Ukraine ultimatum to pro-Russian protest groups
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UKRAINIAN authorities yesterday warned that they are prepared to use force to clear several government buildings seized by pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.
Protesters continued to occupy the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service in the eastern city of Luhansk, with hundreds of supporters camped outside and shouting “Putin! Putin!” in support of the Russian president.
The Luhansk security services building was among government offices seized by pro-Moscow groups Sunday in an escalation of protests against the interim government in power since the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych in February.
Serhiy Tyhipko, a lawmaker associated with the previous Ukraine government, urged the authorities not to storm the building in Luhansk but to negotiate a peaceful solution. Tyhipko said the protesters were demanding to turn Ukraine into a federal state with broad regional autonomy, not to secede.
“The people are not bringing up the issue of breaking off from Ukraine and are not calling for the help of foreign countries,” Tyhipko said on his Facebook page.
Turning Ukraine into a federation is Russia’s key demand and the new government in Kiev has refused to fulfill it, calling it a precursor to a break-up.
All the cities affected by the uprisings are in Ukraine’s industrial Russian-speaking heartland in the east.
Many residents are suspicious of the government that took power in February.
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said the standoff in Luhansk and the two neighboring Russian-leaning regions of Donetsk and Kharkiv must be resolved within two days.
“I want to repeat that there are two options: political settlement through negotiations and the use of force,” Avakov told reporters. “We are ready for both options.”
Avakov was speaking as anti-government protesters in Luhansk erected high barricades along a thoroughfare running in front of the security service premises.
Those occupying the building have issued a video statement warning that any attempt to storm the place would be met with force.
In the video, posted by Ukrainian media, a masked man warned the authorities against attempting to retake the security services building. “Welcome to hell, then!” he said.
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