By Kurtis Doering

Ukrainian in Saskatoon says Kiev protests “birth of nation”

Jan 25, 2014 | 7:55 AM

Like many Ukrainians, Iryna Matsiuk was in Independence Square when the Orange Revolution began in 2004.

The 32-year-old immigrated to Saskatoon in 2011, but was recently back in her home country to visit her sister in Kiev during the holidays. Though anti-government protesters were occupying the square during that time, she says the level of violence was nowhere near where it is now.

“Six months ago, if someone told me that what's happening right now could happen, I wouldn't believe them probably” Matsiuk said.

A few days after Matsiuk landed back in Canada, the Ukrainian government pushed through controversial legislation that effectively banned large demonstrations in the country.

The Ukrainian people responded by staging a massive protest. At least two people have been shot and killed in the ongoing street battle with riot police.

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“This is something that, unfortunately due to these tragic events, brought all parts of Ukraine together, whether people are Ukrainian-speaking or Russian-speaking. It's really the birth of a nation” Matsiuk said.

“It's not about politics any more. It's about people's rights and freedoms.”

That point, she said, separates this current violence from the Orange Revolution a decade ago.

At time of writing, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has started frantic meetings with opposition leaders in an attempt to diffuse the violence. But Matsiuk doesn't think any peaceful negotiations are possible.

“Whatever happens, unfortunately, I think the violence will continue” she said.

kdoering@rawlco.com

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