26 Unbelievable Photos From The Battered Heart Of Ukraine

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Protesters held their own through the morning.

AP/Sergei Chuzavkov

An anti-government protester relaxes during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. The deadly clashes in Ukraine’s capital have drawn sharp reactions from Washington, generated talk of possible European Union sanctions and led to a Kremlin statement blaming Europe and the West.

 

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And reinforcements poured into a smoldering Maidan.

REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili

Anti-government protesters gather in Independence Square in central Kiev February 19, 2014. Ukraine's interim prime minister said on Wednesday that protests which brought violent clashes with police on Tuesday amounted to an attempted coup.

 

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As both sides dig on Wednesday, it doesn't look like the crisis will end peacefully.

AP/Sergei Chuzavkov

Anti-government protesters gather stones during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014.

 

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Citizens are working together to stockpile rocks for building and throwing.

REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko

Anti-government protesters gather and break stones during a rally in central Kiev February 19, 2014.

 

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So Independence Square remains a warzone.

REUTERS/Olga Yakimovich

An aerial view shows Independence Square during clashes between anti-government protesters and Interior Ministry members and riot police in central Kiev February 19, 2014.

 

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