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

Outlines

00:00

🤝 Tense Diplomacy Amidst Ongoing Conflict

This paragraph sets the scene for a tense diplomatic meeting between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's president, Penko, in Minsk. Despite the talks, the fighting in eastern Ukraine continues, with the United States threatening to arm government forces while Russia is already supporting the separatists. The situation is likened to the brink of a new Cold War. The narrative then shifts to a critical event on February 20th of the previous year, the massacre at Kiev's Independence Square (Maidan), which led to the overthrow of Ukraine's government. The paragraph introduces Gabriel Gate House, who was present during the Maidan massacre and returns to Kiev with new revelations about the events of that day. The report contains disturbing images and strong language, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

05:04

🔍 Unraveling the Maidan Massacre

Paragraph 2 delves into the complexities of the Maidan massacre, where over 50 people were killed, leading to the fall of Ukraine's pro-Moscow president and subsequent geopolitical tensions. It explores the claims that riot police were responsible for the deaths, but also introduces the possibility of other forces at play. The narrative focuses on Andre Shevchenko, an opposition politician who received a call from a police commander about gunfire from the Conservatory building, which was under the control of protesters. The paragraph introduces 'Serge,' a protester who admits to being a sniper on the second floor of the Conservatory, firing at the police to provoke a retreat. His account suggests a more complex scenario than the official narrative, with potential implications for understanding the true events of that day.

10:13

🏥 Chaos and Cover-up at Maidan

Paragraph 3 continues the investigation into the Maidan massacre, highlighting the chaotic aftermath and the search for the truth. It discusses the mysterious circumstances surrounding some of the deaths, including that of Vladimir Meluk, who was shot while unarmed and talking on the phone. The paragraph suggests that there were snipers from both sides, with intercepted communications indicating confusion among government forces. It raises questions about the official investigation, which has been criticized for focusing solely on the actions of riot police. The paragraph also touches on conspiracy theories suggesting that the shootings were a provocation by either Moscow or the CIA, though no credible evidence is provided. It emphasizes the challenges faced by those trying to uncover the truth, including obstruction by the courts.

15:13

🔫 The Reluctant Protester Turned Sniper

In the final paragraph, the focus is on 'Serge,' the protester who became a sniper, and his personal journey and motivations. It discusses how he was prepared for violence by a retired military officer who recognized his potential. The paragraph explores the psychological manipulation and the preparation for potential conflict. It also addresses the broader implications of Serge's actions, suggesting that he may have been a pawn in a larger, more complex geopolitical game. The paragraph concludes with Serge's own reflections on his role, expressing no pride in his actions and struggling with the emotional aftermath, including sleeplessness and anxiety.

Keywords

💡Frosty handshake

A 'frosty handshake' refers to a brief and cold interaction, often indicating a lack of warmth or friendliness between parties. In the context of the video, it describes the tense meeting between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's president, symbolizing the strained relationship between the two nations.

💡Minsk

Minsk is the capital of Belarus and is mentioned as the location where peace talks are taking place. It represents a significant geopolitical site where efforts are made to resolve conflicts, particularly those involving Ukraine and Russia.

💡Eastern Ukraine

Eastern Ukraine is a region that has been a focal point of conflict between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists. The fighting in this area is emblematic of the broader tensions and violence that have arisen from the political upheaval in Ukraine.

💡Arming

In the video, 'arming' refers to the provision of weapons to military or paramilitary forces. The United States is threatening to arm Ukrainian government forces, while Russia is accused of arming separatists. This term highlights the escalating nature of the conflict and the involvement of foreign powers.

💡New Cold War

The 'New Cold War' is a term used to describe the current period of geopolitical tension between Russia and the West, reminiscent of the Cold War era. The video suggests that the conflict in Ukraine has pushed the world to the brink of such a scenario, indicating a significant deterioration in international relations.

