You're reading: Kyiv central square enclosed with metal fence on the eve of Orange Revolution anniversary

A metal fence used during public events was placed around the perimeter of Independence Square in Kyiv on Nov. 21.

A base for the frame of a Christmas tree has been set in the center of the square. Several cars and a bus with tinted windows are parked nearby.

Such buses usually carry officers of the Berkut riot police force. The fenced area is patrolled by the police.

A spokesman for the main office of the capital city’s police told Interfax-Ukraine that the increased patrolling on Independence Square was not connected with the upcoming anniversary of the Orange Revolution.

"Preparations for setting up the main Christmas tree are underway on Independence square," the spokesman said.

Nov. 22 marks the seventh anniversary of the Orange Revolution in Ukraine.

A number of parties and non-governmental organizations declared their intention to hold the festivities on Independence Square despite a court ban.

Kyiv District Administrative Court satisfied an appeal by Kyiv City State Administration and banned the celebration of the Day of Freedom on Independence Square.

The Freedom Day was established by a decree of the third president of Ukraine (2005-2010), Viktor Yuschenko, in 2005 to commemorate the 2004 Orange Revolution.