(28 Nov 2013) Demonstrators camped out in Liberty Square in central Kiev overnight on Wednesday, keeping up a nearly week-long protest against the Ukrainian government's decision to ditch an agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Russia.
Despite freezing temperatures, they said they had no intention of ending the protest unless President Viktor Yanukovych agrees to sign the planned association agreement.
Yanukovych is still set to attend a summit in Vilnius on Thursday at which the deal was due to be signed, and some hoped he might change his mind at the last moment.
"I do believe in the wisdom of our President and believe that he will make the right decision for the country and not for himself only, we hope for that," said Olga, a protester from Ternopol.
Others said there seemed to be no sign Yanukovych would back down.
"During the period of his presidency, we have come to understand that he is a dishonest man who does not do anything to make the country better and improve conditions for people. We will stay here until the end and will demand his resignation," said protester Nazar.
Yanukovych's government says Ukraine cannot afford to sacrifice trade with Russia for closer ties to the EU.
As Kiev intensified talks with Brussels in recent months, Russia imposed punishing trade sanctions.
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