Protests by an estimated 100,000 opponents of Ukranian President Viktor Yanukovych have been taking place in Kyiv for a fifth consecutive Sunday.
The organisers announced plans to implement a new strategy to maintain the momentum of the movement strong by creating the Maidan People’s Association.
It is open to political parties, NGOs and individuals with the aim that millions of Ukranians will become members.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, one of the leaders of Ukraine’s opposition parties, said that the square in Kyiv “is the place for real values, it is a place of freedom and will be a little bit like the Solidarity movement in Poland”.
This protester assures euronews that there is “no fatigue. Some people will rest but others will replace them.” She adds that they are “tired of living in their country and it should have a different future but there’s not fatigue from fighting” for the changes.
This man says that he’s concerned that “the snow on the barricades will melt” but also is confident that “the people are ready to stand in the square for as much as they need.”
Despite support from Western countries and many Kyev residents who have been donating money, food and supplies the protests have failed to deter Yanukovych from changing his decision of walking away from an agreement on free trade and political association with the EU.
Euronews’ correspondent in Kyiv explains that “opponents face two challenges, their political strategy in the coming months considering the president’s resistance to the calls for his resignation and secondly, how they will be able to continue occupying Maidan.”
