Kiev police chief resigns after riot police violence

By Susanna Capelouto, CNN, and Journalist Victoria Butenko

Updated 1632 GMT (0032 HKT) December 1, 2013

Newlyweds Mikhail and Margarita Nakonechniy kiss in front of barricades on Independence Square in a gesture of support for pro-Europe activists in Kiev, Ukraine, on Saturday, December 21. Protesters have poured into the streets of the Ukrainian capital, angered by their government's move away from the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Newlyweds Mikhail and Margarita Nakonechniy kiss in front of barricades on Independence Square in a gesture of support for pro-Europe activists in Kiev, Ukraine, on Saturday, December 21. Protesters have poured into the streets of the Ukrainian capital, angered by their government's move away from the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia.
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Protesters fill Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on Tuesday, December 17.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Protesters fill Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on Tuesday, December 17.
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A girl wearing a traditional Ukrainian wreath attends an opposition rally in Independence Square on December 17.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – A girl wearing a traditional Ukrainian wreath attends an opposition rally in Independence Square on December 17.
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A young girl stands next to police officers guarding the presidential offices in central Kiev on December 17.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – A young girl stands next to police officers guarding the presidential offices in central Kiev on December 17.
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Protesters sit behind wood bricks in Independence Square on December 17. Written on the bricks are names of Ukrainian settlements whose inhabitants are taking part in the demonstrations.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Protesters sit behind wood bricks in Independence Square on December 17. Written on the bricks are names of Ukrainian settlements whose inhabitants are taking part in the demonstrations.
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Flowers are stuck on barriers in front of Ukrainian Interior forces guarding Kiev's administrative district on December 17.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Flowers are stuck on barriers in front of Ukrainian Interior forces guarding Kiev's administrative district on December 17.
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Pro-EU activists march in Kiev on December 17.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Pro-EU activists march in Kiev on December 17.
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Pro-EU activists stand guard at barricades guarding a heavily fortified tent camp in Independence Square on December 17.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Pro-EU activists stand guard at barricades guarding a heavily fortified tent camp in Independence Square on December 17.
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Activists warm themselves beside a bonfire as they guard barricades at Independence Square on Monday, December 16.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Activists warm themselves beside a bonfire as they guard barricades at Independence Square on Monday, December 16.
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Pro-EU activists cook during a rally in Independence Square on Sunday, December 15.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – Pro-EU activists cook during a rally in Independence Square on Sunday, December 15.
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U.S. Sens. John McCain, center, and Chris Murphy, right, join Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko during a mass rally at Independence Square on December 15. McCain told protesters seeking closer ties with Europe, "The free world is with you, America is with you."
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – U.S. Sens. John McCain, center, and Chris Murphy, right, join Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko during a mass rally at Independence Square on December 15. McCain told protesters seeking closer ties with Europe, "The free world is with you, America is with you."
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An estimated 200,000 pro-EU activists gather during a rally in Independence Square on December 15.
Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests
Ukraine protests – An estimated 200,000 pro-EU activists gather during a rally in Independence Square on December 15.