Stars voice support for Ukraine protesters

Celebrities such as actor Kerry Washington and musician Serge Pizzorno have expressed their support via social media for demonstrators in Ukraine.

Ukrainian  protest in solidarity with protesters in Kiev

Celebrities have expressed their support via social media for demonstrators in Ukraine. (AAP)

Kasabian rocker Serge Pizzorno, actress Kerry Washington and Hayden Panettiere's boxer fiance Wladimir Klitschko have voiced their support for protesters in the Ukraine after at least 75 people were killed in two days of violent clashes with authorities.

Political unrest has been spreading across the Eastern European country since last November, when distraught citizens began rallying against President Viktor Yanukovych and his government in a bid to convince leaders to join the European Union instead of strengthen ties with Russia.

Police have been turning on demonstrators and at least 26 people were killed in fights on Tuesday, while officials from the country's Health Ministry claimed the death toll from this week had risen to 75 after three hours of clashes on Thursday - shortly after a truce was called between the protesters and authorities.

The death figure so far means the nation is experiencing its worst violence in 22 years, since the Ukraine broke away from the Soviet Union.

Pizzorno is just one of a number of celebrities keeping an eye on the developing news, and he sent out a message of solidarity via rock band Kasabian's Twitter page on Thursday, writing: "Sending love to our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, remembering the privilege we had in playing Kiev's Olympic Stadium July '12 ..."

Meanwhile, Django Unchained's Washington tweeted: "Sending prayers".

Klitschko and his brother Vitali, who plans to run for the Ukrainian presidency in 2015, also called for action via their shared Twitter account.

"The time for failed negotiations is over," the Klitschkos wrote.

"We need help from the west! Sanctions against Yanukovich's regime, now!"


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world