Tens of thousands of people protested against President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to snub a potentially historic deal with the European Union and focus on ties with Moscow, after immense pressure from Russia.
Yanukovych's government suddenly announced last week that it was halting its plans to sign the political association and trade deal with the 28-member EU in order to boost ties with Russia instead, after several years of preparations and firm promises from Yanukovych that he would sign it.
The government argues the Ukrainian economy would not survive a trade war with Russia, after the Kremlin imposed restrictions on Ukrainian exports, warning Kiev of a possible trade blockade if it goes ahead with the EU deal
