Ukraine: Far-right group to protest in Kyiv March 16 /update 2

Event

The National Corps, a far-right organization, is planning to hold a protest in Kyiv on Saturday, March 16. Supporters will gather at Independence Square starting at 12:00 (local time). The group is calling for the arrest of National Security and Defense Council deputy Oleg Gladkovsky and other defense sector executives, including Igor Gladkovsky, for their role in a defense-sector scandal. Previous protests held on March 9 resulted in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected in the area.

Context

Over 1000 National Corps activists participated in the March 9 protest. The group also staged a related demonstration in Kozin on March 3 at the estate of Igor Gladovsky, throwing rocks at the residence and set fires at the entrances of the property. Allies of President Petro Poroshenko were recently implicated in an organized corruption scheme to smuggle military equipment from Russia in 2015 at inflated prices. Poroshenko relieved Gladkovsky of his duties on the National Security and Defense Council on February 25 in response to the allegations. Former prime minister and current member of parliament Yulia Tymoshenko, who is challenging the presidency, introduced impeachment proceedings against Poroshenko on February 26.

Advice

Individuals in Kyiv are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.