💡Maidan

Maidan refers to the Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, where the massacre of protesters took place on February 20th, leading to the overthrow of the government. The term is central to the video's narrative as it marks a pivotal event that triggered a series of consequences, including Russia's annexation of Crimea.

💡Pro-Moscow

A 'pro-Moscow' government or politician is one that aligns with or supports the interests of Moscow. The video mentions the overthrow of Ukraine's pro-Moscow president, which signifies a shift in political power and a move away from Russian influence.

💡Separatist movement

A 'separatist movement' is a political movement that seeks to separate a region from the state of which it is a part. In the video, the separatist movement in Eastern Ukraine is a direct consequence of the political turmoil following the Maidan massacre, reflecting the region's desire for autonomy or alignment with Russia.

💡Standoff

A 'standoff' is a situation of deadlock or inaction, often between opposing parties. The video describes the confrontation between Russia and the West as the most dangerous standoff since the end of the Cold War, emphasizing the high stakes and potential for conflict.

💡Investigation

An 'investigation' in the context of the video refers to the efforts to uncover the truth behind the events of February 20th on Maidan. The term is significant as it highlights the search for accountability and the complexities involved in understanding the root causes of the violence.

💡Conspiracy theories

Conspiracy theories are explanations that suggest secret plots or manipulations behind events. The video mentions such theories surrounding the Maidan massacre, with some suggesting a Moscow-orchestrated provocation and others pointing to a CIA-inspired coup. These theories reflect the lack of clarity and the contentious nature of the conflict's origins.

Highlights

A frosty handshake between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's President Porochenko during peace talks in Minsk.

Ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine despite peace negotiations, with the U.S. threatening to arm government forces and Russia already arming separatists.

The conflict is rooted in the February 20th massacre in Kyiv’s Independence Square (Maidan), which led to the overthrow of Ukraine's pro-Moscow government.

More than 50 people were killed during the Maidan protests, leading to the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the rise of separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.

The majority of victims on February 20th were protesters, but some were also police officers, complicating the narrative.

Reports suggest that shots were fired from a building controlled by protesters, raising questions about the origins of some of the gunfire.

One protester, referred to as 'Serge,' admits to firing at police from the conservatory building, where he was stationed on the second floor.

Serge explains that he was shooting at police from above, but claims he aimed at their feet, intending not to kill.

The Maidan leadership has always maintained that the security forces were responsible for the killings, but investigations suggest a more complex story.

A senior investigator claims that the Maidan massacre was a planned event, designed to cause maximum chaos and confusion.

The shooting at Maidan was not solely from government forces; evidence indicates that both sides may have been targeted by snipers.

The origin of some of the gunfire, including that which killed protesters and police officers, remains unclear.

Conspiracy theories flourish, with some Ukrainians believing the violence was orchestrated by Moscow to justify further intervention, while others blame the CIA.

Despite the complexity of the situation, Maidan was largely composed of peaceful protesters demanding an end to a corrupt government.

The psychological toll on those involved, including 'Serge,' has been significant, as he reflects on his actions with regret and nervousness.

Transcripts

there was a brief if Frosty handshake

today between the Russian leader

Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's president

penko even as they sat down to talk

peace in Minsk the fighting continued in

eastern Ukraine the United States is

threatening to arm government forces the

Russians already arming the separatists

this conflict has pushed the world to

the brink of a new Cold War but its

heart lies one event on the 20th of

February last year when a massacre of

protesters on kev's Independence Square

known as maidan led to the overthrow of

Ukraine's government Gabriel Gate House

who was there that day has been back to

Kiev and has New Revelations about what

really happened his report contains

distressing images and strong

language night has fallen maidan is

divided police control one side of the

square protesters the

other this has been going on for months

now but away from the burning barricades

in the dark corners of the protest Camp

some are preparing for a

fight I understood that this could be

the end of everything I knew that by

going in there I might never come back

[Music]

[Applause]

