EU or Russia? Ukraine Exchange arguments on the street

In the center of Kiev, separated by a few hundred meters, Pro-Union demonstrators and Government supporters measure forces. The situation is tense and tends to worsen with the expected arrival of more people, this Friday, at the end of the working day.

So far, the pro-European pressure doesn't seem to have worked. President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign the association agreement with the European Union but, in Independence Square, protesters promise not to turn up until "victory". Claim that they were "a lot of time with Russia" not achieved "nothing". Consider that Moscow treats them as a "younger brother" and claim the status of "independent country" that want to "live better".

From Eastern Ukraine, where ties with Russia remain very deep, hundreds of buses brought supporters of President Yanukovych to the capital for a counter-demonstration. You say you're not "against the signature of an association agreement with the European Union, but that there is a right time for everything and that moment has not yet arrived". Come support the President because they believe that the country "does not need European integration right now."

Dependent on Russian gas and with almost 6 billion euros to pay for next year, the Kiev Government prefers, per hour, trust in the Kremlin, even if relations with Vladimir Putin are not the best.

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