Ukraine Politics

[Sorbonne]

Shall we go join the protest, or shall we say,"Enjoy Kiev when we can?"

[Muddy7]

http://www.youtube.com/results?filte...iev&lclk=today

[Leggio1]

Today, the day when the new anti-demonstration laws hastily pushed through last week into law, were set to come into effect, brought renewed violence.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25838962

It seems to be getting uglier. Make no mistake. This is part of the power play being orchestrated by Russia, to bring Ukraine back into its controlling orbit, rather than allow Ukraine to be drawn in further to the EU. Having gained freedom and independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, there are many, many citizens of Ukraine who are passionate about their freedom and from independence from Soviet domination. In this instance, Russia ponied up much needed millions, and Ukraine's current leaders facing powerful economic crisis, sold the nation's soul, since EU was not meeting their economic needs in the same way. Unfortunately, although it is generally held in the West that freedom is worth fighting for, and paying a price for, it was not a price Ukraine's current leadership was willing to pay.

But the story is far from over, because there are many in Ukraine that are committed to the struggle to retain what freedoms they have attained. And the noises emanating from Russia's politicians sound quite ominous. My fear is that the clashes we have seen localized on a few streets in Kiev, have the potential to bring on forceful government repression, and the struggle may widen, and engulf those who happen to be there at the time.

It's a wise time to be elsewhere.

I am pretty much decided that I should cancel the visit to Kiev that I had scheduled for next week. And I will wait and see how things play out in Kiev for a while, before rescheduling a visit.

Freedom? They never say this is what they fight for. More like they accept shit deck of cards for themselves but will not accept it for their kids.

[Sorbonne]

Kiev Is Burning: Protests In Ukraine Explode In Flames (PHOTOS)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_4645024.html

I think all these photos come from only one street in Kiev that runs along the park / Dnipro River.

[Sorbonne]

Kiev Is Burning: Protests In Ukraine Explode In Flames (PHOTOS)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_4645024.html

I think all these photos come from only one street in Kiev that runs along the park / Dnipro River.

[Muddy7]

Kiev Is Burning: Protests In Ukraine Explode In Flames (PHOTOS)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_4645024.html

[Misc123]

your personal safety.

1. be sure to walk after dark in groups of 3-4 people. frequent crowded places. the main threat may come from titushki (hired thugs).

2. make sure a few people always know your location.

3. after 9 pm, use a taxi. it is best not to go outside.

4. if there is a threat, immediately inform your contact group of the situation. to save time, you can make a template sos sms or put a phone number on speed dial. write down several phone numbers separately on a piece of paper or make note of them in case you lose your mobile.

5. always carry identification: your passport, your temporary or permanent residency card or at least a copy of your passport. remind your ukrainian friends who do not have residence in kyiv that it is advisable to carry any certificate or a certificate that binds them to kyiv. it may be even a business card, pass, any document which is evidence that they are in kyiv on a regular basis, and did not get to participate in public events.

6. if there is a curfew, do not violate it.

7. refrain from wearing ribbons, symbols, or things that identify you with the protests.

8. if telephones or the internet is disconnected, do not panic, remember that people behaved before the digital age.

if all else fails, watch some old or videos read a book or stay in your hotel or apartment

remember: police have almost unlimited rights.

stay safe.

ciao.

misc

[LilJoey]

I would say the fear factor is about a 9 here. Feels like something bad is going to happen. You shouldn't be in Kiev unless you have necessary business.

Today, the day when the new anti-demonstration laws hastily pushed through last week into law, were set to come into effect, brought renewed violence.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25838962

It seems to be getting uglier. Make no mistake. This is part of the power play being orchestrated by Russia, to bring Ukraine back into its controlling orbit, rather than allow Ukraine to be drawn in further to the EU. Having gained freedom and independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, there are many, many citizens of Ukraine who are passionate about their freedom and from independence from Soviet domination. In this instance, Russia ponied up much needed millions, and Ukraine's current leaders facing powerful economic crisis, sold the nation's soul, since EU was not meeting their economic needs in the same way. Unfortunately, although it is generally held in the West that freedom is worth fighting for, and paying a price for, it was not a price Ukraine's current leadership was willing to pay.

But the story is far from over, because there are many in Ukraine that are committed to the struggle to retain what freedoms they have attained. And the noises emanating from Russia's politicians sound quite ominous. My fear is that the clashes we have seen localized on a few streets in Kiev, have the potential to bring on forceful government repression, and the struggle may widen, and engulf those who happen to be there at the time.

It's a wise time to be elsewhere.

I am pretty much decided that I should cancel the visit to Kiev that I had scheduled for next week. And I will wait and see how things play out in Kiev for a while, before rescheduling a visit.

[Leggio1]

The unrest and confrontation between demonstrators and police have significantly intensified, in the wake of new repressive anti-demonstration laws pushed through and signed into law last week:

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25798320

I would say the fear factor is about a 9 here. Feels like something bad is going to happen. You shouldn't be in Kiev unless you have necessary business.

[LilJoey]

The unrest and confrontation between demonstrators and police have significantly intensified, in the wake of new repressive anti-demonstration laws pushed through and signed into law last week:

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25798320