The United States condemns the use of force by Ukrainian police in breaking up a rally of supporters of Ukraine's integration with Europe in the center of Kyiv and calls on the Ukrainian government to respect the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly principles.
“The United States condemns violence against protesters on the Independence Square early this morning. We urge the government of Ukraine to respect the rights of the civil society and the principles of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are fundamental to the democratic values that are the bedrock of our strategic partnership,” the embassy said in a statement on Saturday.
“We support the right of citizens to air their views through open and free mass media and through non-violent rallies,” it said.
The United States also calls on the Ukrainian government “to foster a positive atmosphere for the civil society and for the free exchange and expression of opinions among the citizens of Ukraine,” it said.
