Comment by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the tragic events in Donetsk

Tragic events took place in Donetsk on the 13 March, blood was spilt. Peaceful demonstrators, who came to the streets of the city to express their attitude towards the destructive position of the people calling themselves the Ukrainian authorities, were attacked by right-wing radical groups, who were armed with traumatic weapons and bats, and who earlier started to come to the town from other regions of the country. These confrontations resulted in many wounded, and one man died.

We have stated many times that the authorities, who have come to power in Kiev must disarm the militants, ensure the security of the population and the legal right of the people to hold meetings. Unfortunately, as events in Ukraine show, this is not so, the Kiev authorities have no control over the situation in the country.

Russia is aware of its responsibility for the lives of its compatriots and nationals in Ukraine and reserves the right to defend these people.

14 March 2014