Pro-European Union activists wave the huge banned old Belarus historical flag during a rally in the Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013. President Vladimir Putin says Russia's $15-billion bailout for Ukraine is driven by a desire to help a partner in a desperate situation and isn't linked to its talks with the European Union. The Kremlin's move comes as Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych faces massive street protests over his decision to spike a pact with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky)