02 Oct 2019 | 08:53 PM UTC
Ukraine: Protesters denounce agreement signed with separatists October 1
Protesters gathered in Kyiv on October 1 to denounce agreement signed with Russian-backed separatists; additional protests possible over the near term
Event
Hundreds of people reportedly gathered at Kyiv's Independence Square on the evening (local time) of Tuesday, October 1, to denounce an agreement signed with Russian-backed separatists. The agreement will pave the way for local elections to be held in separatist-controlled regions in eastern Ukraine. No timetable has been proposed for elections as of Wednesday, October 2. President Zelensky stated that elections would only be held when Ukraine regains control of all of its borders with Russia.
Additional protests are possible in Ukraine over the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near all protests. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Clashes between Ukrainian state forces and the separatists have been taking place on a regular basis despite a number of ceasefire agreements made since 2014. According to the UN, more than 13,000 people have died since the eastern Ukraine conflict erupted in April 2014, soon after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The fighting has displaced more than 1.6 million people. The rebels remain in control of a large swath of territory in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, which are mainly Russian-speaking regions.
Advice
Individuals in Kyiv are advised to monitor the situation for potential gatherings and protests, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence in the event of any demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
