In Pictures

In Pictures: Ukrainian protests continue

Demonstrators in central Kiev have reinforced their encampment with barricades amid ongoing unrest.

All six entrances to the square are blocked with heavy barricades which have been strengthened recently.

By Svetlana Ivanova

Protests in Maidan Nezalezhnosti square began as small demonstrations for European integration in the centre of Ukraine’s capital, Kiev.

Sparked after the Ukraine signed an economic deal with Russia and stopped talks on a trade deal with the European Union, the protests have continued for several weeks.

Demonstrators have faced police crackdowns and have since enforced barricades around their encampment in the square.

Demonstrations erupted more than two weeks ago over the question of European integration. Today, many protesters head to the square to express their mistrust with the government of President Viktor Yanukovich.

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After police attempted to storm the square, demonstrators organized a 24 hour watch on the barricades. The narrow entrances to the square are protected by guards who prevent drunks and possible pro-government provocateurs from passing.

Apart from the occupied House of Trade Unions and the Kiev Administration, the square is also full of tents used to shelter people who have been coming from around the country to join the protests.

(***)Troops(***) , mostly young men, patrol day and night on Maidan and its borders, ready to fight against any police assault on their stronghold.

(***)The police are with people(***) protesters shout every time they see riot police. Demonstrators stressed the peaceful nature of the protest prior to the first police attempt to disperse the gathering.

Former boxer and founder of the Udar party, Vitali Klitschko, has played a leading role in the protests. Since announcing plans to run for president, he has used Maidan Square as an arena for his political statements.

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Some Ukrainian veterans of the Afghan war have publicly declared their support for protests in Maidan. They wear vests with the slogan (***)Veterans are with the people(***).

Flower wreaths worn on the heads of Ukrainian women are part of the country(***)s traditional national dress. The wreaths symbolise love, and protects the wearer from evil. Along with other symbols, the wreath on Maidan is emblematic of Ukrainian identity.

The inscription (***)Revolutionary Tribunal(***) on the Kiev Administration building appeared during the first days of the protest. The first floor of the building is occupied by protesters as a mess hall and dormitory. Meetings are also conducted there.

During the latest police assault on the square, protesters blocked the entrance with their bodies. The standoff lasted for several hours and ended with a victory for the demonstrators.