13 Mar 2020 | 10:07 AM UTC
Ukraine: Commemorative march planned in Kiev March 14
National Corps party plans to march in Kiev on March 14; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
Members of the National Corps political party have scheduled a march in Kiev on Saturday, March 14. The event coincides with the Ukrainian Volunteer Fighter Day, honoring volunteer fighters at the beginning of the war in eastern Ukraine. Participants plan to gather at 18:00 (local time) at the CSKZSU stadium and then head towards the Russian Embassy. Additional related events are possible in other urban centers across Ukraine. As of Friday, March 13, it remains unclear if the march will go ahead as authorities have banned mass gatherings of more than 200 people from March 12 to April 3 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
If the march goes ahead as planned, a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected along the route.
Context
Ukrainian Volunteer Fighter Day was introduced by the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) in early 2017 to honor the first waves of combatants who fought against pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Advice
Individuals in Ukraine, notably in Kiev are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public, and anticipate localized traffic disruptions.
