Euromaidan, a protest settlement established in Kiev before the fall of former President Viktor Yanukovych, is coming down after a significant presence since November 2013, but there are a few people who are less than thrilled.
Politicians claim Maidan served her purpose and it is time to move on, but Ukrainians want proof the new government will not be the same as the old.
“Personally, I have no plans to leave. They need to show the people that the new laws are working – they’re where they are thanks to us,” Anna Chaikovska told the Associated Press.
Euromaidan is the name of the famous protest in Kiev that started in November after now ousted Russia-backed President Viktor Yanukovych chose a bailout and closer ties to Russia instead of a trade deal with the European Union. He was ousted in February, and a new government was born with pro-West leaders.
End of an era. No more barricades onHrushevskogo as Kyiv gets ready for a new elected mayor. Democracy in action. pic.twitter.com/wTCFxH1qeC
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) June 1, 2014
After a long break, a #Euromaidan rally in Kyiv again. The crowd is angry b/c of E. Ukraine crisisvia @S_Andrushkopic.twitter.com/o6EfhFpYOY
— Maxim Eristavi (@MaximEristavi) June 1, 2014
The #Euromaidan stage now:golden sneakers+cliche R&B looks+@Vitaliy_Klychko in jeans. Maidan isn’t the same anymore pic.twitter.com/7wj3wjqJkf
— Maxim Eristavi (@MaximEristavi) June 1, 2014
Large crowd on Maidan attempts to work out why it’s still there. pic.twitter.com/YqwFiG9PzH
— max seddon (@maxseddon) June 1, 2014
Euromaidan revolutionary barricades: bye-bye and thank youRT @lauraphylmills: And the barricades come down in #Kiev pic.twitter.com/EKfPxkXjKw
— Maxim Eristavi (@MaximEristavi) May 31, 2014
the famous #euromaidan catapult is now history. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/k0MfF2sXz4
— Just Hovens Greve (@JustHovensGreve) May 31, 2014
Barricades being removed from Hrushevskoho street in #Kyiv #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/WiQYZxnROw
— Just Hovens Greve (@JustHovensGreve) May 31, 2014
People on #Maidan not very happy to see #Klitschko, have been booing him heavily, only cheered when he said parliamentary elex are needed
— Myroslava Petsa (@myroslavapetsa) June 1, 2014
The crisis in east Ukraine is one of the top reasons Euromaidan protestors do not want to leave. Donetsk and Luhansk allegedly voted for independence from Ukraine in a May 11 referendum, but the process was filled with voting violations. On May 25, the day of the presidential election, it was revealed Chechens joined the east Ukraine pro-Russian forces. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who is very cozy with Russian President Vladimir Putin, denies sending any Chechens to Ukraine.
Over in Donetsk, where pro-Russian forces are in control, the rebels attempted to give out Roshen candy – made by new President Petro Poroshenko’s company – as a publicity stunt. It was not received well.
Rebel publicity stunt in #Donetsk goes spectacularly wrong. Militants try to distribute plundered candy to kids. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/jT1WcmaU0G
— Griff Witte (@griffwitte) June 1, 2014
But ppl reject as “blood candy” bc it’s made by new prez #poroshenko. Throw it back as militants flee. #donetsk 2/3 pic.twitter.com/a9YzHNGX0c
— Griff Witte (@griffwitte) June 1, 2014
All that’s left in Lenin Square is a gooey mess. #donetsk. #candywar 3/3 pic.twitter.com/iVcVvLzqns
— Griff Witte (@griffwitte) June 1, 2014
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