There Are Now French Revolution-Style Barricades In Ukraine

Do you hear the people sing?

Since huge demonstrations broke out this month, barricades have sprung up around Kiev as Ukrainians call for the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Since December 1, the protesters have been living in tents around the barricades, with temperatures dropping as low as -13C (8F).

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Protesters have been protecting their territory by pouring water in front of the barricades to make the ground slippery.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Some of the barricades by the presidential administration and cabinet building were dismantled on Monday.

Gleb Garanich / Reuters

Stronger barricades went up around Maidan, made from sandbags, tires, wood, barbed wire and snow.

Gleb Garanich / Reuters

However, they were stormed by thousands of police officers early Wednesday morning.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Ukraine's police chief later said that the officers were only there to clear roads and that peaceful protesters would not be harmed.

Gleb Garanich / Reuters

But the police coordinated a surprise attack in the middle of the night and began tearing apart the barricades.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

The police were ordered not to touch anyone after their initial brutality garnered international concern, but the protesters fought back, causing a scuffle.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

The EU's top foreign policy advisor, Catherine Ashton, was in Ukraine when the brawl occurred and expressed disgust at how the protesters were treated.

Gleb Garanich / Reuters

Despite the brawl and damage done to the barricades, the EuroMaidan participants have simply started rebuilding.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

The protesters are still out there.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

This song felt appropriate: