December 19, 2013 - Kiev, Ukraine: Pro-EU demonstrators take a rest in Independence Square.<br /> On the night of 21 November 2013, a wave of demonstrations and civil unrest began in Ukraine, when spontaneous protests erupted in the capital of Kiev as a response to the government's suspension of the preparations for signing an association and free trade agreement with the European Union. Anti-government protesters occupied Independence Square, also known as Maidan, demanding the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych and accusing him of refusing the planned trade and political pact with the EU in favor of closer ties with Russia.<br /> After a days of demonstrations, an increasing number of people joined the protests. As a responses to a police crackdown on November 30, half a million people took the square. The protests are ongoing despite a heavy police presence in the city, regular sub-zero temperatures, and snow. (Paulo Nunes dos Santos/Polaris)
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