At least 15 people died in the violent clashes in Kiev. President Viktor Yanukovych addressed the people, saying the opposition exceeded any limit when they called the people to arms and this is a flagrant violation of the law. He said the wrongdoings must be punished, IPN reports.
The Ukrainian head of state said the victims cannot be revived, but the conflict can be resolved by negotiations. “We must sit at the negotiating table and save Ukraine because the future generations will not forgive us if we destroy the state,” said Viktor Yanukovich.
According to the Ukrainian Health Ministry, more than 200 persons were injured in the clashes. Over 100 people were hospitalized. Last evening, the police started to drive away the protesters from the Independence Square.
The clashes came as MPs were due to debate changes to the Constitution. The proposals would curb the powers of President Viktor Yanukovych, but the opposition say they were blocked from submitting their draft, meaning the debate could not go ahead.
The demands included the formation of a new government led by one of the leaders of the opposition, as well as sweeping reforms that would put Ukraine back on a path toward integration with the E.U.
