Pro-Russian Mayor Of Ukraine's Second Largest City Critically Wounded In An Assassination Attempt

Gennady Kernes, mayor of Kharkiv, speaks to journalists on March 15 about unrest in the city amid pro-Russia protests. Kharkiv City Council

Ukraine Mayor Gennady Kernes Shot In Attack, Kharkiv City Council Says -- Wall Street Journal

City Had So Far Managed to Avoid Unrest Hitting Other Parts of the East

The mayor of Ukraine's second largest city, which has largely managed to fend off the unrest that has engulfed other parts of the east, was shot by gunmen Monday and is clinging to life, the Kharkiv city council said.

Kharkiv Mayor Gennady Kernes, a one-time supporter of the ousted Ukrainian president who has since taken a more conciliatory approach to the new government, was shot in the back around noon local time and was rushed to a hospital for surgery. (Read the latest updates on the crisis in Ukraine.)

"Doctors are fighting for his life. He is now in the emergency room undergoing an operation," the council said in a statement on its website.

Read more ....

More News On Pro-Russian Mayor Of Ukraine's Second Largest City Critically Wounded In An Assassination Attempt

Pro-Russian mayor shot in the back in assassination attempt in Ukrainian city that has been the scene of pro-Moscow protests -- Daily Mail
Ukraine crisis: Kharkiv mayor Hennadiy Kernes shot -- BBC
Mayor of Kharkov, Ukraine shot in back, hospitalized - press service -- RT
Ukraine mayor Gennady Kernes fighting for life after being shot -- The Guardian
Ukraine mayor shot in assassination attempt -- The Telegraph
Pro-Russian mayor of Ukrainian city shot in back -- Reuters
Mayor of Ukraine's second-largest city fighting for life after assassination attempt -- FOX News
Mayor of Ukraine’s Second-Largest City Is Shot -- New York Times
Mayor in eastern Ukraine shot as pro-Russian militants gain ground -- Washington Post
Mayor of Ukrainian city shot; West prepares more sanctions -- CNN
Report: Mayor of Ukrainian City Shot and Wounded -- Voice of America

My Comment: Mr. Kernes was a staunch ally of former President Viktor Yanukovych .... his opponent in the last election was Arsen Avakov who is the now Interior Minister and who accused the mayor of fixing the vote. In short .... there is no love lost between the mayor and the new rulers in Kiev. And while the mayor has not taken sides publicly on the current crisis .... my aunt (who actually lives in this city) told me that his loyalties were always to Russia .... hence he was a marked man by Ukrainian extremists.

This is just another sign on how much the situation is deteriorating in this part of the Ukraine. And while the Ukraine government, some European governments, and the U.S. government is blaming Russia for the unrest .... the sad fact is that the chaos in Ukraine (has been) and is being caused by the Ukrainians themselves. And as for the safety of public officials in this part of the country .... time to pack a gun and/or have body-guards.