Protests in Ukraine escalate

Three European foreign ministers are in Kiev for separate talks with opposition leaders and President Yanukovych’s government, in an effort to end the bloodshed. Later today European foreign minsters will discuss imposing sanctions on Ukraine’s leaders.

• Russia continues to use aggressive rhetoric about the crisis. Prime minister Dmitry Medvedev urged President Yanukovych not to be a “doormat”. Foreign minister Sergie Lavrov accused the EU of “blackmail” by threatening sanctions.
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  • Barack Obama has sharply criticised Russian support for the crackdown in Ukraine, calling for a transitional government in Kiev and personally accusing Vladimir Putin of failing to respect basic freedoms in both countries. In his most explicit comments yet on alleged Kremlin involvement, Obama said: “Our goal is to make sure that the people of Ukraine are able to make decisions for themselves about their future ... There are times, I hope, where Russia will recognise that over the long term they should be on board with those values and interests as well. Right now there are times where we have strong disagreements.”
  
  

Now only if the Russians cared bout what the Americans and Canadians thought :(

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So very sad and scary...the images are startling to say the least.

Of course, I haven't been posting the gruesome photos, but unfortunately looked at them -

Watching live now - in Independence Square they are holding a panachyda - a memorial service, thousands and thousands of people gathered. Sad, but beautiful singing of the service...

For the deceased,

Вічная Пам'ять!
Vichnaya Pam'yat!
Eternal Memory!

https://o.twimg.com/2/proxy.jpg?t=HB...RY9rHva4nSr2VE

I don't normally censor the news when the brood are around but I'm finding myself doing so now and I grew up with images of Vietnam and The Troubles in Ireland.

When the brood have asked me questions about what happening I've been telling them and they did see some of the earlier broadcasts but I thought that some of this was too much for them.

Support rally today in Prague

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...24265667_o.jpg

Death toll now at 75. That means at least 47 died Thursday.

http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources...=CBREA1J1PSG00

So so so sad i have tears running just dont understand. All in the name of what

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Hyde Park, London

Vienna

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Support in Warsaw for Ukraine - colours of Ukrainian

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bg8izPoIIAAt_BT.jpg

Ukrainian F-"banner" raised at Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina to show support for a free and democratic Ukraine.

http://regina.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs..._620/image.jpg

Ukrainian lawmakers clash during a Parliament session in Kiev on February 21, 2014. Ukraine's embattled President Viktor Yanukovych said Friday he was calling an early presidential poll as the country inched towards resolving its bloodiest crisis since independence. He also said he was starting the process of changing the constitution and forming a government of national unity.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bg_2GkNCMAEe2Kp.jpg

Here is the English-language translation of Yanukovych's statement: Yanukovych's statement today:

Dear fellow citizens!

In these tragic days when Ukraine suffered such heavy losses when people died on both sides of the fence consider it my duty to light the memory of the victims claim - there is nothing more important on a human life. And there is no such steps that we all would not have been done to restore peace in Ukraine.
I will announce steps to be done to restore calm and avoid these victims of conflict.
I declare that I initiate early presidential elections.
I also initiate a return to the Constitution of 2004 with the redistribution of powers aside parliamentary republic.
I call to the procedure of forming a government of national trust.
As the President of Ukraine and the Guarantor of the Constitution today I do my duty to the people, to Ukraine and the Lord God in the name of the State in the name of saving the lives of people in the name of peace and tranquility in our land.

-------------------------

Early reaction to Presidenti Viktor Yanukovych's deal is not good. Apparently, the foreign ministers from France, Germany and Poland left overnight talks with Yanukovych saying there was no deal.

Only opposition leader Arseniy Yatseniuk appears to be actively considering such a solution. Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko has consistently pushed for much earlier elections, while opposition leader Oleh Tiahynbook took to the Independencd Square stage and asked the crowd "Do we agree to this?" The thousands of people assembled overwhelmingly shouted "no" in response.

http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv...es-337287.html

Feb. 21, 2:08 p.m. -- Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy has announced three days of mourning for the more than 75 people killed in Kyiv since Feb. 18. The city appeals to all public institutions to limit recreational activities. At the same time the city is hanging f-l-a-gs with mourning ribbons. -- Iryna Yeroshko

Now at the square, estimated 50,000 people

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bg_1F8YIAAAay2Q.jpg

Police officers from Lviv have 'defected' to join the protesters at barricades in Kyiv

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bg_nV-2IUAEig1V.jpg

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bg_o5KBCAAArMmw.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Natalka

Early reaction to Presidenti Viktor Yanukovych's deal is not good. Apparently, the foreign ministers from France, Germany and Poland left overnight talks with Yanukovych saying there was no deal.

Only opposition leader Arseniy Yatseniuk appears to be actively considering such a solution. Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko has consistently pushed for much earlier elections, while opposition leader Oleh Tiahynbook took to the Independencd Square stage and asked the crowd "Do we agree to this?" The thousands of people assembled overwhelmingly shouted "no" in response.

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Its so sad that the group (France, Germany and Poland) has a say in what happens to the people of Ukraine
When it is only the Ukrainians that will suffer:(