Protesters in Kiev, Ukraine are threatening a tighter blockade around government buildings – And Ukraine’s prime minister is making it clear that the government would not shy away from preventing the rising demonstrations by force.

The government survived a no confidence vote, and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov apologized for the riot police’s violent crackdown that seems to have only stoked more anger from a populace angry that the government refused to sign a trade and political deal with the European Union.  NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels condemned the crackdown’, and urged Ukraine “to fully abide by its international commitments and to uphold the freedom of expression and assembly.”

Azarov is warning against continued protests, which he claims looks like an oncoming coup d'etat.  But the opposition shows no signs of knuckling under.

“I am calling on you not to give up,” boxing champion turned opposition leader Vitali Klitschko told the protesters after the government survived the no-confidence vote.

But the government is getting no relief from international markets, which drove the cost of insuring Ukrainian debt against default to a level not seen since January 2010.  Ukraine faces gas bills and debt repayments next year of more than A$18.75 Billion.