Tens of thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets Sunday to protest President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to reject a sweeping trade-and-political deal with theEuropean Union in favor of closer ties with Russia, the largest rally since the pro-Western Orange Revolution in 2004.
The protest appeared to pose no immediate threat to the government but demonstrated widespread popular anger with Mr. Yanukovych for turning his back on the EU’s offer.
Speaking from a stage on European Square in Kiev, opposition leaders called on Mr. Yanukovych to reverse his decision and sign the EU agreement at a summit at the end of this month. The government Thursday turned its back on the deal under pressure from Russia, saying it needs to fix relations with its former Soviet master to avert significant economic hardship.
Read the full story here.
