Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Thursday called for the leaders of the United States and Russia to prevent further escalation of a violent standoff between demonstrators and police in Ukraine's capital, Kiev.
"I ask you to find a way to take a resolute step in helping Ukraine return to a peaceful path of development," Gorbachev said in a letter to Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin published on his website, Gorby.ru.
"We must not allow Ukrainians to fight Ukrainians," he said.
At least three demonstrators have died during rallies that began on Sunday in protest of hastily passed legislation curtailing the freedom of assembly in Ukraine.
Police have been accused of using excessive force, while rioters have been seen throwing flaming Molotov cocktails at police lines.
Gorbachev wrote that "now is not the time to investigate" the allegations both sides are making because doing so would "only complicate the situation."
He said the conflict in Ukraine is particularly hard on Russians, noting that many families have relatives from both countries. Both his late wife and mother were Ukrainian.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
