STORY:
In front of the Chinese embassy in Kyiv some Ukrainians are saying the situation in Tibet now makes them think of the oppression of Ukrainians under Soviet rule during the 1930s.

[Natalia, Participant]:
“The population of Tibet is less that the population in Kiev. And it is unlikely they could stand against the army of the regime. And when the state sent the tanks in front of the civilians we have to say how cruel and bad it is, regardless of where it happened: in Lithuania, Ukraine or Tibet.”

Ukraine gained independence from Russia in 1991, but many of the Soviet elite remained in power until the mass protests of the 2004 Orange Revolution. And the sentiments of those days were also echoed in one Ukrainian’s comments.

[Volodymyr Shevchenko, Alpine Instructor]:
“I think that nation has the right for self-determination. And one cannot forcefully suppress it.”

Oleg Tkachenko is one of the organizers of the protest. But he says the protest is not connected to any organization.

[Oleg Tkachenko, Organizer]:
“I do not represent any organization, this is the initiative of active people, who are concerned about Tibet…We want to protest and we want the Government of Ukraine to ask the Chinese regime to stop the repressions which are happening in Tibet now.”

He added that the activity was also coordinated by his wife.

Other human rights groups, including Falun Gong, also participated in the protest.

NTDTV, Kyiv, Ukraine.