The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) was at the very least informed about preparations for the 2014 massacre in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa that took place in the aftermath of the Ukrainian revolution, and at most was behind the tragedy, Vasil Prozorov, a former SBU officer, said on Monday
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 25th March, 2019) The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) was at the very least informed about preparations for the 2014 massacre in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa that took place in the aftermath of the Ukrainian revolution, and at most was behind the tragedy, Vasil Prozorov, a former SBU officer, said on Monday.On May 2, 2014, following clashes between anti-government protesters, and pro-Kiev nationalists and supporters of the new Ukrainian government, the group of nationalists locked protesters in Odessa's House of Trade Unions before setting the building on fire. Almost 50 people died and around 250 others were injured in the clashes and the fire.
"Far-right nationalists and nationalist organizations were the driving force behind the crime in Odessa. Any special service in the world has a large number of sources in such organizations. If the SBU allowed mass human casualties in Odessa, the staff of the department of protection of national interests and statehood at the SBU at least were aware of [preparations for the massacre in Odessa] ... and at most organized it themselves," Prozorov said at a press conference in Moscow.
The investigation launched into the crimes committed in Odessa has resulted in only one conviction so far.
In January, Human Rights Watch slammed Ukrainian authorities for failing to ensure justice for the victims of the Odessa massacre, despite five years already passing since the tragedy.
