Ukraine: Protesters fill Kiev's main square, as president announces return to work
- 10 years ago
Ukraine’s embattled president has announced that he is returning to work on Monday after four days’ sick leave.
It came as thousands of protesters filled Kiev’s main square – demanding that he give up power.
Opposition leaders, fresh from meeting European US officials at a conference in Munich, told the crowd that they would secure international aid of they were able to take power.
“We have a common understanding with our Western partners about what should be done in Ukraine and how much money it requires,” said Arseniy Yatsenyuk, leader of Ukraine’s opposition Fatherland Party.
“But first of all, the question is who will be executing this plan of change for Ukraine, as no one trusts this regime.”
President Viktor Yanukovych angered opponents when he spurned a trade pact with the EU – turning to Russia for financial support instead.
He has since signed legislation revoking
unpopular new restrictions on protest meetings.But that has failed to appease opponents – who are demanding the release of dozens of people arrested in recent weeks.
It came as thousands of protesters filled Kiev’s main square – demanding that he give up power.
Opposition leaders, fresh from meeting European US officials at a conference in Munich, told the crowd that they would secure international aid of they were able to take power.
“We have a common understanding with our Western partners about what should be done in Ukraine and how much money it requires,” said Arseniy Yatsenyuk, leader of Ukraine’s opposition Fatherland Party.
“But first of all, the question is who will be executing this plan of change for Ukraine, as no one trusts this regime.”
President Viktor Yanukovych angered opponents when he spurned a trade pact with the EU – turning to Russia for financial support instead.
He has since signed legislation revoking
unpopular new restrictions on protest meetings.But that has failed to appease opponents – who are demanding the release of dozens of people arrested in recent weeks.