Editor's Note: The Kyiv Post is providing continuous coverage of the protests in Kyiv and other cities following the government's decision on Nov. 21 to stop European Union integration and end pursuit of an association agreement. The rallies started on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) and are continuing after the Nov. 28-29 summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, at which Ukraine and the EU failed to reach any agreement. The events can be followed on Twitter using hashtags #euromaidan and #євромайдан or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EuroMaydan.
Read the coverage of the Dec. 5 events here.
Read the coverage of the Dec. 4 events here.
Read the coverage of the Dec. 3 events here.
Read the coverage of the Dec. 2 events here.
Read the morning coverage of the Dec. 1 events here, and the afternoon and evening coverage here.
Watch video of EuroMaidan events here on live stream and hromadske.tv.
The Economist editor: Yanukovych signs agreement to join Customs Union (update)
Dec. 6, 10 p.m. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, meeting today in Sochi with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, signed an agreement stating that Ukraine will join the Kremlin-led Customs Union, according to Edward Lucas, senior editor at The Economist, citing his own sources.
The Kyiv Post could not independently confirm the news. Kremlin official contacted by Kyiv Post also did not confirm the news and said only to look for statements on the Kremlin’s official website. As of 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 7, the only statement posted to the site confirmed a visit by Yanukovych to Sochi.
“Wow! Hearing Yanukovich in Sochi today signed strategic agrt w Russia includes $5BN+ up front, gas price $200 + agrt to join customs union,” Lucas wrote on Twitter.
The details of the agreement, which reportedly include billions up front for the country, as well as a huge price cut on gas, are being hammered out in Moscow, Lucas wrote.
UNIAN news agency reported this morning that Yanukovych on his way back from a three-day working visit to China, would meet with Putin today to discuss trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Russia, laying the grounds for a new “strategic partnership.” The president’s press service confirmed the visit in a statement on its website.
Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told journalists previously that the president would at some point soon visit Moscow, where a “major agreement” would be signed.
The surprise visit prompted rumors that the agreement Azarov hinted at was that of Ukraine joining the Customs Union.
Ahead of Lucas’ news, Arseniy Yatseniuk, leader of the Batkivschyna faction, warned that the signing by Yanukovych of any agreement aimed at joining Ukraine to the Customs Union will cause a second wave of mass protests here.
“Their attempts to sell Ukraine to Russia will not lead to anything except one thing, and we are officially warning you: if Viktor Yanukovych tries to sign any agreement aimed at joining Ukraine to the Customs Union, it will cause another wave of protests in Ukraine,” he said. “No one will let Yanukovych sell the country.” — Christopher J. Miller
Protesters came to the Ministry of Revenue and Duties
Dec. 6, 10:03 p.m. Hundreds of protesters gathered near the building of the Ministry of Revenue and Duties of Ukraine on Lvivska square. Activivsts are waving national flags. The atmosphere is peaceful. — Olga Rudenko
Azarov claims there are no repressions against students
Dec. 6, 7:27 p.m. Prime Minister Mykola Azarov says there will be no repressions against students who attend political rallies. “Obviously, we tell the students that their main task now is to receive knowledge. Nobody is planning to punish them or persecute for taking part in some political functions – these are just rumors which are spread by those who would like to compromise the authorities and misinform students,” Azarov said, according to his press service.
Previously, student strike leaders complained about mass-scale repressions against the students who take part in political rallies. They said the repressions are covert, and officially university authorities are not involved. — Katya Gorchinskaya
Police blocks column of cars moving towards Mezhyhirya
Dec. 6, 6:50 p.m. A column of about 50 cars moving in the direction of Mezhyhirya residence of President Viktor Yanukovych in Novi Petrivtsi village has been blocked by road police, according to media reports.
Kliuyev tries to limit EuroMaidan coverage
Dec. 6, 5:35 p.m. Chief of National Security and Defense Council Andriy Kliuyev met with TV managers on Dec. 6 urging them to limit EuroMaidan coverage by their TV channels, said Viktoria Siumar, a prominent journalist and former head of Institute of Mass Information.
“Today Andriy Kliuyev gathered chief editors of TV channels in order to ban journalists show Maidan,” Siumar said a press briefing in opposition headquarters.
On Dec. 6 Ukrainska Pravda influential web-site published a story, where Kliuyev was named a main organizer of bloody dispersal of pro-European rally on Nov. 30, when dozens of peaceful demonstrators were injured. — Oksana Grytsenko
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to deliver a speech on Euromaidan in Kyiv
Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili will deliver a speech on Euromaidan in Kyiv on Dec. 7, according to Maria Ionova, Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Refrom party deputy.
“We can officially report that tomorrow ex-president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili will support the Ukrainian people and its European future on Maidan,” she said.
