The ongoing political crisis in Ukraine has erupted in violence once more, with at least seven protesters killed and dozens more injured in the clashes.
The situation had quietened down in recent weeks, but riots flared up again after protesters claimed that they were prevented from submitting their draft changes to the constitution to curb the powers of embattled president Viktor Yanukovych before a parliamentary vote.
As the tension escalated in Kiev, police used rubber bullets and stun grenades on stone-throwing protesters in an attempt to prevent them from marching on parliament. The clashes resulted in at least seven protesters killed and many more seriously injured according to reports.
In a statement, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton commented on the violence in Ukraine, said:
“I am deeply worried about the grave new escalation in Kiev and the reported victims. I
condemn all use of violence, including against public or party buildings.I urge the leadership of Ukraine to address the root causes of the crisis. Political decisions
should be made in parliament and Ukraine should urgently return to a parliamentary
process. Political leaders must now assume their shared responsibility to rebuild trust and
create the conditions for an effective solution to the political crisis.A solution should include the formation of a new inclusive government, progress on
constitutional reform and the preparation for transparent and democratic presidential
elections. The EU stands ready to assist Ukraine in this process.”
Meanwhile, Russia has blamed the surge in violence on EU and Western collusion with the protesters.
