EU and US condemn Ukraine crackdown

(Vatican Radio) The European Union and the United States have condemned the use of police violence against unarmed anti-government protesters in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. These clashes have complicated mediating attempts by EU and US officials between the Ukrainian government and opposition.

On Wednesday afternoon, men clean up chairs and barricades while police in riot gear pull back, after their failed attempt to break up massive demonstrations in Kiev's Independence Square. Thousands of Ukrainians continue to protest here against the government, which they claim has taken away their European future by refusing to sign an EU Association Agreement.

Earlier on Wednesday, several people were injured when police surrounded their protest camp. During those clashes, an Orthodox priest sang prayers, while another protester undressed to his waist in the freezing temperatures, going down on his knees and shouting "Stop this... We are one people!" The massive resistance proved too much for riot police, who also raided the party headquarters of jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The confrontation has overshadowed visits by US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who have both condemned the police crackdown.

Ashton noted that the clashes occurred shortly after her meeting with Ukraine's President, said European Commission spokesperson Olivier Bailly. "She is extremely disappointed, after having witnessed the use of force against protesters against protesters yesterday evening, especially after the discussion she had with president Yanukovich", he told reporters. "She really considers that authorities don't need to act under the cover of night to engage with society by using force”, Bailly added.

Despite threats of more violence, opposition leaders say their protests will continue till President Yanukovych fires the government and appoints a new one committed to signing an association agreement with the EU.

Listen to Stefan Bos’ report: