You are heroes, you are the best thing in Ukraine: Tymoshenko
February 23, 2014  10:46
Hours after being released from prison, former Ukrainian prime minister and opposition icon Yulia Tymoshenko praising the demonstrators killed in violence this week as heroes as she addressed a massive crowd at the protester encampment in Kiev.

The 53-year-old Tymoshenko, who suffered severe back problems during her two-and-a-half years in prison, spoke to the crowd from a wheelchair and appeared close to exhaustion.

But her flair for vivid words was undimmed.

"You are heroes, you are the best thing in Ukraine!" she said of those killed in the violence. The Health Ministry today said the death toll in clashes between protesters and police that included sniper attacks had reached 82. 

Today's appearance brought Tymoshenko back to the square where she attracted world attention in the 2004 Orange Revolution protests, a riveting figure then for her rhetoric, her elaborate blond peasant braid and her fashionable clothing.
« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES