A peaceful march in Odessa in support of Euromaidan
took place on February 9, 2014.

3,700 people attended the March. There is a common misconception that Euromaidan supporters are all from Western Ukraine, represent Western values, and are therefore alien to Eastern and Southern Ukraine.

To combat this misconception, the march participants carried portraits of “Western people” who founded the international city of Odesa – Jose de Ribas, Francois de Wollant, etc., labeling them “zapadentsy” (a derogatory title for people from Western Ukraine that has been given to them by the Russian-oriented population).

 Source:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=702517869770340&set=o.220542374796239&type=1

Also today, opposition parties put the number of anti-government protesters, who flooded back onto EuroMaidan for a mass demonstration upon today’s return of President Yanukovych from Sochi Olympics opening ceremonies and “private talks” with Putin, at 50,000 people (while other sources put it at 70,000). Protesters vow never to give up their drive to oust President Viktor Yanukovych for his criminal behavior and alliance with Putin. Neither Russian nor Ukrainian officials would disclose details of the private conversation between the two men except to say it was brief. Yanukovych was expected to discuss the fate of the purported $15 billion Russian bailout whose delivery has been frozen now until the formation of a new government.

February 9, 2014. Independence Square, Kiev.

These Euromaidan rallies took place despite a warning of an alleged heightened risk of terrorism that was issued today by Ukraine’s security agency. Counterterrorism units were said to be put on alert and international airports, train, bus stations, and power plants were particularly at risk. It added that seizure of government buildings would be viewed as manifestations of terrorism, in a warning to demonstrators.

Opposition leaders repeated calls for: “A new constitution. A new president. A new government. A new country. This is what we want and we will prevail. Glory to Ukraine.”

Sources: RadioSvoboda, KyivPost, Voice of America.