After months of protests, Ukraine saw its bloodiest day since Soviet rule on Tuesday. The health ministry said 25 people were killed in Kiev, including nine police officers and a journalist, and more than 240 people were hospitalized. Reuters reports that police gained ground overnight and are now occupying about a third of Kiev’s Independence Square. Early on Wednesday, President Viktor Yanukovych issued a statement accusing opposition leaders of resorting to “pogroms, arson and murder to try to seize power.” He also issued a veiled threat to protesters, saying, “Speaking frankly, I have advisers who are trying to turn me towards harsh options, to the use of force. But I have always considered the use of force a mistake.”
Nevertheless, protesters were returning to the square this morning, and said they’re prepared to keep fighting. “They can come in their thousands but we will not give in,” said a 44-year-old protester named Volodymyr. “We simply don’t have anywhere to go. We will stay until victory and will hold the Maidan until the end.”
