Protests in Ukraine spread despite concessions

(Vatican Radio) Anti-government protests and fighting spread across Ukraine, despite pledges by the president to reshuffle his government. President Viktor Yanukovich told church leaders that radical trouble makers have taken over the protests by pro-European Union demonstrators, who have demanded his resignation.


In a meeting with church officials and other religious leaders, Yanukovich vowed to push through changes to his Cabinet, grant amnesty to dozens of jailed activists, and amend harsh anti-protest legislation.


Yet in a statement, his office said the Ukrainian leader also told representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and other groups that authorities will have to end the anti-government violence carried out by what he called "radicals".


Hours later, huge fireballs lit up the night sky in central Kiev, while clashes resumed near barricades.


Anti government protests have been held throughout the country, including in the town of where Chernivtsi, where the regional government building was seized by demonstrators after talks with the governor failed to produce results.

Though more than 100 people have been detained, thousands more are taking part in similar actions across half the country, especially in Western and central regions.


In some cases, officials have joined their rally. One police captain said he resigned because his colleagues tactics were too heavy-handed:



“Once Jesus was beaten, tortured, and given a cross to bear. Demonstrators here in peacetime are tortured, stripped in the snow," added the man, who only identified himself as Yaroslav, apparently fearing repercussions.


"I am ashamed to face colleagues who commit such unlawful acts against their own people,” he added.


So far at least three demonstrators are now known to have died.


But protesters have warned there may be all-out war in Ukraine if the president does not resign and the former Soviet nation does not moves towards the European Union. Listen to this report by Stefan Bos