About 5,000 people in the central Ukrainian region of Vinnitsa took to the streets to demand the resignation of the regional council. Protesters demanded an investigation into recent clashes, which residents called a provocation, reports GHN based on RT.
The protesters occupied Shevchenko Square and blocked near-by roads. The city of Vinnitsa, Vinnitsa Region, reports Ukrainian UNIAN news agency. The activists held banners, saying: "Gather for the sake of peace!" and "Street fighting in Vinnitsa is provocation by traitors."
The rally participants adopted a resolution, which they addressed to the Ukrainian authorities, including President Petro Poroshenko and PM Arseny Yatsenyuk, calling them to investigate the clashes that occurred in the city December 6-7. They issued the following statement:
"Due to the total incapability of the regional council to work and fulfill their duties towards voters, [we] demand the dissolution of the regional council of Vinnitsa."
The protests in Vinnitsa started last Saturday when about 400 activists demanded the dismissal of regional officials. The demonstrators stormed the building of the regional council and called for the resignation of Governor Anatoly Oleynik.
At least eight police officers were injured during the clashes with the protesters.