Independence Square (aka Maidan) in central Kiev is the epicenter of an ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Protesters have been camped out since December, defending Maidan against Russian-backed riot police and security forces loyal to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. At least 26 people have died in the clashes over the past two days.

Here's what Independence Square looked like in September 2009 as compared to Wednesday morning:

Here's what the square looked like before dawn on Wednesday morning: Smoke rises above Independence Square during anti-government protests in central Kiev in the early hours of February 19, 2014. REUTERS/Petro Zadorozhny