Ukraine: Violence in front of parliament building leaves many casualties

(Baonghean.vn)- On August 31, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avako said that one police officer was killed and at least 90 police officers were injured in the riot that occurred in front of the parliament building in the capital Kiev, Ukraine.

Clashes broke out between protesters and Ukrainian police in front of the parliament building on August 31. AFP

On August 31, police and protesters clashed on the sidelines of a parliamentary vote on a bill granting greater autonomy to eastern Ukraine. The protest quickly turned violent when an explosion injured several members of Kiev’s security forces. At least 90 police officers were injured, and another police officer was killed by shrapnel from the explosion that hit his heart. After the explosion, police were forced to use tear gas and force to disperse the crowd.

Upon receiving the news, President Petro Poroshenko immediately criticized and promised to severely punish those responsible for the explosion. Mr. Poroshenko said the violence was an act against Ukrainians and accused the right-wing Svoboda party of being behind the scenes.

Western countries also expressed their concern about the recent violence in Kiev. Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, stated that the draft law granting autonomy to the eastern territories of Ukraine will not be threatened by violence. However, according to Ms. Federica, the incident in front of the parliament building on August 31 is really a big concern. Because whether the draft law is passed or not will have a significant impact on the implementation of the Minsk agreements - the ceasefire between the Kiev government and the separatists in eastern Ukraine, which is very fragile and is on the verge of collapse.

Chu Thanh

(according to Le Monde)