Ukraine’s opposition leaders have continued to ramp up the pressure on embattled President Viktor Yanukovych, as their 24-hour deadline for him to resign and call an early election nears its end.
Former heavyweight champion boxer Vitali Klitschko, who has risen to become a major political force in the pro-EU protests, has pledged to lead protesters on an “attack” against the establishment in Kiev if their demands were not met.
Other opposition leaders have called for calm and to refrain from violence and give Yanukovych the opportunity to disband his government, call fresh elections, and scrap the controversial anti-demonstration legislation that resulted in the death of two protesters as the previously peaceful pro-EU demonstrations descended into chaos over the last few days.
Tensions remain high on the streets after the police arrested as many as 70 protesters, adding more pressure for action tomorrow when the deadline runs out.
Opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk said:
“Tomorrow we will go forward together. And if it’s a bullet in the forehead, then it’s a bullet in the forehead, but in an honest, fair and brave way”
The protesters oppose Yanukovych’s decision to turn Ukraine towards Russia, preferring closer ties with Moscow than with the EU. The protests, which began in November, had been peaceful until the government passed anti-protests laws, which has resulted in an escalation of tension the protesters have marched on official buildings.
The EU has condemned the violence, and has said that it is considering action against the Ukrainian government, and the US has revoked the visas of Ukrainian officials linked to the violence and threatened sanctions.
Russia has accused the US and EU of interfering meddling in Ukraine’s affairs.