Power struggle in Ukraine
The pro-European opposition in Ukraine refuses to be discouraged by the failed no-confidence vote against the government of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov. As the tension mounts, the European Union hopes to mediate.
Fighting for a European future
The rejection of the association agreement with the European Union in late November triggered the protests in Ukraine. The protesters are against a shift in relations away from the EU to Russia, and are demanding an end to the government of Minister President Mykola Azarov. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets.
Roadblocks in the government district
Protesters in Kyiv have built roadblocks to prevent government officials from entering their offices. They are also demonstrating at night and even battling the bitter cold to make their demands known.
Tent city at Independence Square
Tents pitched at Independence Square in central Kyiv offer some protection from the cold. The camp is reminiscent of the Orange Revolution nine years ago. Back then, demonstrations lasted several weeks. The protesters plan to hold out this time as well.
Tea, coffee and Internet
A minimum of basic services is also provided. Protesters are organizing warm drinks such as tea and coffee. Many cafes and bars are also offering beverages, a place to stay, and Wi-Fi.
Refuge in the monastery
Over the weekend, the square in front of St. Michael’s Cathedral was one of the main places where demonstrators gathered – and remained well into the night. The monks allowed dozens of protesters to stay overnight. Other churches also opened their doors to provide shelter.
Who is the aggressor?
Plenty of tension remains between demonstrators and police. Authorities are trying to prevent or break up the protestors’ blockades in front of the parliament building. Violent clashes erupted between the groups last the weekend, with dozens of people wounded.
'No to police violence'
Protesters have designed posters and banners to highlight their demands. The messages on them read "No to police violence" and "Security forces will bury us."
Criticism of NATO
In a statement on Tuesday (03.12.2013), NATO condemned the use of "excessive force" against the protesters. Russian Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov, in turn, criticized the statement as interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine. He also expressed a lack of understanding for the “level of aggression” by the opposition.
Government survives no-confidence vote
Although the government of Mykola Azarov, a confidant of President Viktor Yanukovych, is unpopular with many Ukrainians, it survived a vote of no confidence introduced by the opposition. The government's opponents, led by boxing champion Vitali Klitschko with his Udar party, received only 186 votes; they needed 226.
'Shaky balance of power'
The outcome of the no-confidence vote was followed with great interest. Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building to hear the results on a car radio. Despite the negative result, they continue to protest. "It remains a shaky balance of power," commented a political analyst in Kiev.
EU mediation attempts
The Council of Europe now aims to mediate between the pro-European opposition and the government. General Secretary Thorbjørn Jagland intended to meet on Monday (04.12.2013) in Kyiv with Prime Minister Azarov and the chairman of the parliamentary parties, among others. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is also expected in Kyiv for a ministerial meeting of the OSCE.