Protest in Kiev: Parliament and Tent Camps

The bulk of protesters who have been holding rallies outside government offices and the presidential administration marched Tuesday to the parliament, where opposition parties tried, but failed, to force the ouster of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov’s government.

The street outside the Ukrainian parliament hummed with protesters.

The entrance to parliament was blocked by several police buses and was protected by a squad of Berkut special forces.

All approaches the Cabinet office were blocked by improvised barricades and cars.

The Ukrainian opposition demanded a confidence vote on the government be the first item on the agenda for parliament on Tuesday.

Even at night, demonstrators did not abandon central squares in the city.

Despite the chilly weather, people demanding the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov have said they will not stand down.

Some protesters stayed overnight at the St. Michael Golden-Domed Monastery.

Protesters have installed many large army tents equipped with heaters so people can get warm.

Some people brought thermos bottles, but most used improvised feeding posts installed outside the Cabinet offices.

Mass protests started on November 21 in Kiev and other Ukrainian regions after the government announced it would suspend preparations for an Association Agreement with the EU.

On Sunday, a rally in Kiev was attended by about 500,000 people and resulted in the takeover of the city hall and the House of Trade Unions, as well as in mass clashes between protesters and police. According to the Interior Ministry and the Kiev city administration, 190 protesters and 140 police officers have been injured in clashes to date.