Ukraine signs peace deal to end violence
- President Viktor Yanukovich and Ukraine opposition leaders have signed a peace deal to end the violent standoff in Kiev, Ukraine.
- The violence started when protestors attacked police lines and set fires at the parliament building Tuesday. Dozens were killed.
Why Ukraine is erupting in violence right nowUkraine’s capital Kiev over the last 24 hours has experienced some of its worst violence since the former Soviet republic became an independent nation in 1991. At least 25 people have died and dozens more have been seriously injured in ongoing clashes between protesters who are seeking the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych and security forces loyal to his government.- Former Prime Minister of Belgium welcome’s the peace agreement.
- The peace deal is said to open the way for an early presidential election this year.
Ukraine Announces Deal to End Crisis; Shots FiredUkraine’s presidency said Friday that it has negotiated an international deal intended to end battles between police and protesters that have killed scores and injured hundreds. It was unclear whether the deal would appease protesters, and shots rang out Friday morning in central Kiev.- According to CNN, “A cheer went up from the crowd in Kiev’s Independence Square when the agreement was announced. Protesters waved Ukrainian flags under clear skies free of the choking smoke from burning barricades that has characterized recent days.”
Deal signed to end Ukraine crisisKiev, Ukraine (CNN) — Ukraine’s President and opposition leaders agreed Friday to a deal meant to end the country’s political crisis and end bloody fighting that has left parts of the city center a war zone. President Viktor Yanukovych, opposition leaders and representatives of the European Union signed the deal Friday afternoon after a night of difficult negotiations that stretched well into the day.- The Associated Press reported 77 people killed and 577 wounded:“A statement on the website of the Health Ministry said 77 people had been killed between Tuesday morning, when the violence began, and Friday morning. The statement said 577 people had been wounded and 369 hospitalized. There was no way to immediately verify any of the death tolls.”
