13 Feb 2020 | 06:23 AM UTC
Ukraine: Commemorative rallies planned in Kyiv, Odessa, and Zaporizhzhia Feb. 15-16
National Corps party plans commemorative rallies in Kyiv, Odessa, and Zaporizhzhia on February 15-16; localized traffic disruptions anticipated around all events
Event
The National Corps political party is planning commemorative events in Kyiv, Odessa, and Zaporizhzhia on Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16, to mark the anniversary of the Azov Battalion’s offensive on Shyrokyne (Donetsk oblast). In Kyiv, a rally will be held at 17:00 (local time) on Saturday outside of the Cossack House. The event in Odessa will also take place on Saturday starting at 18:00 in Shevchenko Park. On Sunday, a memorial in Zaporizhzhia will be held at the Svyatoslav Monument in Ascension Park starting at 19:30.
Localized traffic disruptions are possible around all associated events.
Context
In February 2015, the volunteer Azov Battalion launched an offensive against Russian-backed separatists in Donetsk oblast focused on Shyrokyne. The National Corps is organizing the events to commemorate the 14 members of the Azov Battalion who were killed during the operations.
Advice
Individuals in the abovementioned cities are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public, and anticipate localized traffic disruptions.
