Protests in Ukraine escalate

[Natalka]

[Anna Michele]

This is horrifying, I thought we were making headway its so sad to see lives lost due to the mere greed of power over others

[Natalka]

All metro stations in the city have been shut down, as well as any roads into the maidan area.

Riot police have totally surrounded the square.

Euromaidan leaders are evaculating children and women from the square. This is not good...
Prayers being said from the main stage....

[Natalka]

State security forces gave protesters until 6 p.m. to end public disturbances or face "tough measures". It was not clear if this also meant ending the mass protest on Independence Square, known locally as the Maidan, where opposition activists have been camped since early December.

http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv...ed-336993.html

Now seven are reported dead
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26236860

[Natalka]

And the armoured vehicles are on their way

[Natalka]

People staying in the square

[Natalka]

Approaching midnight, Kyiv is burning.... no end to the violence.
Thirteen reportedly killed.

[Natalka]

From CDN govn't John Baird

"I am shocked and appalled by renewed violence and deaths today in Kyiv.

Canada calls on all sides to show restraint and to cease all acts of violence immediately. No act of violence or repression today will go unnoticed by the Government of Canada, and we will work with our allies in the international community to ensure that those responsible will be held to account."

We call on the Ukrainian government to work with the opposition and demonstrators to respond to their legitimate calls for a true democracy.

[Natalka]

Pray For Ukraine!

[Natalka]

Special prayer for Ukraine, done by a dance group from Toronto - so touching

Господи, помилуй нас - Hospodi pomilui nas - Lord have mercy on us

[Natalka]

Just found the translation of lyrics for the above -

Even at the last defensive line
Our ray of faith has not gone out,
God save Ukraine,
Lord, have mercy on us.


Show us Your grace
By the truth everywhere and forever
God save Ukraine,
Lord, have mercy on us.


Have mercy, Lord
Have mercy, Lord
Lord have mercy on us.
Bullets and knives are in our chests,
We were crucified and destroyed more than once,
God save Ukraine,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Help us to rise from the knees
And bless in good time
God save Ukraine,
Lord, have mercy on us.


Our souls are missing in rust
But the ray of faith has not gone out,
God save Ukraine,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Sinful children - are not alien children,
Our Father, hear their open-hearted voice,
God save Ukraine,
Lord, have mercy on us.

[Natalka]

Ukrainian protesters take shelter in Canada’s Kiev embassy

particularly bloody day of police clashes, with about a dozen anti-government protesters entering the reception area and seeking shelter at the mission.The surge of violence in Kiev, which reportedly saw both police and demonstrators dead and injured, prompted swift rebuke from Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who addressed the situation Tuesday while in Mexico City for bilateral talks.


“We’re obviously very troubled by reports of renewed violence and deaths,” Mr. Harper said. “Canada continues to call on the government of Ukraine to work with the opposition and achieve a peaceful solution.”
The Prime Minister said all Canadian embassy personnel were safe and accounted for, and said he hopes the “peaceful” protesters can leave the mission as soon as possible. “I do want to be clear that we expect these individuals to be able to leave the embassy safely and free from intimidation, violence or harassment,” he said.

Adam Hodge, a spokesman for Mr. Baird, said the protesters entered the embassy’s reception area to escape the government’s violence, but he wouldn’t discuss security specifics at the Kiev mission. Echoing Mr. Harper, he said the protesters “are peaceful and have not caused any damage to the premises or harmed staff.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...ticle16940164/

[Natalka]

Makeshift hospital in a church

[Natalka]

4 a.m. there - at least 22 reported dead

[Natalka]

Riot police throwing firebombs; people sing national anthem - I just don't know what to say...