Thousands of people from a number of Ukrainian towns staged protests, expressing their disagreement with the Ukrainian Government’s decision to stop the procedures for association with the European Union. The police used teargas against protesters in Kiev, when they approached the Government Building. The mass protest started on November 24 and will continue until the executive takes a positive decision about the Association Agreement with the EU, as the organizers said, IPN reports.
According to the online publication ukrinform.ua, the protesters already put up tents in Kiev and intend to protest round-the-clock. They also gathered money for purchasing water and food for those who will protest nonstop. The participants agreed to come together every evening, at 7pm, to continue the protest.
The head of the central office of the party “Batikivshina” Alexandr Turcinov, one of the organizers of the protest in Kiev, said there was created a tents town and warm clothes are being collecting for the participants. Funds will be raised from November 25 for preparing a large-scale protest at the Government Building.
On November 21, the Cabinet of Ukraine decided to suspend the preparations for the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, arguing risks may appear for the Ukrainian economy. It was proposed creating a tripartite Ukraine – Russia – EU commission on trade issues. European officials expressed their regret at this decision, while the Ukrainian opposition said the decision was taken after the President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovich received US$20 billion from Russia.
Experts in Chisinau said that Ukraine’s decision hampers Moldova’s efforts to associate itself with the EU. If Ukraine does not sign the Association Agreement, the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit may be a failure.
