Ukraine: Commemorative events will take place in Kyiv and other urban centers Feb. 19-21

Event

Official commemorative events will take place in urban centers in Ukraine over the coming days to honor the "Heavenly Hundred Heroes," who were slain during the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. A number of likely well-attended events are scheduled in Kyiv Feb. 19-21; authorities will implement numerous road closures and deploy additional security forces to facilitate the events. President Volodymyr Zelensky will deliver a speech in Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) at 1850 Feb. 19. Commemorative events will later be held on Khreschatyk Street, Heroyiv Nebesnoyi Sotni Alley, Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Street, and Instytutska Street; traffic will likely be restricted on these roads until late on Feb. 21. Additional commemorative events are scheduled in Independence Square at 1300 and 1500 Feb. 20. The final event in Kyiv will take the form of a commemorative procession through the city center Feb. 21. Although specific details of the procession are unclear, precedent suggests it will take place in the morning and center on the aforementioned streets.

Commemorative events will likely take place in urban centers throughout Ukraine. Details of potentially disruptive events are listed below:

Lviv: Commemorative events will be held in Rynok Square throughout the day Feb. 19. A separate commemorative event will be held at the Monument of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes on Maksyma Kryvonosa Street at 1800 Feb. 20.

Odesa: A wreath-laying ceremony will take place near the regional administration building on Shevchenko Avenue at 1000 Feb. 20.

Smaller commemorations, as well as protests and demonstrations, are possible in these and other Ukrainian cities. Given COVID-19 restrictions, gatherings will likely be smaller than in previous years. Nonetheless, authorities will almost certainly introduce security measures, including movement restrictions, around any such events; spot searches of vehicles and individuals are possible in the vicinity of any public gatherings. Localized disruptions are likely around any demonstrations; clashes between rival activists cannot be ruled out. In the event of unrest, security forces could respond with water cannon, tear gas, or rubber bullets. Any violence would pose an incidental risk to bystanders.

Advice

Allow extra time for travel near event venues due to possible street closures and detours. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by police. Avoid any demonstrations and concentrations of security forces. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of a confrontation.