With once peaceful protests in Kiev, Ukraine, escalating into riots this week that left 26 protesters and police officers dead Tuesday night, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement about the safety of its missionaries in the area.
"All missionaries serving in Ukraine have been contacted and are safe. Missionaries near affected areas have been instructed to stay in their apartments. Church leaders continue to closely monitor the situation and maintain regular communication with missionaries,” said LDS Church Spokesperson Cody Craynor.
LDS missionaries first entered Ukraine in 1990, and the country now has three missions. The LDS Church has 11,178 members and one temple in Ukraine, which is located in Kiev, according to MormonNewsroom.org.
Emily Eyring is the Faith and Family Web producer for DeseretNews.com.