Euromaidan

Though it is not getting a LOT of press in the US, there is what seems to be a revolution taking place here in Ukraine.  When President Yanokovich (to me a combination of a clown, dictator and bully) backed out of a deal to join the EU in favor of siding with Putin the population went into revolt.  With the vast majority of the Ukrainian people in favor of joining the EU and not going under the umbrella of Russia, this move caused outrage.  Right now the center of Kyiv has been occupied by a large group of protestors and the city hall has been overtaken.  The situation is in flux and there is a lot of tension after a horrible police attack on peaceful protestors this past Saturday morning.

On Sunday there was a mass gathering in our nearby park (Shevchenko).  

A fat purple baby was a photo opportunity for a few....

Maria is pro-EU (she is Italian-born, after all). 

Enzo was more interested in his best friend Anya to take too much interest in the political situation.

Today Enzo, Maria and I walked down to Maidan to check out the scene.  On our way we passed by this statue of Lenin which has been under attack in recent days.  Today it was surrounded by many police officers.  Interestingly these were the only uniformed police I saw on the rest of my walk.   

The barricades put up by protestors around Independence Square.  

They certainly were creative in their barricade making, including much of the giant Christmas tree that was in the process of being erected when all of this began. 

Flags were everywhere, music and speeches broadcast across the square.  

Here is that giant tree that was only partially erected when the occupation began.  Now it is home to protestors and their signs and flags. 

Enzo sported a pro-EU ribbon.

Tents, bonfires, cooking drums, free food, health services, extra clothing....

A campfire in the middle of Independence Square. It is very cold here these days; how these 1000s of protestors stay out here all day and night I do not know.  Very impressive.