Ukraine: Protest in Kyiv December 26

Event

Opposition leader and former Odessa Governor and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has called for protests to take place in the capital city of Kyiv on Tuesday, December 26, during his court hearing. Protesters were expected to gather outside the District Administrative Court from 13:30 (local time). Saakashvili refused to attend the hearing, and as of 17:00 no major gatherings have been reported. However, additional spontaneous demonstrations may occur in the coming days, and clashes between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

Tensions are high in Kyiv amid an ongoing political crisis centered around Saakashvili. Police officials have accused Saakashvili of organizing protests funded by organized crime groups tied to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych; he has denied the charges. Police attempted to arrest Saakashvili on Tuesday, December 5, but he was freed following clashes between police and his supporters. He was arrested again on December 8, triggering additional protests and clashes between protesters and police. He was released on December 11. Clashes erupted between protesters and security forces on December 17,  in Kyiv, when protesters demonstrated to call for the impeachment of President Petro Poroshenko.

Saakashvili is an ardent opponent of corruption in Ukraine and is calling for sweeping political reforms. In October, Saakashvili led several days of protests outside parliament, calling for the creation of independent anti-corruption courts. At least four people were wounded in clashes between police and demonstrators.

Saakashvili was appointed governor of Odessa in 2015, but resigned in November 2016 over complaints of rampant corruption. Since then, Saakashvili has been an outspoken critic of Poroshenko's government. In July 2017, President Poroshenko revoked Saakashvili's Ukrainian citizenship, which he had gained as governor of Odessa, leaving Saakashvili stateless; he had previously forfeited his Georgian citizenship when he took Ukrainian citizenship. On September 10, Saakashvili forced his way across the Polish border into Ukraine to continue his anti-corruption campaign.

Advice

Individuals in Kyiv are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, obey any instructions issued by the local authorities, and anticipate increased travel times due to traffic congestion and increased security measures. Due to the underlying terrorist threat amid the ongoing high sociopolitical tensions, remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities or your security officer.