- Title: POLAND: Residents protest in Poland in solidarity with demonstrators in Kiev
- Date: 30th January 2014
- Summary: DEMONSTRATORS DANCING AND SINGING ANTHEM OF 2004 ORANGE REVOLUTION
- Embargoed: 14th February 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Poland
- Country: Poland
- Topics: International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVAEZUVYQDG9HGQVPDOPJ5A4A176
- Story Text: Polish and Ukrainian citizens demonstrate in the centre of Warsaw in solidarity with demonstrators on the 'Maidan' in Kiev., Kiev.
Demonstrations in support of Ukrainians took to the street in the Polish capital on Thursday (January 30) to show solidarity with the movement on the 'Maidan' (Kiev's Independence Square).
Organisers collected money, medication and donations of warm clothing.
"Polish democracy is on the same side as Ukraine's democracy. We are not only doing this for Ukraine, but also for ourselves because we want a democratic, independent and decent country as our neighbour," Adam Michnik, the editor-in-chief of Poland's largest newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, told demonstrators gathered in Warsaw.
A large metal cage was placed in the middle of the protest to symbolise the way Ukrainians feel in their country, organisers said.
"This cage symbolises the prison which is the Ukrainian country for its citizens. They demonstrate because they want to be truly free, they are fighting for democracy," volunteer Szymon said as he stood inside the cage.
Demonstrators, which numbered in the thousands according to organisers, sang the Ukrainian national anthem and famous Ukrainian songs while some held banners reading, "We are with You".
Protesters also included some Ukrainians living in Poland.
"I came here to support Ukraine - my nation which is in a difficult situation," Irina said.
"We (Ukrainians) thank all Poles," said Nadzieja.
Organizers estimate, that during for hours of demonstration there was a few thousands of people.
Since November 2013, thousands of demonstrators held a sit in at Kiev's Independence Square to demonstrate against President Viktor Yanukovich's decision to shelve a trade deal with the European Union (EU) and pursue closer ties with Russia.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich went on sick leave on Thursday (January 30) after a bruising session of parliament, leaving a political vacuum in a country threatened with bankruptcy and destabilised by anti-government protests.
The 63-year-old president appeared increasingly isolated in a crisis born of a tug-of-war between the West and Ukraine's former Soviet overlord Russia. A former president said this week the violence between demonstrators and police had brought the country to the brink of civil war. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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