This morning Broderic, Bronwyn and I went to church in Kiev. Afterwards I decided to take my oldest two down to the center (referred to as Maiden) where all the action has been the past 3 months.
I took the cautious route by Metro, and approach the area from quite a distance out. The closer we got, the more amazing the scene. The streets our family has often enjoyed strolling down were completely jammed with army tents, seized army vehicles, and 1000’s of people making their way to the stage area. There were families, grandmothers, even small babies in strollers – while still unpredictable, it was a moment I think we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. A nation wrestling for independence – and the cost on display at every turn.
Broderic snapped shots of our entrance into Kiev – at least 3 separate checkpoints established by the protestors.
The goal of the checkpoints was, and is to ensure protection of the protestors from armed forces and thugs sent in from the East.
Kreshatek – the main street in Kiev was fortified with bags of sand, garbage and everything they could possibly find. They were allowing a single file line in / out and monitoring everything.
This is where many of the International Press are staying. You can see the signs and lights in the windows.
Molotov Cocktail or ‘petrol bomb’ – stash of them along the sidewalk.