Ukraine_IVK-Peace_TalksThree activists from Maidan meeting three members of disbanded special police unit ” Berkut” to talk about their experiences at Maidan (the square of Independence), the consequences, and a way forward in cooperation.

11th may, 2014, Ukraine

The situation: in the period 30th November 2013 to 20th February 2014 activists and riot police Berkut had several clashes and fights. The events culminated 18th-20th February before Yanukovych finally fled from office as president. During this time over 110 activists and 16 policemen where killed.

The response: on initiative of Carl Plesner and Olena Hantsyak-Kaskiv, former activists and members of Berkut where invited for a meeting aiming at supporting mutual understanding, dialogue and reconciliation. During the months following the revolution Carl and Olena did the initial groundwork to prepare this meeting.

The perspective: Carl and Olena works from a belief that when people in violent conflict meet each other and receive support to see and listen to each others, then something important happen: they start to develop mutual understanding and empathy. And no violence can grow from mutual empathic connection, but only compassion and will to cooperate.

Læs resten af Carl Plesners artikel her.