2014 Odesa clashes

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. 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. Stones, petrol bombs and gunfire were exchanged. An armed anti-Maidan participant shot dead pro-Maidan protester. One more pro-Ukraine activist and four pro-Russia activists were shot dead in the clashes. 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, and the pro-Ukraine protesters attempted to storm the building, which caught fire as the two groups threw petrol bombs at each other.

The clashes resulted in deaths of 48 people, 46 of whom were anti-Maidan/pro-Russian activists. 42 of the victims died in the Trade Unions House fire, and 200 were injured. The events were the bloodiest civil conflict in the region since the Odessa Bolshevik uprising of 1918. Although several alleged perpetrators were charged, there has yet to be a trial. There are allegations that some police colluded with pro-Russian activists in the initial street clashes. 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", and that authorities failed to thoroughly investigate the events.