Ukraine-Armed Militias Declare War On Government | News | teleSUR English
Ukraine is witnessing a new standoff between the Ukrainian government and the far-right Right Sector militias, which had been armed and trained by Kyiv to fight rebels in the east of the country.
The conflict was sparked after Right Sector gunmen fought against private security guards and policemen on Saturday night. The Ukrainian army moved swiftly to reportedly block Right Sector’s bases around the country.
Video shows Right Sector shooting at police car in west Ukraine with AKs heavy machine gun mounted on pickup truck https://t.co/Tt80ZWsZdU
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) julio 12, 2015
On Sunday, Right Sector forces trying to enter their base in the city of Mukachevo – west of the country – exchanged fire and grenades with soldiers and police, leaving at least two dead.
According to local news media outlets, regional police and National Guard forces are concentrated in Mukachevo, with helicopters surrounding the area. Right Sector commanders have allegedly ordered their gunmen to shoot at police and soldiers if needed, Sputnik International reported.
Though the army has denied it would negotiate with the militias, sources on the ground claim both sides are trying to reach an agreement for the gunmen to surrender.
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Meanwhile, Right Sector spokesman Artyom Skoropadskyi threatened the government, saying armed battalions may be sent to the capital.
“If necessary, we can send the reserve battalions anywhere we want. We can send all reserve battalions to the Presidential Administration and the Internal Affairs Ministry,” he said.
#RightSector set up checkpoints outside Kyiv http://t.co/cfVNfO4lKY pic.twitter.com/J7nXE2TO76
— Ruptly (@Ruptly) julio 12, 2015
The Right Sector – which has its own far-right party – has called upon its supporters to launch protests against the government across the country. According to the organization’s Facebook page, rallies are being held in 17 cities across Ukraine.
The far-right organization had been armed and trained by the Ukrainian government to originally fight the rebels in the east of the country. However, as tensions between the group and the government emerged, Ukraine witnessed violent clashes between the milita and authorities.
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