have been charged with violation of Art. 294 of the Criminal Code - participation in the riots. Darnytsia district court in Kyiv sentenced all three activists for two months in jail.
Yukhim Dishkanta and two of his friends, Arthur Moskalets and Dmitry Kovalchuk, were arrested on January 20 on Lavrska Street. Before that they were attacked by 'titushki' (sporty looking young people in black clothes who participate in AntiMaidan activities) on the same street. 'Titushki' broke Arthur's nose and after that a group of those young people led them deep into a park near a monument to the victims of Holodomor ('death by hunger') and made them sit on a bench.
'They made a call. A car arrived in some time. Two of us were put in the luggage compartment, and another one - to the salon. There was already one person. Along the way they searched us. Arthur was hit twice in the head. They drove us to Desnyansky district police office', said Moskalets.
01:18. Public activist Igor Lutsenko, who was allegedly kidnapped this morning and then got out of the forest near Kyiv, where he was brought and thrown by his kidnappers, is undergoing medical examination in 'Boris' clinic at the moment.
His lawyer Eugenia Zakrevskaya told LB.ua that his internal organs had been damaged. He also has an eye injury, three of his teeth knocked out and multiple bruises on the body. He can hardly walk because his kidnappers had beaten him on legs and heels.
Journalists were not allowed to talk to him, but police officials were.
01:37. Automaidan activists liquidated 'titushkas' camp on a new Obukhov highway. They dismantled a tent belonging to 'titushki' and dispersed the guys who lived in it.
Approximately 20 'titushek' fled in the direction of a railway situated nearby. Still, activists managed to detain two of the young men. Later they'll be brought to House of Trade Unions in Kyiv for questioning.
02:20. Police used water cannons against protests on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv.
The temperature in Kyiv is about minus 10 degrees Celsius.
03:25. Guy brutally beaten by 'Berkut' riot police fighters at a Colonnade of Dynamo Stadium died on Tuesday evening because of the injuries incompatible with life. He had multiple fractures, in particular fracture of the cervical spine.
In particular, he said: 'In Bishkek, the capital was burned, the whole centre was burned. Do we want this? That's why we stand here. Because those thugs can do anything behind these simple normal people who came to speak about their everyday concerns'.
03:50. Students of the National University of theatre, cinema and television of Karpenko-Kary have cancelled action under Podolsky detention facility in support of six of their fellow students, which was to be held in the morning on January 22.
According to Facebook post by journalist Tatiana Danilenko, unidentified men in civilian clothes came to the students' dormitory and tried to detain one of the students of the university by attacking and beating him. The guy managed to escape.
04:15. Unidentified men, presumably 'titutshki' (AntiMaidan activits) torched car 'Daewoo Lanos' on Reytarskaya Street in the centre of Kyiv. according to AutoMaidan activists, it wasn't the first case when 'titushki' smashed windows of the cars parked in the centre and threw Molotov cocktail into the car.
According to reports on AutoMaidan page in Facebook, 'titushki' cover themselves and their cars with ribbons used by Euromaidan activist in order not to be detected.
05:00. Conflict on Hrushevskoho street escalated once again in the morning. Although the whole night till now has passed quietly.
About half past four in the morning opposition protesters threw a few Molotov cocktails at the police. In twenty minutes the law enforcers replied by shooting people on the barricades and throwing gas grenades in their direction.
Also, law enforcement officers used a big searchlight that shined at the demonstrators.
05:28. On Wednesday night Euromaidan self-defence troops in Kyiv identified a large base of 'titushki' in a dormitory on Shcherbakova Street.
Leader of the group hiding on Shcherbakova was brought to Independence Square, where he said that 'titushki' in the dormitory were from Poltava and Kremenchug. They rented rooms for 100 people.
06:20. A few thousand of opposition protesters were on Hrushevskoho street this night. It was relatively quiet. A few times conflict escalated. Thus, radical protesters threw Molotov cocktails at the police, and the law enforcers responded with stun grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas.
