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Protesters clash with riot policemen outside the Ukrainian President's office in Kyiv.
Protesters clash with riot policemen outside the Ukrainian President's office in Kyiv.

Live Blog: Protests In Ukraine

Opposition leaders have called for massive protests and a general strike to challenge Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's decision not to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union.

Wednesday -- Barring major events, we will be providing more limited updates on the live blog today.

Long term protest strategy appears to be setting in. Protesters marching to various government buildings, including the central bank and the prosecutor general's office. In Independence Square, meanwhile, the barricades are continuing to grow and thousands still remain.

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Tuesday wrap-up (final post for the evening)

-- Early in the day, the Ukrainian parliament voted against holding a vote of no confidence in the government. They needed 226 votes, but only came up with 186.

-- Angry crowds chanted "shame" outside the parliament. By late afternoon, Independence Square had swelled to at least 10,000 protesters again and the leaders of the three main opposition parties led a crowd of thousands to the presidential administration building. Most, including the opposition leaders returned to Independence Square.

-- Ukrainian Prime Minister Azarov, who survived a potential no-confidence vote this morning, apologized for violence against protesters, but also harshly condemned the continuing demonstrations and the occupation of government buildings. He said the actions are "unconstitutional" and "illegal."

-- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has arrived in China to begin a three day visit, which will be followed by a trip to Russia. Still, he has promised he remains committed to EU integration.

-- Until late November, Yanukovych had said he intended to sign a pact with Europe, but backed out after pressure from Moscow. He also refused to allow former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to leave prison for medical care in Germany -- a key European demand.

-- The encampment in Independence Square remains, with barricades meant to protect it from riot police continuing to grow and crowds of protesters camping out overnight. The city administration building and the trade union building are still occupied.

Glenn Kates

12:36 3.12.2013
To summarize events in parliament so far:

Azarov, speaking in Russian over the shouts of opposition deputies, defended Kyiv's decision not to sign an Association Agreement last week. He said the country's economy could not handle a reduction of trade with Russia. He apologized for the November 30 crackdown on protesters in Independence Square, while imploring protesters to leave government buildings.

The Verkhovna Rada, or parliament, fell short of the support needed to hold a no confidence vote. Parliament is dominated by Yanukovych's Party of Regions.

11:41 3.12.2013
The Ukrainian parliament has rejected (by a vote of 186 of 226) a motion to hold a confidence vote in the goverment.
11:35 3.12.2013
11:33 3.12.2013
11:10 3.12.2013
Raucous scene on floor of Verkhovna Rada as Azarov speaks. Crowd shouting "shame" and "resign."
11:09 3.12.2013
11:06 3.12.2013
11:02 3.12.2013
Protesters shout "shame" as Azarov, who was born in Russia and then moved to largely Russian-speaking Donetsk, adsresses parliament in Russian.

11:01 3.12.2013
11:01 3.12.2013

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