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Consul says Ukrainian radicals block Russian consulate general in Odessa

Radicals blocked entry to the building ahead of Russia Day

© Maxim Nikitin/TASS, archive

ODESSA, June 10. /TASS/. Ukrainian radicals have frustrated a reception on the occasion of Russia Day in the Russian Federation’s consulate general in the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa, blocking entry to the building, Russia’s Consul General in Odessa Valery Katunkin said Friday.

"The reception on the occasion of Russia Day has been frustrated. Ukrainian radicals, in particular, representatives of the Right Sector, Azov corps, blocked entry to the building," Katunkin said, noting that the radicals were aggressive.

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"Eggs are being thrown at the building. Radicals have brought a few gallows to the entrance," Katunkin said.

He expressed indignation that law enforcers are not doing anything to stop the illegal behavior of extremists.

"None of the police, national guard react properly. Several law enforcers are just standing near the crowd," Katunkin said.

The Ukrainian agency UNN quoted a certain chieftain of the "Black Sea Formation of Gaidamak" Sergey Gutsalyuk, who said the action participants will not let anyone in the consulate.

"We blocked entry to the consulate, no one will get in there. We want to at least identify supporters of the aggressor country," Gutsalyuk said.

Buses with law enforcers are currently near the diplomatic institution. Policemen are also near the entrance to the consulate. They do not interfere in the situation.

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