Ukraine protests: Before and after pictures capture devastation in Kiev’s Independence Square

Independence Square in Kiev in 2009 (top) and the same square pictured in February 2014

Before and after pictures of Kiev’s Independence Square capture the devastation caused by three months of deadly violence in the Ukrainian capital.


The top picture shows blue skies over the city’s central square in April 2009, long before some of the deadliest violence in Ukraine’s post-Soviet history erupted on the streets.

This combination of pictures shows Independence Square in Kiev on April 22, 2009 and the same square pictured on February 20, 2014,

Dozens of protestors have been killed and hundreds injured during the crisis in a nation which has divided loyalties between Russia and the West.

KIEV, UKRAINE – FEBRUARY 18: An injured anti-government protester lies on the ground during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine’s parliament on February 18, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine. Violent clashes erupted yesterday following renewed anti-government protests, with the death toll rising to 25. The anti-government protest originally started in November, after Ukrainian president Victor Yanukovych refused an association agreement with the European Union. (Photo by Vladislav Sodel/Kommersant Photo via Getty Images)

Earlier today, Ukraine’s opposition leaders signed a deal with president Viktor Yanukovych for early elections and a new government in hope of ending the political crisis.
A key question is whether the thousands of protesters camped out in Kiev will accept it.