Kiev Pro-EU Protesters Erect Ice Barricades

Pro-EU protesters in downtown Kiev have not only rebuilt their barricades after riot police crackdown in the wee hours Wednesday, but have erected new ones.

The barricades are 5-meters high and are made from water that freezes in seconds due to subzero temperatures in the Ukrainian capital.

The protesters are also using old tires, metal fences and other material, making the center of the city their stronghold. Thousands remain there despite the severe cold.

They say they need medications, gas masks, and tools to do repairs.

People from Western Ukraine continue to flock to the capital to support the demonstrations, while subway drivers are defying police orders and are transporting protesters to downtown Kiev.

It was also reported that the CEO of Microsoft Ukraine has taken leave in order to join the rallies.

They were sparked by the government's refusal to sign a deal on closer ties with the European Union.

The U-turn followed pressure from Russia, which has said Ukraine's free trade deal with the EU will flood the Russian market.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych stated Thursday that he was ready to negotiate with the opposition and was inclined to sign the Association Agreement with the EU, but was not going to act as a hostage held at gunpoint.

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