Anti-government protesters in Ukraine remained defiant on Saturday (December 21) continuing to camp on Kiev's Independence Square, a month after demonstrations against President Viktor Yanukovich first began.

Even though their numbers start to get smaller, hundreds of protesters still spent a further night sleeping in tents through the cold winter night, and spending their morning keeping warm beside fires, chopping wood and preparing food.

In recent days Christmas trees have been set up throughout the encampment as the festive holiday approaches.

Protests began in November when people were angered by the decision of President Viktor Yanukovich to move away from a trade and association agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Europe.

Ukraine's embattled President Yanukovich gave a live television address on Thursday (December 19) where he explained the reasons for signing a deal With Russian President Vladimir Putin who agreed to a 15 bill