Besides, representatives of the European People’s Party (EPP) also will visit the Euromaidan. — Interfax-Ukraine
Lutsenko: It is impossible to stop 1 million people who have a plan, leaders
Dec. 6, 4:32 p.m. The opposition has called on Ukrainians to rally on Dec. 8, expecting to organize 1 million people in Kyiv. “At 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, 1 million on Kyiv streets will confirm our intentions,” Oleh Tiahnybok, leader of opposition Svoboda party, said during a news briefing. Yuriy Lutsenko, another opposition leader and ex-interior minister said that the opposition is planning “a gradual, peaceful transformation of the country.”
“It is impossible to stop 1 million people who have a plan and leaders,” he said. — Oksana Grytsenko
Yanukovych, Putin meet in Sochi, talk ‘trade, economic cooperation’
Dec. 6, 4:17 p.m. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Sochi today, according to a statement published on the presidential website.
“The Heads of State discussed trade-economic cooperation in different economic spheres and preparation to the future Strategic Partnership Agreement,” reads the statement. — Christopher J. Miller
Photos of three missing persons released
Dec. 6, 4:07 p.m. Opposition member of parliament Olesya Orobets posted to her Facebook timeline today photographs of three missing persons believed to have disappeared on Nov. 30, following a raid by riot police on a EuroMaidan camp at Independence Square. — Christopher J. Miller
Yanukovych ‘postpones’ planned Malta visit
Dec. 6, 3:57 p.m. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has postponed an official visit to the Republic of Malta planned for next week, “due to the necessity to focus attention on the internal political issues” in Ukraine, reads a statement from his press service.
The president in recent days has been under fire from critics who demand that he return to Kyiv in order to manage problems at home.
Following a three-day visit to China that began on Dec. 3, during which he made attempts to securing financing for cash-strapped Ukraine, Yanukovych stopped in Sochi, Russia to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, UNIAN news agency reported. — Christopher J. Miller
Council of Europe confirms that opposition, government agree to Euro-plan for investigation
Dec. 6, 3:43 p.m. The Council of Europe released a statement, confirming that both the government and the opposition agreed to Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland’s proposal for the European representatives to take part in investigation of police violence on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The text of the statement follows.
“The three main opposition parties in Ukraine and Prime Minister Azarov have accepted Secretary General Jagland’s plan to establish an expert advisory panel to oversee the investigation into the violent incidents in Kyiv on 30 November and 1 December.
“The investigation and its results must be accepted by all concerned. Therefore, the expert advisory panel to oversee the investigation will consist of one member nominated by the opposition, one member nominated by the government, and one member from the international community.
Transparency and acceptance of this investigation will be the first step to rebuilding trust in Ukraine”, Jagland said.
After talks with opposition parties and Prime Minister Azarov on Wednesday, Mr Jagland’s plan was endorsed by opposition leaders Klitschko, Yatsenyuk and Tyahnybok on Thursday. Prime MinisterAzarov agreed to the expert panel in a telephone conversation with Secretary General Jagland later the same day. Mr Jagland also met with Foreign Minister Kozhara and Justice Minister Lukash” —Katya Gorchinskyaya
Activists are calling for people to join the March of a Million
Dec. 6, 3:06 p.m. The poster calling for Ukrainians to get out onto the street massively on Dec. 8 is going viral. It describes the rally as “the last chance.” The author of this poster is unknown. The previous Sunday, on Dec. 1, an estimated 350,000 people came out into the streets of Kyiv. There were multiple provocations and clashes with police.
Kyiv clashes to be probed by Council of Europe experts
Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m. The Ukrainian authorities and the opposition have accepted Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland’s plan to establish an expert advisory panel to oversee the investigation into the violent incidents in Kyiv on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, the Council of Europe has said in a statement.
“The investigation and its results must be accepted by all concerned. Therefore, the expert advisory panel to oversee the investigation will consist of one member nominated by the opposition, one member nominated by the government, and one member from the international community. Transparency and acceptance of this investigation will be the first step to rebuilding trust in Ukraine,” reads the statement. — Interfax-Ukraine
Interior Ministry releases official numbers of protests
Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m. The Kyiv Post received a response from the Interior Ministry on the official number of participants of pro-European rallies in Kyiv on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.
The Ministry’s department for public safety has counted 22,000 participants on Nov. 24 and more than 80,000 on Dec. 1. It also disproved the information on 1.6 million attendants of massive demonstration on Dec. 1 circulated in media with the reference to the source in the Interior Ministry. — Anastasia Forina
State officials help hired thugs based at pro-presidential rallies in Kyiv’s Mariinsky park.
