In Kyiv, at Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square),
community groups organised a re-construction day. They cleared away sandbags
and debris, but new tires were placed to reinforce the main barricade. Maidan
groups have no intention of leaving the square anytime soon.
However, the Donetsk separatists announced today that they would not leave
administrative buildings until Maidan protesters are dispersed on Kyiv.
In other news, Ukraine's
foreign minister has said that operations against pro-Russian militants in the
east of the country have been suspended over Easter. Meanwhile Putin said he would award medals to
Russians who took part in the seizure of Crimea.
Finally, an excerpt from ‘Voices of the Revolution’ (Tolik from the city of Kamianets-Podilsky, 28 years old):
... my late
Grandma, who had made it through the second world war and had been a captive,
told me: “my dear child, nothing good will ever come out of this state without
bloodshed, but what counts most – have no fear and survive.” After the first
dispersal [of Maidan], I thought that was the edge of Berkut’s ability. Back
then, my legs were faster than my thoughts. They knocked my teeth out.
... [11 December,
targeting students in Instytutska Street] the Berkut had a metal bar, a
pole hook, three meters long, with that big a hook, they just threw it into the
crowd and pulled people out by it and captured them.
...
And at Mariinskiy Park [on February 18, 2014] the conscript soldiers running
there, were shooting even at women and beating them with batons. People were
running with kids and baby carriages.
... And
there was a guy who came to Anti-Maidan. He was paid 500 hryvnias per day
there. He couldn’t refuse to go there or else he would have been thrown out of
his work. So he was standing there [at Anti-Maidan] and was coming here [to
Maidan] to have meals, and gave the money he received to Maidan protesters.
... I
recall a man, who was at Ukrainian House with me. He joked, “my heart aches, if
I were to die, if my heart stops – bury me as a hero” and we laughed. And he
was shot straight through his armored vest with a Dragunov sniper rifle right
into his heart.
... I believe I
must be here and go wherever I have to, because when I have kids, they are
gonna ask me: “dad, where were you at that time?,” and what am I supposed to
say to that “I was at home watching TV?”
May God punish those who can help, but don’t, is what I think.
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