The people of Ukraine have chosen Europe not Moscow

ALDE Leader Guy Verhofstadt, speaking during a live link to Maidan square in Kyiv with one of the leaders of the protesters Mykola Katerynchuk, President of the European Partyof Ukraine said " The Ukrainian people have chosen Europe and not Moscow and while Russia may have legitimate concerns about the trade agreements of its neighbours - sabotage and blackmail is not acceptable. The Russian interests end where the Ukrainian people's sovereignty over the choice of their own future begins."

He continued " We call on all parties for restraint. Violence against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable. We condemn yesterday’s break-in into the headquarters of the main opposition party of the Motherland’s party. This is not acceptable in a democratic society. President Yanukovich has lost the confidence of the Ukrainian people. It is time to draw conclusions and stop ignoring the will of the people."

Marielle de Sarnez, (Modem, France) recently returned from Kyiv added "Europe is considered in Ukraine as a lever to modernisation of both the economy and agriculture which will result in the growth they so desperately need but this modernisation also encompasses the freedom of the people. Today in Kyiv there are two flags - Ukrainian and European. "

She concluded with a note of warning " There is a big risk of radicalisation in Ukraine right now some even warn of a state of emergency. Europe must remain vigilant and ever present"

Mr Verhostadt also announced that the ALDE political family will ensure the rotating visits of our member parties in Kyiv to support the peaceful demonstrators and their demands.