[Applause]

more than 50 people were killed that day

the massacre would bring down Ukraine's

pro- Moscow president prompting Russia

to Annex Crimea and sparking a

separatist movement in the East most of

the Dead were protesters gunned down by

Riot police who were retreating from the

square but not

all I kept getting calls from the police

officer who said I have three people

wounded five people wounded I have one

person dead and at some point he says

I'm pulling

[Music]

out the question of what really happened

that day goes to the heart of a

confrontation that has led to the most

dangerous standoff between Russia and

the West since the end of the Cold War

the protest leaders many of whom now

hold positions of power in the new

Ukraine have always maintained that full

responsibility for the shootings lies

with the security forces acting on

behalf of the previous government our

investigation suggest that is not the

full

picture only three people have been

arrested over the killings all of the

members of this police unit seen here

firing towards the protesters but that

was after 9:00 in the morning as the

police retreated from the square what

happened before that what prompted them

to pull

back earlier that morning Andre

shevchenko then an opposition politician

and part of the protest movement known

as maidan had received a call from the

police commander on the square

he calls me and he says Andre someone is

shooting at my guys and he said that uh

the shooting was from the conservatory

he said second floor it's fire it's

firearms and uh please do something

about that because it's getting really

bad amid the chaos Mr shevchenko

contacted the man in charge of security

at the protest Camp he remembers the

shots coming from somewhere different

[Music]

the location matters the hotel Ukraine

was that morning largely under the

control of govern government forces but

the conservatory building several

hundred meters away was firmly in the

hands of the

protesters just after 8:00 that morning

a news photographer had managed to get

into the building with his camera when I

come inside uh I was saw the guys uh one

come after me with just a hunter gun

hunting rifle height rifle and uh I I

saw the guy with a Kalashnikov and uh

after that uh I come outside and uh saw

the other guys who was also with guns

some of them lying on the floor some of

them hiding after uh behind the columns

on the second floor

and uh after that the guys were saw me I

said go out go out on the morning of the

20th there were persistent reports of

gunfire coming from the conservatory

building now for the first time one of

those gunmen has spoken on camera he was

part of the protest movement he said and

agreed to talk to us on condition that

we disguise his identity we will call

him

Serge it was the maidan security people

who gathered us and asked if it comes to

it who here can shoot and I said I can

shoot so they said okay if there's no

other way out then you will do this

work that was on the 19th earlier that

day s had been told to meet a man on the

edge of the protest Camp who appeared

carrying in a

box he had brought a 12 caliber shotgun

lots of ammunition and a SAA that's a

rifle that fires High Velocity rounds

similar to a standard

Kalashnikov I took that weapon off him

it had a sight attached I know how to

use this gun because I served in the

Army early in the morning of the 20th as

the first shots rang out SE was escorted

into the conservatory building and up

onto the second floor

balcony seay says that he took up a

position behind one of these pillars

here and he mentions being able to see

that clock over there on the far side of

the square on the bank and the edge of

the shopping center which was the part

of the square that was controlled by the

riot police so from here he had a bird's

eyee view right over the front line I

was shooting downwards at their feet of

course I could have hit them in the arm

or anywhere but I didn't shoot to

I also shot Upward at the police who

were on the top of the Globus shopping

center and that is why they

retreated the maidan commander told us

he sent his men to search the

conservatory building as soon as he got

the phone

call but s tells a different story he

says he and another gunman was shooting

for about 20 minutes when some men came

and dragged them

away I was just reloading they ran up to

me and one put his foot on top of me and

said they want a word with you

everything is okay but stop doing what

you're

doing Ser says he was driven to the

outskirts of the city and left to make

his own way home by that time three

policemen were dead and the massacre of

protesters had begun

by evening maidan has shifted from

battle mode into morning dazed and

exhausted the protesters are beginning

to absorb the scale of their loss some

have seen their comrades gunned down in

front of their eyes by Security Forces

but others were killed in more

mysterious circumstances and it isn't

over

yet as the sun set a group of men and

women are clearing up

everything seems calm and

suddenly a single shot rings out a Man

Lies fatally wounded on the

[Music]

