Ukraine Names Interim President

[Yuan Shao]

Ukraine Names Interim President

Added by Robert Pannier on February 23, 2014.

A day after President Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev, Ukraine’s Parliament has named an interim president, selecting Speaker Okeksander Turchinov to fill the role. Yesterday, the Parliament had voted to depose Yanukovych, which led to him fleeing the capital city. Today, the Parliament reconvened and handed the reins of the government over to Turchinov.

The ousting of Yanukovych has hopefully ended a long period of unrest in the Ukraine, where protestors took to the streets over his decision to build closer ties to Russia, over that of the European Union. The Ukraine has a long history of being dominated by Russia (and the Soviet Union), and many felt that Yanukovych’s desire to build ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin was an attempt to return to those days. Almost immediately upon the decision of Yanukovych, many began protesting, demanding a reversal of the decision.

Protestors took over Independence Square in the heart of Kiev, the capital city of the Ukraine, and were holding daily rallies there. The government attempted to force protestors out by using tear gas, rubber bullets, and riot police, but protestors would not budge. There were several clashes between police and protestors, which culminated in at least 28 people being killed on Wednesday in the melee. Several riot police were taken captive as well. This led Yanukovych to bring in troops.

On Thursday, after declaring a cease-fire with the protestors, Yanukovych changed tactics and ordered snipers to fire into the crowds protesting. According to protestors, at least 70 were killed and hundreds injured, as many fled and others built make-shift bunkers during the assault. After great pressure from European leaders, including Putin, Yanukovych stopped the assault, and agreed to meet with protestors.

While a temporary peace was achieved, the actions of Yanukovych did not sit well with the Ukranian ruling Party of Regions. They were critical of Yanukovych for issuing the orders that led to the death and injuries of hundreds of protestors. In a statement issued by the Party of Regions, they “condemned the criminal orders,” that led to the assault by soldiers and officers. After he fled the country, they described his actions as “cowardice.”

On Saturday, as the Ukrainian Parliament stripped Yanukovych of his powers; he then fled the capital city. At this point, no one is sure of the whereabouts of the deposed leader. It appears that he attempted to leave by jet Saturday night from Donetsk, but his plane was denied permission to take-off. Russia has denied him permission to seek refuge in its country.

On Sunday, Turchinov was named as the interim President of the Ukraine, but there will be an election held soon to determine who will rule the country. Opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, who had been a former Premier in the country, has stated that she will be seeking the Presidency. She is considered one of the leading candidates.

Tymoshenko has been an opposition leader in the country since the Yanukovych’s election in 2010. She opposed his election as a return to the old Soviet-style of government, where citizens would be forced into labor. When Yanukovych took power, he attempted to silence Tymoshenko by bringing charges against her. She was found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison.

During her time in prison, the government has continually brought additional charges against her. After the deposing of Yanukovych, she was set free from prison. Now free, she intends to become the next Ukrainian President.

The Ukraine has named an interim President for now. It is unclear if this will completely stop the protests, but the hope is that a new day is dawning in the Ukraine.

Editorial by Robert Pannier