kiev violence 2014-02-19

One Georgian is among the 26 who have died in violent clashes in Kiev the last few days. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–One Georgian citizen died in Kiev on February 18 during clashes between activists and Interior Ministry troops.

Zurab Khurtsia, 54, was one of 26 people who have died since the violence reignited two days ago.

Besik Shamugia, head of the association Iberieli, told Interpressnews that Khurtsia wandered into the Kiev protest camp by chance. He had diabetes and died after suffering a heart attack.

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili expressed his deepest concern over the situation in Ukraine.

“I want to offer my sympathy to the families of the victims, including Georgian citizen Zurab Khurtsia’s family. I think the situation in Kiev is alarming. I want to call on my Ukrainian counterpart to use all efforts to stop the violence and to start a dialogue with the opposition. I share the position of European leaders. The situation should be de-escalated,” Margvelashvili said.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili and Parliament Speaker Davit Usuphashvili share President Margvelashvili’s concern.

“The Parliament of Georgia adopted two resolutions with regard to the Ukrainian developments. We cannot do anything else, but I think the international community will find the strength to solve the confrontation,” Usupashvili said.

According to Ukraine’s Health Ministry, 263 activists and 388 police officers are being treated for injuries, mainly gunshot wounds. 26 people have been killed so far, 10 of them police officers.

Five of the dead policemen were killed by sniper fire in the head or neck, Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said.

Reuters reported that anti-government rebels were seen carrying guns.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has declared February 20 a day of mourning.