Farmer Sets Self On Fire In Front Of Presidents Office

This is the moment a farmer sets himself on fire and runs through a crowd in front of the Ukrainian President’s office in protest against land reforms.

The incident took place yesterday (26th February) during a protest against land reforms held outside the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the country’s capital Kiev.

Local media report Alexander Burlakov, from Novoivanovka village in northeastern Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, poured gas on himself before setting himself on fire.

Video Credit: CEN /Ivan Procenko

In the video, he can be seen in flames sprinting through a crowd in front of the president’s office.

Onlookers rush to move out of his way before he falls on the ground as the crowd use flags and clothing to smother the flames.

Burlakov was reportedly asking for water and was in great pain as he lay on the ground, with the person recording passing a bottle of water forward to help him.

He was later hospitalised with serious burns to his body and face. No other injuries to others were reported in the incident.

Credit: CEN/Ivan Procenko
Man sets himself on fire in front of Ukrainian president’s office

Burlakov said he had set himself on fire in protest at the country’s recent land reforms, telling reporters: “Powerlessness, corruption. The local authorities are stealing our land. This is not the first time I’m here, but no one ever listens to me. I tried to attract attention. Wherever I called no one ever helped or listened to me that’s why I acted this way.”

He claimed the government had forcibly taken the majority of his land.

He remains in hospital and there are no updates on his condition.

Credit: CEN/Ivan Procenko
Man sets himself on fire in front of Ukrainian president’s office

To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By:  Gheorghi CaraseniSub-EditorJoseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

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