Kiev’s ‘medieval’ protest turns ugly
The crisis in Kiev has turned even uglier. The revolution, as much as we can call it that, has bedded in for the long winter. Independence square looks like a medieval caravanserai.
The icy winter air is spiced with the pungent smell of a thousand campfires. Men and women sit in clusters around burning logs discussing the government’s latest move and the opposition’s latest strategy.
Orthodox priests on the frontline in Kiev pic.twitter.com/xGTVvCNfd5
— Matt Frei (@mattfrei) January 21, 2014
A small flotilla of samovars on wheels brew an endless supply of tea and doleful songs about Ukraine and its lost soul bounce off the walls. Priests offer blessings and prayers. It is so cold that their long beards are growing icicles.
In the absence of any weapons or the appetite for violence the protesters have developed a medieval arsenal.
Last night I saw a home-made catapult being wheeled to the frontline. It was hurling super-sized Molotov cocktails at the riot police with dubious accuracy. Some of the protesters are getting as violent as the police. The mood is sullen.
Mink versus might in #kievprotests pic.twitter.com/xWCEJTTVZJ
— Matt Frei (@mattfrei) January 21, 2014
There is real hatred in the air and the potential for tragedy is enormous while there is no obvious solution in sight.
President Viktor Yanukovych has dug in his heels and called the protester’s bluff by enacting new and draconian anti protest laws borrowed straight from Vladimir Putin – together with a Russian cash injection of 20bn much-needed euros.
The authorities are, however, still poised in the wings reluctant to crack down with all the overwhelming force they have at their disposal.
Perhaps Mr Putin has asked his understudy in Kiev to hold off until the Winter Olympics are wrapped up. Bloodshed on the streets of Kiev would surely spoil Russia’s prime time moment.
Perhaps President Yanukovich still believes he can win next year’s election. That surely also smacks of self-delusion. So the stalemate grinds on indefinitely.
The economy will suffer further despite Russia’s financial aid and cheaper gas prices and the Ukraine will test Europe’s resolve and diplomatic touch at a critical time. I’m not sure Brussles is up to the challenge.
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