07:15. A few 'titushki' of those who flooded Kyiv were detained by Euromaidan activists this night.
One of them in the House of Trade Unions told that he arrived to Kyiv from Krivoy Rog 'simply to stand with the flag'. He said he was promised 200-300 UAH ($25-35) for a day of such standing by some representatives of the ruling Party of Regions.
07:50. Euromadian Chief Medical Officer confirmed the death of one of the participants of the clashes on Hrushevskoho Street. According to him, young man received four gunshot wounds. He died around 06:00 am. Doctors believe he was shot by a sniper.
08:08. 'Berkut' riot police attacked Euromaidan protesters on Hrushevskoho street.
'Berkut' and internal troops fighters detain and beat demonstrators and lead them behind their cordon.
People were not ready for the attack, as they were shocked by the death of a man who had been shot by police.
08:26. The Interior Ministry confirmed the death of a young men on Hrushevskoho Street from a gunshot wound.
The press secretary of the Interior Ministry Sergey Burlakov said the police, located on Hrushevskoho Street has no firearms.
08:31. Law enforcers retreated to their former positions on Hrushevskoho Street after opposition protesters launched a counterattack.
08:58. There is a massive arrival of buses in Pechersk district of Kyiv, where the government quarter is located.
'Thousands of 'titushki' are walking along Pechersk. In organized colonies', posted the opposition party 'UDAR' lawmaker Irina Gerashchenko in 'Facebook'.
Several hundred activists with sticks and helmets have gathered on the barricades on Khreschatyk and Instytutska Streets.
09:11. Another opposition protester has been shot on Hrushevskoho Street, reported EspressoTV journalist referring to the medical service.
According to him, a sniper shot from the sixth floor of one of the houses on Hrushevskoho Street. It is reported that both this and the previous demonstrator were killed by headshots.
09:20. According to 'Interfax-Ukraine' sources in the Interior Ministry, 'Berkut' started the offensive against opposition activists on Hrushevskoho street because of a new composition of Molotov cocktails, which they threw at security forces.
09:30. One of the young men shot dead on Hrushevskoho Street was 20-year-old Sergei Nigoyan - active Euromaidan participant Evromaydana (was in self-defense of the tent city on Independence Square).
It is reported that one of the bullets hit the guy in the head, and another one in the neck.
09:45. About 200 Euromaidan activist suffered gunshot wounds on Hrushevskoho Street.
09:50. Prescheduled session of the Verkhovna Rada, which supposedly was to be held tomorrow, January 23, won't take place, reports LB.ua referring to it own sources in the ruling Party of Regions.
09:57. The cause of death of the second protester on Hrushevskoho Street was a direct hit to the heart, told an eyewitness of the incident to 'Radio Svoboda' ('Radio Liberty').
10:03. Demonstrators came close to security forces cordon on Hrushevskoho Street.
10:16. 'Espresso.TV' journalist has been detained by 'Berkut' riot police fighters during the confrontation on Hrushevskoho Street, while performing his professional duties.
10:17. The scandalous laws adopted by The Verkhovna Rada on Januart 16 entered into force.
10:43. Ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Germany openly criticized the meeting with the Minister of Justice of Ukraine Elena Lukash and Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara relatively recent developments on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv. This happened after the ambassadors were not given the floor at the meeting.
10:45. Prime Minister Nykolai Azarov said he was sorry for the victims among opposition protesters on Hrushevskoho Street, but its their own fault.
'Rioters can not be called peaceful. They are criminals who violate order. I officially declare that these victims are on the conscience and responsibility of the troublemakers. I demand that the authorities immediately investigate this issue', said Azarov at the opening session of the government.
11:03. In response to the actions against protesters on Independence Square in November and December of the last year, the U.S. Embassy cancelled the visas of several Ukrainian citizens related to the use of force.
