Eastern Ukraine Mayor Shot

The violence never ends:

The mayor of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine has been shot and critically wounded amid ongoing unrest in the region.

Hennadiy Kernes was reportedly shot in the back by unknown gunmen while out jogging, and is said to be undergoing emergency surgery in hospital.

Monday also saw pro-Russian separatists seize a local government building in Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine.

Here’s more on this “interesting” fellow:

Mr Kernes used to be a supporter of the former pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych. He then dropped his support for the ousted president in favour of a united Ukraine.

He has been described as a “mini-oligarch” – a successful businessman wealthy enough to launch a career in politics.

The message is clear: Stick with Moscow.

I hope he recovers.