According to the Kyiv police, up to 2,000 people are participating in the protest, entitled "Say Stop to the Crisis!" organized by the Regions Party on Independence Square in Kyiv on Friday.

A total of 275 police officers are maintaining order on the square.

A large stage has been set up with a sign reading, "Stop the Crisis" and "The Government Should Resign!"

The traffic has not been blocked on Khreschatyk Street.

The protesters are holding posters reading "Prices and tariffs – under state control!" "There should be criminal charges for the violation of labor laws!" as well as the flags of the Regions Party and Ukrainian national flags.

Party leader Viktor Yanukovych is expected to address the protesters at 1500.

The Regions Party earlier said around 15,000 protesters would gather on Independence Square.

The party is organizing similar protests in other large Ukrainian cities.