Rally underway in Kyiv ahead of Normandy Format summit

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, politicians and civic activists deliver their speeches on a stage put up near the Independence Monument.

"Today, we all have gathered here because we feel the threats that Ukraine faces. We see [Russian President Vladimir] Putin trying to implement his plan for our state," former Verkhovna Rada Chairman and incumbent MP Andriy Parubiy said.

The rally participants are holding state flags, party symbols, periodically chanting "No to Surrender" and" Strong Together!"

The rally was organized by the European Solidarity party, NGO Solidarna Molod and NGO Sprava Gromad.

Organizers said it was a peaceful rally that "must be heard in government offices."

Police officers are maintaining public order on the square.

The rally is to continue on the square near the Presidential Office on Bankova Street and will last all night. Activists plan to put up tents.

Earlier, the political parties European Solidarity, Holos and Batkivshchyna made a joint statement to prevent the violation of Ukraine's national interests ahead of a Normandy Format meeting.

The leaders of the Normandy Four countries are due to meet in Paris on December 9.

Zelensky said he would not betray national interests at the Normandy Format summit and called on Ukrainians to trust him.

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