DefenseThe protests in Ukraine become violent again on Tuesday as five people have died in anti-government protests.
The Ukrainian Berkut, the feared security apparatus of the state, have given protesters until 18:00 [11:00 EST] to end the demonstrations or face "tough measures." In response, the Right Sector, a radical far-right group, has called on protestors to start arming themselves.
Activists have been camping out and protesting en masse in Independence Square, aka Maidan, since early December. The protests have become a struggle for the direction of the country and whether it stays within Moscow's orbit or moves toward integration with the EU.
Below is a video from Radio Free Europe, showing the pandemonium that took place today:
At this point, Kiev is on fire and another showden seems imminent.
The view towards parliament in Kiev this morning. pic.twitter.com/RMN8zlWF34
- Alan Cullison (@AlanCullison) February 18, 2014
Kiev, Ukraine right now. Only one hour left before announced crackdown. Situation getting worse. Via @euromaidan pic.twitter.com/xudLoVq1Yl
- PzFeed Top News (@PzFeed) February 18, 2014