From February 18 in Ukraine commemorating the Heavenly Hundred killed during the events on Maidan in February 2014. From that day began the active phase of confrontation between activists and security forces during the revolution of dignity.

For three days in February 2014, Ukraine has lost more than a hundred patriots. They were called the Heavenly Hundred. Chronicle of events was recreated correspondents ТСН.

18 February

In the morning the Euro Maidan goes to the Verkhovna Rada - MPs are preparing to amend the Constitution and limit the powers of President Yanukovych. 10-thousand column of "Berkut" stop at the intersection shelkovichny and Institute. Immediately breaks out several trucks into the air flies paving, a melee begins. Not too openly, a firearm is used and the Berkut, and protesters.

At the same moment the fight begins and in Mariinsky Park. About 12 on the street Lipskaya illuminates the Central office of the Party of regions. The city government completely stops the operation of the metro, allegedly due to terrorist threats. Meanwhile militiamen bypass picketers yards, trying to cut them off from Independence square. People were running down the Institute. The first victims to this day still have a few minutes.

Started to panic, thousands of people could not physically pass through the narrow gate top barricades. Was an awful crush. Running out from behind the Berkut, they have opened people to throw grenades. The youngest tried to climb over the barricade, older people - went to subway and asked his employees let them inside and save them, but the door no one opened. Subsequently near this station will find the bodies of two activists of euromaidan is already elderly woman, and man.

Self Defense fighters hand over the top barricade on Instytutska and retreat to the Independence square. Law enforcement authorities seized a few dozen Molotov cocktails hurled at the Independence square. Break out the tent with fire wood and warm clothes. Soldiers of internal troops captured a barricade on European square. Protesters pushed to a new frontier - strengthening opposite the house of trade Unions.

But the most difficult situation still at the Institute - the road to independence is open. Activists pull together here all that falls under his hands. In the end, a few dozen self-Defense fighters block the road of "Berkut" for its wooden boards. They don't know yet - the fighters of a special squad "alpha" has already issued a Kalashnikov rifle.

Unreactivity lit hundreds of tires - the fire stops the promotion of "Berkut". Everywhere going to the square as a peaceful protest, and armed people in the center of Kiev ride shotgun, sawn-off shotguns, pistols. From the side of European square barricade Adviser troops are trying to break the powerful trucks and armored personnel carriers. One of them under the joyful shouts of the fighters of "Right sector" breaks out like a candle. Firearms firing from both sides. Working water cannons, one of which subsequently lights. Security forces stormed the House of trade Unions. It lights up. On the ninth floor locked people.

19 February

On the morning of the next day on the Maidan oppressive silence. The assault, which lasted for 13 hours, was a failure. Hospitals and morgues are overflowing: 26 killed, hundreds injured, among them 21 journalists. The video appears as "aunts" in the morning on beat, and then shoot at the journalist of the newspaper "Vesti" Vyacheslav Viremia. Just as in the middle of the street, killing passers-by.

The people of Kiev are picked up from hospitals legkomotornyh home, so they wouldn't be intercepted by police cars. Metro not working, Kiev is in continuous traffic jams. In the refectory hall of the Mikhailovsky Cathedral - the infirmary. Here taken and slain. Among them the charred corpses from the House of trade Unions.

The front line runs along Khreschatyk street in the area and slotted in the Independence square near the stele. The warring parties to rest, regroup, prepare for new clashes. Meanwhile, mass protests rise in the regions. In the regional centers of protesters seized the state administration, police Department and SBU. The then Minister of internal Affairs allows law enforcement agencies to use against protesters firearms. Yanukovych demands to enter the military in Kiev - Dnepropetrovsk paratroopers.

20 February

The picture that shocked the world: the bullets were knocked down, crushing bone, blood profusely poured pavement of the street Institutskaya. Euromaidan protesters tried in vain to hide behind wooden shields. It was a real massacre. The dead are in the hotel "Ukraine" and "Cossack", R and R just on the pavement.

Here Yanukovych refuses the most devoted unit "Berkut" - the Crimean, the men intend to go home. Scared the government decides to keep the Euromaidan is not with a few thousand fighters of the Internal troops and militia, and several dozen snipers with firearms. Shoot from the roof of the hotel "Ukraine", Cabinet of Ministers, the house on Church street. Doctors barely have time to rescue the wounded, while they themselves are in the affected area.

The revolution changed Ukraine. People have changed and have changed the Independence square. Previously Kiev not too loved him, considered him a pompous and pop place where visitors usually walk. But now it seems even these walls have absorbed the slogans about equality, fraternity and justice. And paving of the Maidan has absorbed the blood of the soldiers of the Heavenly hundreds.

The correspondent TSN Alexander Zagorodniy

Video chronicle of the fighting on February 18-20

Eternal memory. Eternal glory to the fallen in the struggle for freedom and human dignity.

They died, strong in spirit and conscience, and their death - our commitment to their memory, to their families who have lost loved ones for our future.

Glory To Ukraine

МБФ "СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ" / ICF "GLORY TO UKRAINE" / FIB "GLOIRE À L'UKRAINE"