Riot Police Descend on Kiev Protests

Berkut special task police cracked down on protests against Ukraine’s recent decision not to sign planned agreements that would strengthen its ties with the EU shortly after midnight on November 30 (10 p.m. GMT). At that moment several hundred people remained on Independence Square in the capital Kiev.

A total of 35 people were detained by police. All of them were later released.

Police in Kiev have launched two criminal investigations on charges of hooliganism and disobeying law enforcement officers.

Doctors said 35 people, including two Polish nationals, were injured during the violent crackdown. Seven people remain in hospital.

After police dispersed the protesters from Independence Square, Berkut special task police started removing metal barriers, while public utility services began tidying up the square.

Independence Square was left empty after the pro-EU protest was broken up.

Kiev police chief Valery Koryak has said that he personally took the decision to send riot police to Independence Square.

Police have launched a criminal investigation into whether some police officers exceeded their authority during the breakup of the protest.

Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has called on Ukrainians to stay calm amid provocations in downtown Kiev.

Public unrest continues in Kiev. The latest reports indicated that protesters are regrouping near a monastery on Mykhailivska Square in downtown Kiev that has become the new focus for the continuing pro-EU rallies. Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said police had no plans to disperse the crowds.