11:08. The district courts of Kyiv at the request of investigators and prosecutors chose a preventive measure in the form of detention to the first ten suspects in the riots on Hrushevskoho Street, according to a statement issued by the press service of the prosecutor's office in Kyiv.
11:21. The opposition party 'UDAR' leader Vitali Klitschko urges President Viktor Yanukovich to clear the streets off riot police and begin negotiations immediately.
11:50. Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski said that earlier he told President Viktor Yanukovich everything he had to say. He said it was obvious that the Ukrainian authorities intend to use power to resolve the political conflict.
11:58. 'Berkut' and internal troops began pushing protesters aside with their shields. Law enforcers under the cover of shields dismantled a large barricade set by Euromaidan activists.
12:18. 'Berkut' and interior troops dismantled a barricade on Hrushevskoho Street.
12:20. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich took part in a festive prayer service at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on the occasion of the Day of Unification and Freedom.
12:24. The opposition 'Svoboda' faction leader Oleg Tyagnibok have announced a national mobilization, as the opposition has exhausted all possibilities for a peaceful solution of the political crisis.
12:29. 'Berkut' and internal troops move along Hrushevskoho Street under the cover of shields. They move slowly. Demonstrators throw stones at law enforcers.
12:34. 'Berkut' and internal troops cleared Hrushevskoho Street off the protesters. During the attack they dismantled the barricades.
Opposition protesters retreated to Independence Square.
12:38. 'Berkut' cleared Hrushevskoho Street off opposition protesters up to European Square. Now it's stepping back to Dynamo Stadium. Riot police fighters are followed by the protesters.
12:57. 'Berkut' riot police beat and detained several demonstrators on Hrushevskoho Street. Two of them were beaten and taken behind the cordon of security forces.
12:58. Two men have been carried away by ambulances from European Square. Their faces were covered in blood, they both were unconscious. One of them has journalist's license.
13:08. President Viktor Yanukovich has instructed law enforcers to thoroughly investigate the deaths of protesters on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv and called on the opposition to start negotiations.
13:12. More and more 'Berlut' riot police fighters are gathering near Dynamo Stadium on Hrushevskoho Street.
13:24. 'Berkut' arrested at least 40 people after the today's attack.
13:37. Court seized bank accounts of the public organizations 'Social responsibility' and 'Kyivites - for reforms', which raised money for Euromaidan.
13:40. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton calls on the Ukrainian authorities and protesters to immediately stop violence in Kyiv.
13:44. An armoured vehicle drove to Hrushevkoho Street. At the moment its' standing behind security forces cordon.
14:00. Investigation department of Pechersk district police department opened criminal proceedings into the death of two people under Part 1 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code (murder).
14:12. Russian State Duma deputies voted for the statement on Ukraine. 388 deputies supported call on Western politicians not to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
The State Duma has blamed Western countries and extremist opposition on the situation in Ukraine.
14:21. President Viktor Yanukovich began meeting with the leaders of the opposition parliamentary factions in the Presidential Administration.
14:28. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called on all parties of the conflict in Ukraine to refrain from violence.
Journalists were broadcasting from the stairs leading to the library.
According to orders number 13 and number 14, adopted on January 22, from now on law enforcers are allowed to use aerosol grenades 'Drift 2', light and sound grenades 'Flame-M', 'Torch - C' and 'Dawn -2', as well as hand-held smoke grenades 'Lilac-3' for the 'protection of public order'.
Besides, order number 13 defines the procedure for applying water cannons 'to prevent riots and group violations of public order, to reflect attacks on buildings, premises, facilities and vehicles regardless of their affiliation, to protect citizens and to protect themselves from attacks and other acts that endanger their life, health, housing or property'.
'Today you are carrying a heavy cross and the Church will stay with you to the end, just as Simon Kirineysky helped Christ carry the cross to Golgotha.
14:58. Two corpses were found in the vicinity of the village Gnedin in Boryspil district of Kyiv region, reported ZN.UA.
