Statement by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Ukraine is attentive to the reaction of the international community concerning the recent dramatic developments in Kyiv. We call on all our international partners to be as objective as possible in assessing the internal developments in Ukraine, to determine their position solely on the basis of reliable and proven facts.

In recent weeks the leaders of Ukraine have confirmed by the significant practical actions its commitment to a peaceful solution to the political crisis in a constructive dialogue with the opposition. For this purpose, the most of the opposition requirements have been fulfilled: the President of Ukraine accepted the resignation of Prime Minister of Ukraine, entailing the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine; the laws of January 16, which separated the Ukrainian society, have been abolished; two amnesty for protesters have been realized, the last of which came into force on February 17, and finally, the government has confirmed the readiness of the opposition to begin practical work for the purpose of amending the Constitution of Ukraine .

Demonstrating  readiness for concessions , a compromise and dialogue, Ukrainian leadership has taken into account  the numerous calls for peaceful settlement of the crisis by the UN Secretary General and leaders of the European Union, Russia, the United States and other international partners of Ukraine .

However, on 18 February, the day when the Parliament of Ukraine should take the first decisions on the constitutional amendments, the leaders of the opposition called for radical protesters to strong-arm blockade of the Ukrainian parliament as well as to the fighting.

Thus, the opposition has assumed full responsibility for the unprecedented outbreak of violence and lawlessness. In Kyiv, Ternopil, Lviv, Ivano- Frankivsk , Rivne  and other Ukrainian cities radical forcers have started conducting armed attacks on public buildings , putting buildings, cars on fire and destructing property. That is for the first time when protesters have been using firearms as well as attacked law enforcement officers severely injuring them.

These actions have caused the further clashes and left victims among both protesters and law enforcement officers. Spilled blood of the sons and daughters of Ukraine forever remain unspeakable tragedy for the entire country. We express our deep condolences and words of support to the families and friends of those who have been killed in the confrontation.

It is important to do everything necessary to stop further violence and restore law and order. The President of Ukraine has clearly stated that he considers negotiations the most effective way of settling the conflict and restore social harmony.

At this crucial moment we also expect that our international partners will take the most responsible position in order to prevent steps which in one or another way can lead to further escalation of the internal conflict in Ukraine.

It is very important at the current stage that the international community will strongly condemn extremism as well as support of the political process aimed at ceasing hostility and resuming negotiations.