Police Remove Kiev's 'Euromaidan' Protest Settlement over Ukrainian Objections

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.

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.