EuroMaidan Revolution
Matt Kaminski: In the protest-filled square of Kyiv
A stroll through downtown Kiev helps explain the political standoff in Ukraine.
Start at Independence Square, a concrete oval between hills and Soviet-era buildings, bisected by Kiev's main street, Khreshchatyk Boulevard. By midday Wednesday, Ukrainians by the tens of thousands—including, against youthful type, many who were middle-aged or beyond—stood beside wood-burning barrels, drank tea (no alcohol in sight) and held Ukrainian and European Union flags. Music and speeches issued from a colorful stage. Nearby a large sign summed up the protesters' demands: "A European Ukraine."