Ukraine: Violent clashes during Odessa protests November 18

Event

At least 20 Ukrainian police officers were wounded in violent clashes with protesters in central Odessa (Odessa oblast) on Saturday, November 18. The demonstrations, attended by roughly 200 protesters, reportedly took place in the Odessa City Garden and along Deribasovskaya Street, and protested the planned cutting of over 100 trees to facilitate the commercial development of the Summer Theater area of the garden. Additional protests and consequent traffic disruptions are possible in the area in the coming days.

Context

On November 14, environmentalist activists led a similar demonstration at the gate of the Odessa City Garden; Ukrainian police and the Ukrainian National Guard blocked the gate and prevented the protesters from entering the garden.

Advice

Individuals in Odessa are advised to anticipate transportation disruptions surrounding any demonstrations, to avoid large public gatherings due to the risk of violence, and to monitor developments to the situation.

More generally, due to ongoing fighting between government forces and pro-Russian rebels in the east of the country, many Western governments advise against travel to Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (Donbass region), as well as areas along the Russian border.