International Community Must Pressure Kiev for 2014 Odessa Massacre Report

The Ukrainian justice did not take any tangible steps toward an objective, independent and impartial investigation of the last year's tragedy in Odessa, according to the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The international community must seek a thorough and impartial investigation by the Kiev authorities of the last year's tragedy in Odessa, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

On May 2, 2014, pro-Kiev radicals blocked anti-government protesters in Odessa's House of Trade Unions and set the building on fire by hurling Molotov cocktails inside. The tragic incident saw 48 people killed and another 20 injured.

"With a deep concern we have to state that one year [since the tragedy], the Ukrainian justice did not take any tangible steps toward an objective, independent and impartial investigation of this horrific crime in order to bring the perpetrators to justice," the statement said.

The ministry called on the international community to "decisively and honestly" demand an impartial investigation by the Ukrainian side and bringing of those responsible to justice, as well as to make Kiev address "glaring flaws" in Ukraine's judicial system.

Prior to the Trade Unions House fire, pro-federalization activists, that refused to recognize the legitimacy of the government put in power following a coup, clashed with pro-Kiev radicals, including forces of the Right Sector paramilitary nationalist group.

Anti-government protesters had to shelter in the building, followed up by pro-Kiev activists armed with Molotov cocktails.

Those trapped inside the building had little chance of extinguishing the blaze since the fire hoses were out of order. Many of them died when attempting to escape the blaze by jumping out of the windows.