Protest against coronavirus restrictions
Several hundred small-business owners have protested in the Ukrainian capital, demanding that the authorities ease restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The demonstrators gathered on April 29 near a government building in the center of Kyiv and briefly blocked traffic in defiance of rules against public gatherings. Wearing face masks, the protesters called for permission to reopen small enterprises such as shops, restaurants and cafes to save them from bankruptcy. “One more day of your protection and we will disappear,” one sign read. Ukraine has confirmed 9,866 coronavirus cases, including 250 deaths, according to official data. Authorities imposed lockdown restrictions in March, ordering all nonessential businesses to close and reserving public transport for employees of essential services, including police and hospital staff. The government plans to gradually lift the lockdown after May 11 if coronavirus cases don’t spike. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service)