Ukraine's 'hotheads'

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/22/ukraine-hotheads

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Angus Roxburgh (Comment, 22 July) describes the "rebels" in eastern Ukraine as "drunken, gun-toting hotheads". Some facts are in order. Ukraine's democratically elected President Yanukovich was overthrown in a western-backed and largely fascist-led coup. In response the people of Donetsk and Luhansk, who had supported Yanukovich, held referendums for independence on 11 May. With turnouts of 75% in both Donetsk and Luhansk they voted for independence from Ukraine with 89% and 96% respectively of the vote. The response was an intensification of the military assault from Kiev.

In a subsequent presidential election from which millions abstained Petro Poroshenko won with a turnout of less than 45%. Since that time Donetsk and Luhansk have been pounded by the military, with more than 500 deaths, 1,400 injured and 165,000 refugees. Those who have resisted this onslaught are called "terrorists" by the Kiev regime, and "drunken hotheads" by Angus Roxburgh.Neil HarveyCardiff