Day of mourning in Ukraine as truce is agreed
- 10 years ago
An uneasy truce was agreed by Ukraine’s warring politicians on Wednesday night but on the front line between protesters and police the atmosphere remained tense.
President Viktor Yanukovych announced it as a precusor to more talks with opposition leaders ahead of a day of mourning for the 26 people killed in the recent fighting.
Protesters remained sceptical:
“They are just playing. But for the people it is not a game, it is a matter of life. We are fighting for justice. And all these political games are not normal for us,” said Artem.
“I don’t believe in the ceasefire. They attack as they attacked before. And we will defend until the end. If we should fall, then we fall,” added Vasyl.
“I am for peace of course,” said volunteer Kateryna. “But I want the conflict to be resolved and revolution to bring us what we want. The government must make compromises because they provoked all this. A ceasefire is a ceasefire but I personally want to see the opposition agree something with the president.”
Sporadic fighting and face to face confrontations continued throughout the night but on a far smaller scale than before.
For some the truce was just an opportunity to prepare for another round.
Reporting for euronews from the Maidan barricades,
Sergio Cantone said:
“The word ceasefire sounds somehow ironic during this night in Maidan. Nevertheless there is a chance to be seized by both sides, which has been presented by circumstances and international pressure being brought to bear on President Yanukovych and everyone concerned.”
President Viktor Yanukovych announced it as a precusor to more talks with opposition leaders ahead of a day of mourning for the 26 people killed in the recent fighting.
Protesters remained sceptical:
“They are just playing. But for the people it is not a game, it is a matter of life. We are fighting for justice. And all these political games are not normal for us,” said Artem.
“I don’t believe in the ceasefire. They attack as they attacked before. And we will defend until the end. If we should fall, then we fall,” added Vasyl.
“I am for peace of course,” said volunteer Kateryna. “But I want the conflict to be resolved and revolution to bring us what we want. The government must make compromises because they provoked all this. A ceasefire is a ceasefire but I personally want to see the opposition agree something with the president.”
Sporadic fighting and face to face confrontations continued throughout the night but on a far smaller scale than before.
For some the truce was just an opportunity to prepare for another round.
Reporting for euronews from the Maidan barricades,
Sergio Cantone said:
“The word ceasefire sounds somehow ironic during this night in Maidan. Nevertheless there is a chance to be seized by both sides, which has been presented by circumstances and international pressure being brought to bear on President Yanukovych and everyone concerned.”