KIEV, November 3 (Itar-Tass) — The newspaper Segodnya said Ukrainian secret service agents had unofficially confirmed the reports on purchases of arms to attack government bodies. The newspaper's report cites its own sources in secret services.
"It is indicated by the latest events in Lvov, Kharkov and other towns, where scandals broke out over illegal sale of weapons or finding of arsenals. The information coming to law-enforcement bodies confirms it. It's not idle rumors, but information from trusted persons. In this connection, the security of top officials has been tightened," a secret service employee told the newspaper, noting that it concerns the safety of the president and other leaders.
Former State Guards Service Major Nikolai Melnichenko warned about the threat to President Viktor Yanukovich's life, too. He referred to his own sources. "A special operation is unfolding to oust Yanukovich, in which both external and domestic forces are interested."
"Viktor Fyodorovich has displeased many because he was not afraid to allow criminal prosecution of former country leaders," Melnichenko said.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich warned about on-going purchases of firearms across the country that might be used to attack government representatives.
"There've been calls for revolution; police supplied information that purchases of firearms and preparations for armed attacks on government bodies are underway," the president told a Cabinet meeting.
Yanukovich expressed doubts that the poorer strata of the population, displeased with the authorities' reforms, were behind it.
He stressed the necessity to seriously conduct a dialogue with the society and clarify the essence of the reforms.
"We have to come out to people; there is no need for us to hide. We do have shortcomings, and we're putting them right," Yanukovich said.