According to this information, there were signs of torture on the bodies, and their heads were wrapped with tape.
Local district policeman confirmed the discovery of one body and the information about signs of torture on it.
15:07. The second men shot dead on Hrushevskoho Street may be a native of Belarus Mikhail Zhiznevsky.
15:24. Parents whose children study in schools in Pechersk district of Kyiv, where the government quarter is located, are getting phone calls from headteachers asking them to pick up their children before 16:00. Many teachers say they've been warned that metro stations will be closed at this time.
According to LB.ua readers, suspension of metro operations may be connected with a possible final sweep of Euromaidan camp on Kyiv's Independence Square.
15:40. Opposition lawmakers received court summons regarding blocking the rostrum in the Verkhovna Rada, told the opposition party 'UDAR' deputy Sergey Kaplin to LB.ua.
15:53. Man, who fell from a colonnade near Dynamo Stadium yesterday, is alive, said head physician of Kyiv City Clinical Hospital № 17 Nikolai Demin.
He added that the man, who is 43 years old, is alive and can walk, and his condition is almost satisfactory.
15:54. The secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada, as well as technicians, assistants and committees in the parliament were sent home at 13:00, according to 'UDAR' lawmaker Irina Gerashchenko post in Facebook.
16:10. Events on Hrushevskoho Street on January 19-22 in photos and video (constantly updated).
16:13. Law enforcers urged Ukrainians to stay away from Independence Square. According to the press service of the Interior Ministry, due to the recent events in the centre of Kyiv, there is a big chance to be injured.
16:26. Communal enterprise 'Kyiv underground' announced that metro stations will work according to a fixed schedule. Earlier it was reported that central stations could be closed due to events in the centre of Kyiv.
In this regard, they remind people that in Ukraine it is forbidden to organize mass protests and participate in them with covered faces, as well as setting up tents and usage of sound-amplifying equipment. Thus, all the actions of the protesters are illegal, they say.
16:40. Participants of the working meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) honoured victims of clashes on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv with a minute of silence, twitted President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.
16:47. The European Union may discontinue official relations with Ukraine if it is confirmed that riot police used firearms against opposition protesters, stated Vice-President of the European Parliament Jacek Protasiewicz.
16:57. Desnyansky district court of Kyiv sentenced three of eight students of the National University of theatre, cinema and television of Karpenko-Kary, detained on January 20, to three months of jail for their participation in the unrest on Hrushevskoho Street.
17:08. A large force of law enforcement officers is gathering in the Ukrainian House on European Square.
17:10. The European Union is ready to verify accounts of the Ukrainian oligarchs in the EU banks before introducing sanctions against them, announced European Commissioner for Budget Janusz in Brussels.
17:11. Poland's Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador in Warsaw on Wednesday to voice its concern about a crackdown on anti-government protests in Kiev.
Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz, secretary of state at the ministry, told the ambassador that Poland felt 'deep concern' about new laws in Ukraine restricting protests, and said the flare-up of violence this week might be linked to the new restrictions, the statement said.
17:14. According to Euromaidan group in Facebook, opposition activists have started a fight with 'Berkut' soldiers near the Presidential Administration on Luteranskaya Street.
'The protesters began to fight with 'Berkut' on Luteranskaya Street near the Presidential Administration... 'Berkut' vehicles are already burning', says a post in the group.
The protesters are throwing Molotov cocktails at 'Berkut' fighters standing near the Presidential Administration.
17:15. People keep gathering on Independence Square in the centre of Kyiv. Currently there are about eight thousand Euromaidan activists there.
17:27. United opposition leaders Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Vitali Klitschko and Oleg Tyahnibok came out of the Presidential Administration after nearly three-hour talks with Viktor Yanukovich, but refused to comment on the meeting.
'We can tell you everything later. All comments will be announced on National veche', said Klitschko. Yatsenyuk said they would comment the situation on a briefing at the House of Trade Unions.
