International efforts are made in order to put an end to political crisis in Ukraine. The EU High Representative Catherine Ashton expressed deep concern over the situation and intends to travel to Kyiv next week to promote talks.
As High Representative Ashton said in a statement: "I met with the representatives of Ukrainian opposition today in Munich, on the margins of Munich Security Conference. We had an in-depth discussion about the situation in Ukraine. I am deeply alarmed by the violence and cases of intimidation and torture. I am particularly appalled by the cruel treatment and torture of Dmytro Bulatov and reports that there are attempts to arrest him from his hospital bed. This is completely unacceptable and must stop immediately. The situation in Ukraine is deeply worrying and I will be returning to Kyiv next week, on behalf of the European Union."
Also, in an interview to the Wall Street Journal, Ashton said that the EU and the US are working together to develop a plan to help Ukraine overcome the crisis. In particular, they intend to provide significant financial help to improve the country’s economy.
Dmytro Bulatov
Ukrainian activist Dmytro Bulatov who leads demonstrations in Ukraine was beaten, tortured and had part of his ear cut off after being abducted by several men. As he said in an interview with the Journal, his interrogators tortured him to make his reveal more about his activist group and whether the US paid and instructed him to lead demonstrations against the government.
President’s sick leave
Despite unrest and political instability, Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych announced last week that he was taking indefinite sick leave, sparking rumours that he was preparing for a big move, possibly either cracking down or stepping down.