Kyiv city police chief Valeriy Koryak says he regrets the violent police actions on Maidan Nezalezhnosti early on Nov. 30, but says they were caused by provocations of protesters. He also said he will resign if the Interior Ministry or the prosecutors decide he was responsible.
“I really regret that this case happened. We have crossed out everything positive,” he said at a briefing on Nov. 30.
He said his boss, Interior Minister Valeriy Zakharchenko, or prosecutors will take a decision about his resignation. “Not me personally will evaluate those actions,” he said.
He said violence on Maidan was “situation-based” and that the police had no plan to attack peaceful demonstrators. He also said that the police will not go to St. Michael’s Square where thousands of people have gathered to protest against the morning events and against President Viktor Yanukovych’s regime.
“There is no need to get police to St. Michael’s Square. I understand the deep offense of the people… We’re not planning any measures,” he said.
