Torn between East and West
Demonstrators try to break through a line of riot police in Ukraine, where protests have erupted over President Viktor Yanukovich’s decision to abandon a European Union trade pact, and instead seek closer ties with Russia.
Ukraine, an ex-Soviet state that borders four EU countries, has long been caught between East and West. Now, in the wake of Yanukovich’s move towards Moscow, hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to pro-Europe protests.
A man throws a flare during a pro-EU integration rally.
Another man swings a chain as protesters try to break through police lines near the presidential administration building.
Riot officers move in to break up demonstrations near the government building.
Protesters hurl stones as they try to break through police lines.
A demonstrator stands in Independence Square.
Protesters warm themselves by a fire in front of Kiev’s Mikhailovsky Zlatoverkhy Cathedral.
Demonstrators provide medical assistance in the cathedral, where many sought refuge from police.
Protesters occupy a meeting room inside Kiev's city hall.
Demonstrators sleep on the floor inside the city hall, as others look out for police.
Unidentified men break the door of the Kiev City Council building during a rally.
Participants at a demonstration attack an unidentified man, who was treated as a provocateur by rally organisers.
Men kneel down while riot police stand guard near the presidential administration building.
Interior Ministry officers gather during a pro-EU demonstration.
An aerial view shows Independence Square, crowded by supporters of EU integration.
Protesters hold up their mobile phones during a rally in the square.
Opposition leaders Oleg Tyagnibok (right), of the far-right nationalist Svoboda Party, and Vitaly Klitschko (left), of the UDAR party, address supporters of EU integration during a rally.
A protester shouts slogans wrapped in a EU flag during a demonstration in front of the Mikhailovsky Zlatoverkhy Cathedral.
Protesters clash with riot police during a pro-EU rally.
Demonstrators clash with officers.
A protester holds a flower while wrapped in an EU flag.
Others sing the Ukrainian anthem during a rally in Independence Square.
