Snipers at Maidan: The untold story of a massacre in Ukraine - Newsnight

Summary

The script recounts the tense meeting between Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's president, Penko, amidst ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. It delves into the aftermath of the Maidan massacre, which led to Ukraine's government overthrow and Russia's annexation of Crimea. The investigation reveals new insights into the event, suggesting that not all violence originated from government forces, but also from within the protest movement itself. The report raises questions about the true nature of the conflict and the role of external forces, leaving viewers to ponder over the complexities of the situation.

Takeaways

• 🤝 A brief handshake between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's president occurred amidst ongoing conflict.
• 🔥 The fighting in eastern Ukraine continues despite peace talks, with the US considering arming government forces and Russia already arming separatists.
• ❄️ The conflict has escalated to a point where it's being compared to the brink of a new Cold War.
• 🗣️ The heart of the conflict is rooted in the events of February 20th, when a massacre of protesters in Kiev's Independence Square led to the overthrow of Ukraine's government.
• 👮‍♂️ Over 50 people were killed in the massacre, with most being protesters shot by riot police.
• 🏢 The investigation suggests that not all the shooting was from the security forces, with some coming from the protesters' side, specifically from the Conservatory building.
• 🔍 There is confusion and controversy over the exact events that transpired, with some suggesting a plot to create chaos and others accusing external forces of orchestrating the violence.
• 🚨 The official investigation has been hindered, with some claiming it's being blocked by the courts, leading to the flourishing of conspiracy theories.
• 🤔 The identity and motives of the snipers remain unclear, with some suggesting they were targeting both the police and the protesters.
• 🇺🇦 Despite the violence, Maidan was primarily composed of peaceful, unarmed citizens demanding change from their government.

Q & A

What was the significance of the handshake between Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's president?

The handshake was brief and frosty, symbolizing the tension between the two leaders during a time of conflict. It occurred amidst ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine and negotiations for peace in Minsk.

What was the United States' stance on arming forces in Ukraine?

The United States was threatening to arm government forces in Ukraine, which was a point of contention as Russia was already arming separatists, escalating the conflict.

What event on February 20th is considered a pivotal moment in the Ukraine conflict?

The massacre