Protesters around Kyiv’s Independence Square have clashed with workers cleaning up Maidan, the first serious spring-clean since a revolution saw President Viktor Yanukovytch ousted six months ago.<br /><br /> Many activists set tyres on fire in protest against the city government’s move.<br /><br /> Some former protesters have joined the police service but the square’s tent city remains. <br /><br /> Protester Ivan Bilan said: “Look, at that side – my former activist comrades are now volunteers at Kyiv 1 battalion. The policemen betrayed me, we all used to eat together.”<br /><br /> Many protesters have said they will stay on the square to make sure the new government follows through on its promises of reform.<br /><br /> Sergei, a special forces police battalion officer, said: “We have to clean and clear out this rubbish and only leave those who really fight for political interests.” <br /><br /> Kyiv authorities have been negotiating with the protesters to clear the square since Vitali Klitschko was elected city mayor in May.
