Coup averted in Ukraine

The Ukrainian authorities on Monday reported that it averted a coup attempt in Ukraine.

The Sluzhba Bezpeky Ukrayiny (SBU) intelligence service and prosecutors had said that an anonymous group had attempted to mount “provocations’’ in Kyiv on Sunday when the country marks Constitution Day.

An anonymous report said that the coup planned to occupy parliament during a demonstration and set up a “provisional government.’’

The SBU intelligence investigation proceeded that four men who were detained, are being investigated over weapons and ammunition seized during the cause of actions.

The suspects could face up to 10 years minimum in prison if found guilty.

The investigation is being led by the authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk in the west of Ukraine.

A security zone has emerged around the government quarter in Kyiv, where access and the right to demonstrate have been restricted.

The authorities regularly report that informants and supporters of Russia have been arrested.