In early 2014, there were clashes between rival groups of protestors in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, during the pro-Russian unrest that followed the Ukrainian Revolution.[21][22] The street clashes were between pro-unity (and pro-European) protesters (as well as football fans) and anti-government (anti-Maidan), pro-Russian protesters. Violence erupted on 2 May, when about 2,000-strong 'United Ukraine' rally was attacked by about 300 pro-Russian separatists.[23] Stones, petrol bombs and gunfire were exchanged. An armed anti-Maidan participant shot dead pro-Maidan protester.[24] One more pro-Ukraine activist and four pro-Russia activists were shot dead in the clashes.[25][26][27][28] The pro-Ukraine protesters then moved to dismantle a pro-Russian protest camp in Kulykove Pole, causing some pro-Russian activists to barricade themselves in the nearby Trade Unions House. Shots were fired at pro-Maidan from the building,[24] and the pro-Ukraine protesters attempted to storm the building, which caught fire as the two groups threw petrol bombs at each other.[29][30][31]
The clashes resulted in deaths of 48 people, 46 of whom were anti-Maidan/pro-Russian activists.[32] 42 of the victims died in the Trade Unions House fire, and 200 were injured.[33] The events were the bloodiest civil conflict in the region since the Odessa Bolshevik uprising of 1918.[34] Although several alleged perpetrators were charged, there has yet to be a trial.[35] There are allegations that some police colluded with pro-Russian activists in the initial street clashes.[36] In 2015, the International Advisory Panel of the Council of Europe concluded that the investigation's independence was hampered by "evidence indicative of police complicity",[37] and that authorities failed to thoroughly investigate the events.[38]
^Stanislav Kozlyuk (4 May 2017). "Слідами "коменданта Куликового поля"" [In the footsteps of the "commandant of Kulikovo field"]. tyzhden.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 15 October 2022.
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