U.S. condemns violence in Ukraine, considers sanctions
- 10 years ago
Riot police in the Ukrainian capitol Kiev moved in on protesters overnight.
It was the most forceful attempt by authorities to reclaim the streets after weeks of mass unrest.
In response, the U.S. State department is considering sanctions against Ukraine and the White House condemned the show of force.
(SOUNDBITE) - WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN, JOSH EARNEST, SAYING:
"The United States was appalled last night by what happened in Kiev. The Ukrainian government's response to peaceful protests over the last two weeks has been completely unacceptable."
Protesters in this former Soviet republic are angry over President Viktor Yanukovich's decision to spurn a trade deal with the European Union, under pressure from Russia.
Yanukovich addressed the nation on Wednesday, calling on the opposition to work towards political compromise.
(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VIKTOR YANUKOVICH, SAYING:
"I'm calling on representatives of all political fo
It was the most forceful attempt by authorities to reclaim the streets after weeks of mass unrest.
In response, the U.S. State department is considering sanctions against Ukraine and the White House condemned the show of force.
(SOUNDBITE) - WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN, JOSH EARNEST, SAYING:
"The United States was appalled last night by what happened in Kiev. The Ukrainian government's response to peaceful protests over the last two weeks has been completely unacceptable."
Protesters in this former Soviet republic are angry over President Viktor Yanukovich's decision to spurn a trade deal with the European Union, under pressure from Russia.
Yanukovich addressed the nation on Wednesday, calling on the opposition to work towards political compromise.
(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VIKTOR YANUKOVICH, SAYING:
"I'm calling on representatives of all political fo