Ukraine: Yanukovich believes some are using protests for their own political ends.
- 10 years ago
Day six of protests in Kiev, but are the demonstrators pursing their own political goals? Ukraine government’s U-turn on signing a deal to form closer ties with Europe continues two wrankle with many.
Thousands marched to the capital’s Cabinet of Ministers building the seat of government power where President Viktor Yanukovich and his government meet.
He will not sign the agreement for the moment and believes some of the protesters are using the demonstrations for their own political ends.
“I applaud those who came out into the streets in support of European integration but there are also those who turned up to solve their political problems, who had flags and slogans which they will use for the 2015 presidential elections. I could see that very clearly,” he said.
Despite the numbers who are on the streets daily, data from the latest independent poll suggests support for closer ties with the EU is not overwhelming.
Just over 40 percent want integration with the EU, 33 percent want a deal with Russia while 25 percent of those asked in the poll are undecided.
Among the protesters were students from the capital’s universities part of a one-day national strike. They have threatened to stay out indefinitely until they say the government changes its mind.
Thousands marched to the capital’s Cabinet of Ministers building the seat of government power where President Viktor Yanukovich and his government meet.
He will not sign the agreement for the moment and believes some of the protesters are using the demonstrations for their own political ends.
“I applaud those who came out into the streets in support of European integration but there are also those who turned up to solve their political problems, who had flags and slogans which they will use for the 2015 presidential elections. I could see that very clearly,” he said.
Despite the numbers who are on the streets daily, data from the latest independent poll suggests support for closer ties with the EU is not overwhelming.
Just over 40 percent want integration with the EU, 33 percent want a deal with Russia while 25 percent of those asked in the poll are undecided.
Among the protesters were students from the capital’s universities part of a one-day national strike. They have threatened to stay out indefinitely until they say the government changes its mind.