Russia realizes its responsibility for the lives of fellow citizens and nationals in Ukraine and reserves the right to protect them, the Russian Foreign Ministry said when commenting on the attack on protestors in Donetsk

Russia realizes its responsibility for the lives of fellow citizens and nationals in Ukraine and reserves the right to protect them, the Russian Foreign Ministry said when commenting on the attack on protestors in Donetsk, which occurred on March 13.

"Russia realizes its responsibility for the lives of fellow citizens and nationals in Ukraine and reserves the right to take people under our protection," the Russian Foreign Ministry posted a statement on its website on Friday."Tragic events occurred in Donetsk on March 13, 2014, and blood was shed," the document said.

"Extreme rightist groups armed with weapons and bats, who started to arrive to the city from other regions of the country the day before, have attacked peaceful protestors, who came to the city streets in order to demonstrate their attitude towards the destructive stance of people calling themselves the Ukrainian authorities.

Many people were injured and one person died as a result of the clashed," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the Maidan leaders who came to power in Kiev to disarm militants and ensure public safety.

"We have repeatedly stated that those who came to power in Kiev must disarm militants, ensure public safety and the legitimate right of people to hold rallies. Unfortunately, judging from the latest events in Ukraine, none of these happened, and the Kiev authorities cannot control the situation in the country. Russia is aware of its responsibility for the lives of fellow countrymen in Ukraine, and reserves the right to take people under protection," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

The public prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal case, investigating the riots that took place in Donetsk on March 13, the press service of the office in Donetsk region reports.

"It has been established that there was a conflict between the participants of the rallies on Lenin Square which escalated into disorders," one person was killed, another 29 were injured, said the prosecutor.

"The prosecutor's office of the Donetsk region also inspects actions or inaction of law enforcement officials, who were to ensure public order during peaceful rallies. Following a comprehensive and complete analysis of police actions, appropriate proceeding decisions will be made," the office notes.