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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

14:58 1.12.2013
Via our Ukrainian Service, Vitali Klitschko has gone to where protesters were gathered near the presidential building and asked them to return to Independence Square.
15:03 1.12.2013
Livestream of events near presidential compound here.
15:19 1.12.2013
15:19 1.12.2013
15:34 1.12.2013
15:46 1.12.2013
More video of clashes between police and protesters.

16:00 1.12.2013
The situation appears to have mostly settled by the presidential administration building. Meanwhile, in Independence Square, darkness has fallen but the crowd remains massive.
16:26 1.12.2013
The "Kyiv Post" reports that police officials say their members have sustained about 100 injuries. They are currently "negotiating" the return of government buildings that have been occupied by activists.

A police spokesman told Interfax-Ukraine that officials are explaining that "their actions are illegal and asked to voluntary leave the buildings."
16:39 1.12.2013
Our Ukrainian Service head is reporting from Kyiv's City Hall. One of the occupants defaced an official photo of Yanukovych, apparently drawing a Hitler mustache above his lip. The letters on the forehead spell out "zek" -- slang for convict. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the president spent time in prison for robbery and assault. He has attributed these events to youthful indiscretion.

16:46 1.12.2013

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