The Heavenly Hundred

For those people that don't really care or know anything about what has been happening lately in Ukraine (or for those who have no idea where Ukraine is), there is something I want to tell you about. For the last three months, Ukrainians have been protesting agains out political regime, which started on November the 21st as a peaceful demonstration with public protests that demanded closer European integration. It was given the name of Euromaidan, because the main square of Kiev is called Maidan. Unfortunately due to many factors, our protests turned into a war against the government, corruption and abuse of power. I want to tell you about those people who gave their lives for our true independence.

On 30 November 2013, the protests were dispersed violently by the Berkut riot police units, sparking riots the following day in Kiev. On 1 December 2013, protesters reoccupied the square and through December further clashes with the authorities and political ultimatums by the opposition ensued. This culminated in a series of anti-protest laws by the government on 16 January 2014, and further rioting on Hrushevskoho Street. Early February 2014 saw a bombing of the Trade Unions Building, as well as the formation of "Self Defense" teams by protesters.

The majority of victims died on 18-19th of February 2014. This was not even a civil war, professional snipers employed by the government shot protesters in the head and heart from the rooftops, a lot of young men died, the youngest of them was only seventeen. Today Ukraine is mourning. Those who were killed by the dictators are now referred as the 'Heavenly Hundred'. Only 82 confirmed victims are known to us, but more than 200 people are still missing, and we are all afraid that there will be more than one Heavenly Hundred. 

I am thankful to all those brave men who stood up for our country, stood up for us and for Ukraine. I'm proud to live here, I'm proud that so many people around the world supported us, our struggle against the power. We all are happy and relieved that the ex-president Yanukovich is trying to run away, but he will be found and punished for everything he had done. Even though I'm not religious, I pray for Ukraine, pray for the Heavenly Hundred, so they would guard us, the young and the old when we step into a whole new era.

*Victory to the Heroes.

*The author of these photos is unknown, but I'm sure I will take my own this week.

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