(31 Dec 2013) Thousands of Ukrainians were expected to descend upon Independence Square in the heart of the capital Kiev on Tuesday night to usher in the new year.
They were expected to join opposition leaders and anti-government protesters camped out in the Square to try set the record for the most people to sing a national anthem at the same time.
Preparations were underway for the midnight festivities ahead, with activists who have spent more than a month camped out in protest against President Viktor Yanukovich decorating trees and cooking special dishes for new year revellers.
A large New Year tree, plastered with opposition posters and flags since anti-government protests started last month, still stands in the square.
Opposition leaders say the tree has become a symbol of the current mood in Ukraine and will be remembered by generations to come.
Yanukovych has faced daily protests for over a month in central Kiev against his surprise decision last month to drop a landmark deal with the European Union.
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