Changes

On February 16, 2014 members of parliament passed a bill toughening penalties for participation in mass [[riot]]s. After that, the Headquarters of the National Resistance (the coordination center of Euromaidan) announced a "peaceful offensive" on the parliament building. On February 17, the PS put its metropolitan and regional units on alert.

On February 16, 2014 members of parliament passed a bill toughening penalties for participation in mass [[riot]]s. After that, the Headquarters of the National Resistance (the coordination center of Euromaidan) announced a "peaceful offensive" on the parliament building. On February 17, the PS put its metropolitan and regional units on alert.

The participants of the picket led by people's deputies Oleg Lyashko, [[Andriy Parubiy]], Oleh Tyahnybok, Andriy Illienko planned to demand an urgent decision on the settlement of the conflict in the country.  On the morning of February 18, several thousand activists headed from the Maidan to the parliament building, the Verkhovna Rada.  But 100 meters from the parliament building, the path was blocked by trucks placed there by the police. In an effort to break through to the Verkhovna Rada, extremists of the Pravy Sector and "Maidan Self-Defense" began to throw stones and Molotov cocktails at the security forces. Cars caught fire. Police used [[tear gas]] and stun grenades to suppress the rioters. The peaceful action for stabilization in the country turned into massive bloody clashes.

The participants of the picket led by people's deputies Oleg Lyashko, [[Andriy Parubiy]], Oleh Tyahnybok, Andriy Illienko planned to demand an urgent decision on the settlement of the conflict in the country.  On the morning of February 18, several thousand activists headed from the Maidan to the parliament building, the Verkhovna Rada.  But 100 meters from the parliament building, the path was blocked by trucks placed there by the police. In an effort to break through to the Verkhovna Rada, extremists of the Pravy Sector and "[[Maidan Self-Defense]]" began to throw stones and Molotov cocktails at the security forces. Cars caught fire. Police used [[tear gas]] and stun grenades to suppress the rioters. The peaceful action for stabilization in the country turned into massive bloody clashes.

Over the next day, 25 people were killed. More than 350 citizens were injured, more than 250 were hospitalized. Riots in the center of Kiev continued in the following days. In connection with the tragic events, February 20 was declared a day of mourning. However, on this day, the clashes intensified. Dozens of people were killed by Pravy Sektor snipers atop the Music Conservatory and Hotel Ukraina buildings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKMoq61IN02VsItd-uIZKtJKrPxA4z1Q8 Maidan Massacre in Ukraine], Ivan Katchanovski. YouTube.</ref> According to official data of the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, from February 18 to February 21 2014, 77 people were killed.

Over the next day, 25 people were killed. More than 350 citizens were injured, more than 250 were hospitalized. Riots in the center of Kiev continued in the following days. In connection with the tragic events, February 20 was declared a day of mourning. However, on this day, the clashes intensified. Dozens of people were killed by Pravy Sektor snipers atop the Music Conservatory and Hotel Ukraina buildings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKMoq61IN02VsItd-uIZKtJKrPxA4z1Q8 Maidan Massacre in Ukraine], Ivan Katchanovski. YouTube.</ref> According to official data of the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, from February 18 to February 21 2014, 77 people were killed.