17:44. Traffic police closes entrances to Kyiv's centre.
17:46. Dniprovskiy district court of Kiev sentenced 'Spilnobachennya' journalist Vladimir Karagyaur for two months of jail. He was detained at the gas station for buying gasoline for generators set on Independence Square.
17:51. Lvov Mayor Andriy Sadovy announced a mourning for victims of clashes on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv.
18:00. Presidential press service doesn't comment the meeting of President Viktor Yanukovich with the United opposition leaders - Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Vitali Klitschko and Oleg Tyahnibok.
18:15. Five people were killed in clashes on Hrushevskoho Street over the past 24 hours, said coordinator of Euromaidan medical services Oleg Musiy.
He also added that four of them died of bullet wounds - to the head, heart, chest and neck. The fifth activist died either after fall from a big height or of a gunshot wound.
Only two deaths have been confirmed officially by now.
18:21. Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, chairman of the Committee on National Security and Defence Volodymyr Lytvyn called on lawmakers to immediately hold an unscheduled session of the Verkhovna Rada to discuss the current situation in Kyiv.
18:35. Minister of Justice Elena Lukash said that negotiations between the government and the opposition on resolving the political crisis will most probably continue on Thursday, January 23.
18:43. The opposition 'Svoboda' faction stated that 'Berkut' riot police smashed Euromaidan infirmary located on the ground floor of the building of the National Academy of Sciences on Hrushevskoho Street.
18:44. Russian Embassy in Ukraine doesn't recommend compatriots who are currently in Kyiv visit places of the massive clashes between radical protesters and police.
18:57. The opposition party 'Batkivshchyna' leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk said President Viktor Yanukovich offered to move negotiations on resolving the conflict for the next day.
According to Yatseniuk, Viktor Yanukovich offered to withdraw Prime Minister Nykolai Azarov from the summit in Davos so that he could take part in negotiations.
19:09. More than 50 thousand people have gathered on Kyiv's Independence Square as of 6:45 pm.
19:09. The opposition party 'Svoboda' leader Oleg Tyagnibok said that negotiations with President Viktor Yanukovich resulted in nothing.
19:31. According to 'Batkivshchyna' leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk, in the course of negotiations with Viktor Yanukovich the opposition announced a proposal to host a session of the Verkhovna Rada in the nearest future in order to cancel the laws adopted on January 16.
He also added that the opposition raised a question of the government's resignation. 'It was told they would think about it', stressed Yatsenyuk.
19:33. U.S. Department of State
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
January 22, 2014
The United States strongly condemns the increasing violence on the streets of Kyiv, which has led to casualties and the shooting deaths of two protesters. We urge all sides to immediately de-escalate the situation and refrain from violence. Increased tensions in Ukraine are a direct consequence of the Ukrainian government’s failure to engage in real dialogue and the passage of anti-democratic legislation on January 16. However, the aggressive actions of members of extreme-right group Pravy Sektor are not acceptable and are inflaming conditions on the streets and undermining the efforts of peaceful protestors. We likewise deplore violence by unofficial groups known as 'titushki'.
We also condemn the targeted attacks against journalists and peaceful protestors, including detentions. The Maidan movement has been defined by a spirit of non-violence that we strongly support.
We urge the Government of Ukraine to take steps that represent a better way forward for Ukraine, including repeal of the anti-democratic legislation and beginning a national dialogue with the political opposition. The United States has already revoked visas of several people responsible for violence, and will continue to consider additional steps in response to the use of violence by any actors.
19:54. A body found in the vicinity of the village Gnedin in Boryspil district of Kyiv region belongs to Euromaidan activist Yuri Verbitsky, who was kidnapped along with civic activist Igor Lutsenko early in the morning on January 21.
Almost in 15 hours after his abduction Igor Lutsenko found himself in a forest near Kyiv, where he was brought and thrown by his kidnappers. Later he was brought for medical examination in 'Boris' clinic.
