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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

13:20 1.12.2013
Crowd estimates varying widely. Arseny Yatsenyuk, the leader of the opposition "Fatherland" party, says 500,000 have turned out. But there is typically a wide gap between estimates from protest organizers and officials.

13:28 1.12.2013
Our Ukrainian Service reports that there are people on a main avenue leading to Independence Square holding Molotov cocktails. Opposition members are trying to identify them, but some in the crowd are accusing them of being provocateurs.
13:38 1.12.2013
Officially, Independence Square was closed to protesters today for holiday preparations. Protesters in the square have taken to hanging Ukrainian flags on the still undecorated monument.
h/t Moscow News
13:42 1.12.2013
Police had cordoned off Independence Square, but when protesters arrived, they retreated, according to "Ukrainska Pravda."
13:44 1.12.2013
Largest gathering since "Orange Revolution" nine years ago, says Reuters Moscow correspondent, reporting from Kyiv.

13:50 1.12.2013
Police guarding presidential compound in Kyiv.
H/T Leonid Ragozin
13:56 1.12.2013
13:59 1.12.2013
According to RIA Novosti news agency, the Interior Ministry has opened 12 criminal cases related to today's events. They include: Acts of hooliganism, disturbances of the public peace, violence against law enforcement, and attempts to occupy public facilities.
14:07 1.12.2013
European leaders chiming in. Two who have been critical of Yanukovych's decision not to sign an Association Agreement:


14:09 1.12.2013
Reports of attacks and smoke now at the presidential compound. Protesters trying to break through.

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