International Renaissance Foundation statement regarding the tragic events in Ukraine

The International Renaissance Foundation is deeply concerned by recent events in Ukraine.

What happened was a terrible tragedy: for the first time in an independent Ukraine, protesters were killed, hundreds of people were wounded, and dozens tortured. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives.

The Foundation urges all sides to urgently find path towards real compromise, as difficult as this may be. Society demands genuine dialogue between representatives of the government, opposition, and civil society based on the categorical recognition of democratic values, and human rights, and fundamental freedoms.

The outcome of this dialogue must be public agreements that can prevent the further escalation of conflict. These agreements must be recognized and implemented by all sides.

Yevhen Bystrytsky,
IRF Executive Director