Ukraine, when eastern protests developed into war

Several thousand angry demonstrators gathered on 6th April one year ago, outside the regional government building in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, Russian flags carried by many in the crowd, along with anti-Europe and anti-US signs.

The object of their anger was the newly-installed power in Kyiv, following the ouster of Viktor Yanukovich in February, 2014.

“We’re against that gang,” said one protester. “I want a customs union with Russia. Kyiv doesn’t listen to us, neither does Europe.”

The month before, Moscow had annexed Crimea, and tempers and passions were being stoked in all the Russian-speaking parts of Ukraine.

“I’m worried what might happen to our country tomorrow,” said another demonstrator. “I don’t support a separation but I don’t recognise the current government. The oligarchs are in power again.”

That same day, in Luhansk, near the border with Russia, the security service headquarters was attacked by a crowd, also chanting ‘Russia!’ They demanded that people bein