Protesters in Kiev Build Barricade in front of Govt HQ

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are gathered in Kiev's Independence Square in the latest pro-EU protest.

The protests, now in their third week, express Ukrainians' discontent with the refusal of President Viktor Yanukovych's government to sign a strategic deal with the EU and seek closer ties with Russia.

The protesters are seeking the resignation of the government and early presidential and general elections.

Sunday's rally is attended by some 50 000 – 200 000 people, according to reports of different international news agencies.

The protesters are building a barricade of stone benches and planks around the government's HQ, with gazeta.ru informing that the barricade is around 1m high. Tents are being opened in the same place in order to ensure a permanent blockade.

Yanukovych had reportedly been given an ultimatum to request the dissolution of the government in 48 hours.

Some of the protesters are wearing helmets in case clashes break out with riot police.

Meanwhile, a counter-rally of supporters of Yanukovych was held in the Mariyinsky park, with Ukrainska Pravda saying that it was attended by 15 000.

The organizers of the pro-EU rally hope that it will bring together 1 million people.

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