“We have come here to show that we feel European”.<br /><br />So said one of the tens of thousands of Ukrainians marching through Kiev to denounce their government’s U-turn over EU integration.<br /><br />Urged to take to the streets by jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, tight security surrounded the demonstrators. And while many protested peacefully, carrying a giant EU flag, scuffles have taken place. In one incident, a tent set up by rival Communists was torn to piece amid cries of “Shame”.<br /><br />Nearby a rally was being held in support of the government’s decision to turn its back on Brussels in favour of reviving ties with Russia.<br /><br />President Viktor Yanukovich had been due to sign a landmark deal with the EU next week. But he came under pressure from Russia, Ukraine’s biggest trading partner and main source of gas, to join a Moscow-led customs union instead.