His lawyer Eugenia Zakrevskaya told LB.ua that his internal organs had been damaged. He also had an eye injury, three of his teeth knocked out and multiple bruises on the body. He could hardly walk because his kidnappers had beaten him on legs and heels.
20:15. The opposition party 'Svoboda' leader Oleg Tyagnibok says that the government intends to introduce a state of emergency in the country and use army against Euromaidan protesters.
20:25. The opposition party 'Batkivshchyna' leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk gave the authorities 24 hours for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
'If not, tomorrow will go forward together, I won't live with the shame. If I catch a bullet in the forehead, so it will be', he said.
20:55. While the entire country is in shock and can't believe in two confirmed and five unconfirmed killings of activists on Hrushevskoho Street, 'Berkut' riot police soldiers are making photos on the background of police barricades and burned buses.
21:10. Hrushevskoho Street has been blocked by two rows of new barricades set by opposition protesters.
21:10. Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate Filaret refused of the first degree order 'For Merit' awarded by President Viktor Yanukovich because of the latest events in the capital. He also refused of the order of John the Divine, which was awarded to him in connection with the 85th anniversary of the Synod of Kyiv Patriarchate.
21:25. Doctors of Emergency Hospital in Kyiv have been made to inform police on male opposition protesters taken for treatment. Doctors are forced to report about injured among demonstrators at gunpoint, according to Euromadian activists post in Facebook, who refer to one of the doctors at the hospital.
21:35. Police made another attempt to disperse the protesters on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv.
After several attacks with the use of stun grenades police tried to push back protesters, but they grouped and began to resist.
21:36. Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski during a telephone conversation with President Viktor Yanukovich expressed his demand to stop bloodshed in the country.
21:48. Three tanks of the 1st Tank Brigade of a separate 8th Army Army Corps of Ukraine have been brought to Chernihov. The tanks were delivered to the freight railway station 'Chernihov North'.
It is reported that on January 23 three more tanks will be transported there.
According to head of the regional media center of the Ministry of Defense, Colonel Vadim Mysnyk, tomorrow all the tanks will be formed in a column and will move to the south of the country. They are to be sent to one of the military bases in Odessa region.
22:09. There is a house burning on Museum Lane in Kyiv, not far from the boundary between police and protesters on Hrushevskoho Street.
22:26. Video of the latest confrontation between oppsition protesters and 'Berkut' riot police fighters on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv.
22:40. Police has taken 21 opposition activists outside Kyiv and beat them. They were stripped, beaten and thrown into the snow, according to coordinators of a network of collective defense 'Svoi' ('Ours') on air of Hromadske TV.
According tothis information those activists are now contained in a paddy wagon in uknkown location.
22:56. While in Switzerland, Prime Minister Nykolai Azarov said in an interview to BBC that the Ukrainian government did not give the police any additional instructions on the use of force against opposition protesters.
23:16. About 5,000 opposition activists oppose law enforcers on Hrushevskoho Street near Dynamo Stadium.
23:30. Ultras of the FC 'Shakhtar' (Donetsk) said they'd start protecting Euromaidan supporters in Donetsk, according to a message to all members of their group in the social network 'Vkontakte'.
Later the message was deleted and instead a new one appeared. This time 'Shakhtar' ultras promised to avoid recruitment into the ranks of 'titushki' (sporty looking guys in black clothes who participate in AntiMaidan activities).
'He says he was grabbed by Kharkov's 'Berkut', on the report of Major Vasilenko. He was stripped naked, driven through riot police formation and beaten, forced to sing a hymn in the snow. And stuffed a knife into the anus and cut, wrote social and political activist Alexander Aronets in Facebook.
Tomorrow Mikhail Niskoguza will give a press conference.
'Now they are going through an incredible challenge: they are beaten, people throw stones and burning mixtures at them, and they stand and endure. There are few counties whose army would tolerate in a similar situation', he said.