Hey Reddit, Tim Pool here reporting from the uprising in Kyiv, Ukraine for VICE. AMA.

How do you feel about Rupert Murdoch buying a stake in Vice?

It was actually 21st Century FOX that bought 5% not Murdoch directly.

The great majority of the equity is held by the founders and they control the company still. I'm a big fan of Shane and think he knows what he is doing.

With VICE I get to do better work in further away places and I don't think this will change.

As a journalist I try to avoid the politics and business and just stick to reporting honest information, nothing will ever change that either.

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http://instagram.com/p/hwDT0Kr5ix/

Is it an oversimplification to say this is a public display of a desire to have the gov't in Ukraine identify more with the EU and NATO than Russia?

Inside city hall

http://instagram.com/p/hwD8yfr5jx/

Thanks for reporting on this. I really appreciate Vice's willingness to throw themselves into the middle of emerging stories. Everyone used to say that the internet could never replace true investigative journalism, but you all are proving them wrong. Anyway, enough praise, I have two questions:

Do you get the feeling that these protests are part of a split in the Ukrainian population between those that want a closer relationship to Europe and those that want a closer relationship to Russia?

Are there counter protests, or is the population generally in support of the protesters?

Thanks again!

There are counter protests but they are very small relative to the euromaidan protest.

There are allegations that people are threatened to lose there jobs unless they protest in support. Some Students say they will get expelled if the schools find out they protested.

How are the police forces.

I mean do they look aggresive, bothered to be there, or actually sympathetic to the protesters ?

In the beginning there was a lot of aggression between the police and protesters. But it seems recently that the police have backed down a bit. There were some clashes this morning and last night but today the police were calm.

Is there legit support for Klitschko?

http://instagram.com/p/hwFlIWL5mA/

I really like this method of reporting. No middle man.

journalist <> audience <> journalist.

I take questions and direction while I'm live! You can ask me to check out certain areas and interview people!

I know it's extremely early to start placing this in its historical context, but to what extent do you see the Arab Spring providing impetus or context for this uprising? Do you think we'll come to view this as an extension of that turmoil or more as another chapter in the conflict between "Russia" and the former Soviet states?

Would be especially interested to hear this from the perspective of the people involved, to the extent to which you can relay it.

Short Answer from a local

http://instagram.com/p/hwHkk1L5ox/

Do you think the protests will escalate? If so what would be the consequences internationally?

Its a coin toss.

Like most uprisings more people come after police get violent. If they try to evict by force or attack protesters more people will come.

Also, if the rumors are true that Yanukovich will sign/ has signed a deal with Russia to join the customs union, people will be angry.

I think I know the answer already, but why aren't US news outlets coving this story?

I cant speak for any other media organization, but we at VICE really care about what happens in the world.

For me, I really want to learn and understand.

Why is Vice's website filled with stupid, weird articles alongside awesome stuff like what you're doing?

different strokes for different folks!

The Ukranian protesters seem to have gained the government's ear in a way that American protesters have not. When you consider, say, OWS, do you think the contrast is due to the underlying urgency of the issue, a more effective approach to protesting, or something else?

The protesters here have support from some of the political opposition parties. Three parties formed a coalition a while ago and are backing the protests.

Most people seem to want new elections immediately. Many people Ive spoken with see politicians as the experts who should take care of the politics.

Simple Question: Why do you think the Ukrainian Government backed out of the deal?

http://instagram.com/p/hwKjsoL5s7/

Hi Tim, hope you're safe, thanks for doing this iama.

1. How much support do the protesters want or expect from the outside world?

2. What would change that?

Not so much from individuals but from the EU

http://instagram.com/p/hwIwPML5qW/

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The loshad sized utka would be fun to ride. I would fight it, win, tame it, then fly into the sunset.

How hopeful are the protesters that this sort of action can bring about real change in their country? How likely do you think it is?

Its hard to know, but a few people have told me "we are passed the point of no return" and that there will be some change no matter how minor.

Hey Tim,

Have you, at any point doing your coverage, felt that your life or well being was in danger?

When people start shooting things it gets scary but you have to be alert, you can't panic. I always make sure I know what is happening around me and where my exists are. Being brave doesn't always mean you aren't scared.

From what you've seen already being there, is it possible it may ever escalate into some sort of civil war like Egypt had/has? Also, what's the most violent course of action that's been taken thus far? Thanks for the AMA!!!

http://instagram.com/p/hwLl8Gr5uZ/

Are you seeing any neo-nazi presence in these protests? If so, how are they being received by the crowds?

There are some people here who Im told are affiliated with Golden Dawn. Short answer is yes.

Does it seem as if the general population is in support of the protesting? Or is more of a group of people going rogue to the disgust of the populace? The media coverage is rather sparse in the USA if what is actually happening

To me yes, there were 400,000-500,000 people here in Kyiv on Sunday. It definitely seems to be a popular movement.

The far-right Ukrainian nationalist party Svoboda has been orchestrating fascist riots amidst the demonstrations, defacing public and private property, beating up ethnic minorities, etc. etc. Do they have a strong presence amidst the uprisings or are they just a fringe group of crazy? What are the chances these fascists might seize power or gain popular support?

From what I understand its not likely Svoboda wins, but there are many different nationalist organizations that are influencing the protests, particularly the information center and security.

Im told there are some far right protesters starting fights as well.

Its important to know that no one thinks they are fascist though.

Have you gotten any Pulitzer worthy stuff over there?

I dont know how that stuff works. Im just honored to be here witnessing history!

