Supporters of both the opposition and government in Ukraine have been streaming into Kyiv ahead of mass rally’s planned for Sunday.
The country’s Prime Minister, Mykola Azarov, addressed thousands of demonstrators gathered at Europe Square just hundreds of metres from the heart of the anti-government protests.
He told the crowd that they have to “fulfil certain conditions” such as legalising same-sex marraige. He then asked whether Ukranians “were ready to adopt an equal rights law for sexual minorities?” An overwhelming “no” could be heard from the thousands of government supporters.
No solution was reached at round table talks between President Yanukovich and the opposition on Friday.
One woman from Western Ukraine said it only took her “ten minutes to get ready for the rally.” She added that she’s “tired of the opposition’s opinion” on matters and they must “recognise the many positive changes in the country. Life isn’t that bad”
Hundreds of demonstrators remain camped out behind barricades in freezing temperatures on Independence Square.
US Senators John McCain and Chris Murphy are expected to attend on Sunday. The United States has condemned the harsh government measures against protesters.
One opposition protester said “tomorrow will see more than one million people come together”. He added that last Sunday’s protests brought together many demonstrators.
People have been arriving from all over the country throughout the day ahead of what is set to be a tense day of protests on Sunday.
