Pro-Russian Activists Defy Ukrainian Withdrawal Deadline

Instead of withdrawing, tons of protestors rushed inside Ukrainian police headquarters and accosted officials. Hundreds of demonstrators supported them from outside. A Russian flag was posted on the building, along with megaphones blaring Pro-Russian chants.

Horlivka police were pushed out of their own headquarters. The 2 a.m. withdrawal deadline mandated by Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov, was not obeyed in any form. This deadline follows past comparable timelines, that were not respected by Russian protestors. Fires were lit, windows were smashed, and police officers were beaten up and hospitalized. Horlivka is the 10th municipality in eastern Ukraine, that has been recently overridden with violence in its governmental buildings.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Danylo Lubkivsky told reporters that the government still believes a political solution will prevail, when questioned on the nation's stance of not evicting protestors after the stated deadline. The Foreign Minister claimed that Ukraine wants to defend its territorial integrity and not experience bloodshed. The West and Kiev's frail government blame Russia for weakening the region, prior to a planned overtaking.