What is the most concerning and forefront issue that you can see as an outsider?

Corruption, it seems like many people are just out for themselves a bit too much. Though many feel like the EU can help end the corruption.

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"Hope" is what people tell me. Some people feel like joining with Russia will just be moving backwards and the EU is their chance at opportunity. Sometimes people just want to believe they are close to making it all better.

Ignore the haters, I'm interested in what you have to say.

By and large, who has been responsible for organizing the protests? Any particular opposition groups involved, or has it been more spontaneous than that?

Its a mix of everyone from activists, ordinary citizens, and the political parties.

The opposition parties that back the protest are: Freedom Fatherland Punch

The one time I visited Ukraine it appeared to be run by gangsters everyone else appeared to be struggling to get by. It also seemed to be closed to the western world I saw no other tourists. Are there still overt signs of the mafia running things?

I dont know about a mafia, but Im told by many people that money runs Ukraine and many people are corrupt. Students pay teachers so they dont have to take exams, etc.

Many people here are hoping that by joining the EU it will help curb corruption.

If you need something money gets it, whether legal or not.

Even if the protests bring about new leadership, do you think Ukraine can ever leave behind the culture of corruption left behind from the Soviet Union?

its hard to say, many people here hope that the EU will wash away the corruption.

Have you seen any network/infrastructure problems that may be the result of tampering or government shutdown? Like what we saw in Tunisia or Egypt?

I've heard reports that they have shutdown cell service but haven't experienced it myself. They use CDMA here which surprised me!

Thank you so much for your work! Been following since your excellent live feed from OWS during the November raid.

-What do you think of the new journalistic project led by Glenn Greenwald and backed by Omidyar, and where do you stand on the debate about the value of (non-)bias in journalism? (Some great quotes to reference in here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/28/opinion/a-conversation-in-lieu-of-a-column.html?hp)

-As an independent journalist who has previously worked for little to nothing, how do you feel about the practice of unpaid internships in news media organizations? Do you feel they are a form of worker exploitation? Would most news media organizations be able to survive if they had to pay their interns minimum wage, and if so, should they?

-Do you think the impact of OWS helped to elect NY mayor elect Bill de Blasio? Do you have hopes for him to follow through on his campaign promises on taxing the 1% and stop and frisk?

Thank you so much!

I think the role of the journalist is to collect as much information as possible and share it with the world so that they can decide what they think is best. There are a lot of gray areas with context and such, but I really think that if we have informed people we are more likely to get successful decisions.

There is no objective journalism, but there is integrity. I would never use lack of objectivity as an excuse to lie or omit information.

Unpaid internships exist so people can learn not so that you can get cheap labor. They shouldn't be doing vital work ad if they do, pay them!

Dont know enough about de Blasio, sorry :\

How do you feel about your safety there? Do you think it could escalate worse than it already is?

Im mostly worried about the cold, I think it will stay mostly peaceful.

Thanks for the ama! Do the Ukrainian protesters, in general, seem more upset at missing a chance to become a part of the EU OR are they more upset about the government appearing to cozy up with Russia?

In the beginning it was about the EU but it seems now its more about corruption, less about EU or Russia.

Would you say that Ukraines past experience as a satellite state of the USSR is a major influence on the anti-russian sentiment?

There are a few signs that say "no to occupation, yes to integration" and the word occupation has the sickle and hammer on it and blood dripping from it.

Personally I would say that sentiment is definitely here, but how pervasive is hard to say.

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I wouldn't call them riots but other than that the food is really great!

How does this compare to men in Colombia having sex with donkeys? That's the last Vice report that I saw.

Donkey sex isn't my beat, I usually cover technology and conflict.

Tim, what would you say the ideal outcome would be for the protestors, for the government, and for everyone involved?

Protesters want new elections primarily, many want to continue with EU integration.

The government wants to hold its ground and wait for the protests to fizzle out.

So many of us take this for granted but seeing a thread where someone is essentially broadcasting live from a news location and receiving feedback in real time is incredible. In my case from someone with a phone in a pub.

It drives home how far tech has come and how versatile it can be (over the last ten years certainly, but I'm 40 and things have moved apace all my life).

So the question is, how do you foresee advances in tech making your particular role even more immediate or relevant?

Right now I'm working on drones, smartwatches, mobile apps, and Google Glass. I'm always trying to find ways to make it faster and easier for people to join in the conversation(news reporting).

How did you get involved working for VICE/VBS? I've been trying to find a way to contribute as a videographer, and ever since my hero Tim Hetherington was killed, I want to do it more than ever. I love your work. Stay safe.

I just started covering news on my own through social media, eventually people took notice. Don't lose focus and don't give up, as long as you keep producing work eventually people will find it.

Might not be the best answer but there isn't a secret other than work+sacrifice+luck

How is this different (or similar to) the protests in Turkey? Meaning that this seems to be a protest of the current generation; does it resonate at all with older folks?

Well for one political parties are backing the protests here.

It seems due to the politics there is a standoff, police aren't being as aggressive but protesters are building up barricades/tents fast.

I can't recall where I read this, but is it true that there is a not so small presence of far-right, nationalistic and possibly neo-nazi groups involved in the protests? Golden Dawn-esque type?

Im told there is a group here affiliated with the Golden Dawn. In terms of nationalistic, many people here are singing the national anthem and waving the Ukrainian flag. It reminds me a bit of Tea Party rallies.

what is your favorite flavor ice cream?

Milk and Cookies O.O