Dec. 6, 12 a.m. The viewers of Channel 5 have recognized Valeriy Kuntsevych, deputy head of the center for material and technical supply at the State emergency service, among the attendants of pro-presidential rallies in Mariinsky park.
“People are saying they’ve recognized (Kuntsevych) who is responsible for providing heating and meals for titushkas (hired thugs) in Mariinsky park,” reads post on Channel 5 facebook page. — Anastasia Forina
Dec. 6, 11:46 a.m. Oleksand Efremov, the leader of the ruling Party of Regions said no force will be used to disperse Euromaidan protesters.
Protesters block governmental buildings
Dec. 6, 11:39 a.m. Despite snow in Kyiv, protesters continue to block all entrances to the president’s administration on Bankova Street. There are a handful of them by every gate, which are guarded by security services. Larger groups are stationed at either end of Bankova, right by the metal fence that protects the administration building. — Katya Gorchinskaya
Verkhovna Rada is blocked
Dec. 6, 10:41 a.m. Verkhovna Rada is blocked by the members of the opposition factions. Almost no Party of Regions members have been seen in the parliament building today, Ukrainska Pravda reports. — Olena Goncharova
People lie down near Prosecutor’s General office
Dec. 6, 10:15 a.m. Around 20 members of Democratic Alliance lied down on mats next to the porch of the Prosecutor’s General office to protest against the arrest of nine people who are suspected of organizing the riot on Dec. 1, which resulted in violent clashes between police and protestors and left several on both sides injured. The protest is meant to show how authorities “step over people.” — Olga Rudenko
Protestors block the President’s Administration
Dec. 6, 10 a.m. A large group of protestors have surrounded the president’s administration, blocking all entrances to the building. The group has blocked Bankova Street from both ends. — Olga Rudenko
Autopsy being performed on the body found on EuroMaidan
Dec. 6, 7:36 a.m. The body found in EuroMaidan in the early hours of Dec. 6 is being autopsied, a source familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Post, asking to remain anonymous because he is not officially authorized to comment on the issue. There are two witnesses involved in the examination. According to the preliminary conclusions, the man died from natural causes and the blood that was found around him was due to a bleed that may have been caused by an ulcer. — Katya Gorchinskaya
A dead body on EuroMaidan
Dec. 6, 7:36 a.m. A body of an elderly man was found on the roof of Globus shopping mall, which is located underneath Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the central site of protests in Kyiv. Interfax-Ukraine reports that several unknown people told organizers of Maidan that an elderly man was feeling ill, but by the time an ambulance arrived he was dead.
Witnesses told Channel 5 that there was blood around the place where the body was lying, suggesting that he had a head injury. One of the witnesses also said that a car that was parked nearby left the site as soon as EuroMaidan activists rushed towards the body. — Interfax-Ukraine
Maidan remains festive
Dec. 6, 12:10 a.m. The atmosphere on Maidan Nezalezhosti is festive – it’s like a big party going on. Bands plan on the stage (mixed with announcements from organizers), people offer free food all around – you certainly would not starve here. There are fires lit in metal drums to warm up by, there are smiles anywhere you look. There are only a few signs the show that some people stay alert in all this seeming disorder. By the barricades, groups of males look a little more collected. Some of them wear helmets. — Katya Gorchinskaya
SEE KYIV POST COVERAGE OF THE NOV. 30 POLICE CRACKDOWN ON EUROMAIDAN HERE:
Interior minister justifies police attacks to EU, US ambassadors
Back to the Middle Ages on the way to Europe: Beaten Kyiv protesters take refuge in church yard
Yanukovych says police beatings not his fault
Kyiv police chief admits ordering attack on EuroMaidan protesters
Opposition under fire for failure to protect protesters
Victims describe excessive, indiscriminate attacks
Lyovochkin, Yanukovych’s chief of staff, resigns
Police say protesters provoked violence
Police attack on Kyiv’s EuroMaidan demonstrators draws international outrage
Police were ‘like a machine cleaning the street,’ says a beating victim
More than 100,000 people petition Obama for sanctions against Yanukovych
Police violently break up Independence Square protests at 4 a.m. today; many injuries reported
SEE OTHER KYIV POST EUROMAIDAN COVERAGE HERE:
EuroMaidan rallies on Nov. 29: EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine
EuroMaidan rallies on Nov. 28: EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine
EuroMaidan rallies on Nov. 27: EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine
EuroMaidan rallies on Nov. 26: EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine
EuroMaidan rallies on Nov. 25: EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine
EuroMaidan rallies on Nov. 24: EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine
EuroMaidan rallies from Nov. 21-23: EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine
See also coverage of the first night of the protests: “Nine years after start of Orange Revolution, Kyivans take to streets in protest of scuttled EU deal”
