'We want to be free from a dictatorship. We want to be free from politicians who work only for themselves. Who are ready to shoot, to beat, to injure people, just for saving their money, just for saving their houses, just for saving their power.'
This is the heartfelt message from an as-yet-still unnamed Ukrainian woman, speaking on behalf of the anti-government protestors occupying Independence Square - where civil war basically kicked off last night as police stormed the camp in what's being called an 'apocalyptic night'. Here is the video she features in, begging people to take notice of what's going on in Ukraine:
So WTF has been going on? Citizens have been protesting against their government since November of last year, after it was decided that Ukraine would retain its ties to Russia instead of joining the European Union. While the east of the country is very industrial and might need Russian support to function, people in the west of the country - including its capital, Kiev - are keen to be part of the EU.
In January, to stop any more protesting, particularly in the capital, President Victor Yanukovych signed an anti-protest bill, but the demonstrations only escalated. Allegations emerged that citizens had been killed and tortured by government forces. After days of fighting, the anti-protest laws were repealed.
Last night the situation escalataed. Protestors occupying Independence Square were told by authorities that they had until 6pm to vacate the square. According to The BBC, when they didn't, police announced, through loudspeakers, that an 'anti-terror operation' was about to take place. They then drove through barricades and fired stun grenades and water cannon. Protestors responded by throwing fireworks and petrol bombs. Stacks of tyres were burned in a bid to block off the police.
At least 25 people have been killed in the clashes, reports* The Washington Post*, but the President Victor Yanukovych is only willing to negotiate once the protestors go home. 'Negotiations will only take place when the violent methods stop, when the opposition gets its armed people off the street and when calm comes back to the country.' his spokeswoman, Hanna Herman, told Radio Liberty's Ukrainian service.
Opposition leaders are now attempting to create paramilitary forces to fight against the government, while commentators are saying that civil war in Ukraine is imminent.
Picture: Corbis, Getty
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.