You're reading: Ukraine’s interior minister blames opposition politicians for Kyiv riots

Ukrainian Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko has blamed the riots in Kyiv on opposition politicians.

According to a report posted on the Interior Ministry Web site, Zakharchenko reiterated that he has more than once pointed out to opposition politicians and foreign diplomats that protesters on the Independence Square have firearms.

“We talked about the radical tendencies and that they are ready to use weapons. I believe all responsibility for the events that have occurred should rest with these irresponsible politicians,” he said.

“I reiterate that the police have not used firearms,” Zakharchenko said.

Twenty-five people, including nine police officers, were killed in the riots in Kyiv in the past 24 hours.