“Poroshenko explained the events in Mukachevo by criminal rivalry over the illicit smuggling trade, but the sides in this conflict are the Right Sector paramilitaries on the one hand and the local police on the other, both of whom answer directly to the president,” Azarov wrote on his Facebook page, adding that the Right Sector and police are both engaged in criminal activities.
“Therefore, the so-called revolution in Kiev was made by criminals, who acted exactly like their brethren later did in Mukachevo,” Azarov noted.
“Armed gangs are ruling supreme now in what some people call this European integration… No one feels safe in Ukraine these days,” wrote Mykola Azarov, who served as Prime Minister under former President Viktor Yanukovych.
When police arrived at the scene, heavy arms, including grenade-launchers and machine guns were used in the ensuing shoot-out, local media reported.
The Ukrainian Right Sector political and military group of radical nationalist organizations has been involved in numerous clashes with police and officials since January 2014.
The ultranationalist party, which is officially banned in Russia, has also taken part in fighting rebels in eastern Ukraine. The extremists have rejected the Minsk ceasefire agreement, calling on President Petro Poroshenko to renew the military offensive in the eastern part of the country.