ground the man's name was Vladimir meluk

he was unarmed talking to his mother on

the phone his wife was standing next to

him

earlier that morning we too had seen

someone firing out of the upper floors

of the hotel

Ukraine uh that that that

window yeah facing directly to us yeah

[ __ ] okay get the [ __ ] out of

here that is coming straight out of that

window one up there okay yeah our hotel

that window which one um okay 1 2 3 4

fifth row from the left second from the

top one was

open by this point the hotel lobby was

being used as a makeshift hospital it

was chaos no one controlled access

anyone could have got

in later that night Andre parab maidan

security men were roaming the upper

floors of the hotel knocking on doors

including our own looking for a

sniper there's no question that

government Security Forces did have

snipers positioned on t buildings

overlooking maidan and the surrounding

area but their intercepted radio

communications suggest confusion at the

very least or possibly that they were

not

[Applause]

alone it's unclear exactly where Mr

meluk was shot from but the official

investigation has focused on the shots

fired by the riot police roughly 7 hours

earlier

more than a dozen other deaths are

similarly unexplained and those who

tried to widen their inquiries have

found their efforts

thwarted I've spoken to a senior

investigator at the general prosecutor's

office here who's convinced that whoever

was firing from the hotel Ukraine was

targeting both sides he's Gathering

evidence that he says will prove that

the massacre on maidan on the 20th of

February was the culmination of a

carefully worked out plot the the aim of

which was to cause maximum chaos but he

says his investigations are constantly

being blocked by the

court in the absence of a thorough and

transparent investigation conspiracy

theories flourish many ukrainians

believe the shootings on the 20th were a

provocation planned and orchestrated by

mosow in order to justify the annexation

of crime

uh

Russians counter that maidan was a CIA

inspired coup neither side offers

credible evidence for its

[Music]

[Applause]

claims it is now clear that some of the

shooting was coming from the protesters

side but let there be no doubt maidan

was overwhelmingly made up of peaceful

unarmed citizens who braved months of

Sub-Zero temperatures to demand a change

to to their corrupt government from the

very first day of maidan we told our

people never ever use Force we knew that

U our strength was not to use force and

our weakness would be if we start uh

shooting the leaders of maidan say they

did their best to ensure that weapons

were kept away from the square but SE

suggests otherwise he says his gun was

part of a stash of weapons kept

overnight at the central post office a

building under the protester's

control sge who'd been demonstrating on

Maan for more than a month claims he was

recruited as a potential shooter back in

January he would not identify the

recruiter saying only that he was a

retired military

officer I went out for a smoke one night

there were other people smoking too we

got talking he saw something in me that

he liked officers are like psychologists

they can see who is capable please don't

shut the two stayed in touch when SE

wanted to join one of the more militant

groups on maidan the ex officer told him

to hold

off your time will come he said he kept

me under his wing I knew very well this

wasn't going to end with Globs and

Molotov cocktails I asked him whether he

got the feeling that the officer was

grooming him yes psychologically not

that we sat down and worked out a plan

but we talked about it privately and he

prepared me for

it there is much we still do not know we

don't know who fired the first shot that

day we don't know who was firing from

the hotel Ukraine as for the conspiracy

theories it's possible that s was

manipulated Played Like a Porn in a much

bigger game but that's not the way he

sees it he was a simple protester he

says who took up arms in

self-defense I didn't want to shoot

anyone or kill anyone but that was the

situation I tell you I don't feel like

some kind of hero they opposite I have

trouble sleeping bad premonitions I'm

trying to control myself but I just get

nervous all the time I have nothing to

be proud of it's easy to shoot leing

afterwards that's the hard thing but you

have to defend your

country Gabriel Gate House reporting

there from Ukraine