Throughout the weekend, hundreds of thousands of protestors took to the streets of Kiev, demanding that President Viktor Yanukovych step down for reversing his decision on signing an agreement to join a European Union trade agreement. The accord would continue to put the nation of Ukraine on a pro-West path following the “Orange Revolution” that led to dramatic democratic reforms almost a decade ago. The EU agreement had been years in the making. Though demonstrations began peacefully, by Sunday, reports of police using excessive violence and force began to surface, with hundreds being treated for injuries. Though the president said he “condemned the actions that led to violent confrontation”, his office reportedly rejected the letter of resignation from his chief of staff, who attempted to quit because of the violent response by authorities. So far, three other lawmakers from his own political party have stepped down in light of the violent crackdown. The demonstrations and stand-offs with police are on-going …
