On Friday 21st February 2014, President Viktor Yanukovych and leaders of the anti-government opposition agreed to go forward with the following: Hold new elections, form a coalition government, and bring back a drafted set of laws from 2004. This agreement could end the violence in Ukraine, which has led to the deaths of more than 70 people. This violence has been going on for about a week now.

In November 2013, the Ukrainian President was set to have signed an agreement with the European Union that would have permitted free trade deals and closer political relations with Europe. Signing this meant that Ukraine would be distancing from its favourite trading partner- Russia, and would be getting closer to the West, politically. 

This week of violence however was preceded by three months of protests. These are against the Ukrainian President’s decision of rejecting an EU treaty, as he was in favour of closer ties with Russia.

Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko (A former heavyweight boxer may I add) told protesters to defend the camp in Ukraine's capital Kiev. He told the crowd of protesters that they "will not go anywhere" from the camp and that Ukraine "is an island of freedom and [they] will defend it".


The protesters' tents went up in flames and the more confrontational protesters chanted "Glory to Ukraine".

The protesters are Ukrainians who wanted closer ties with Europe. They began protesting in Kiev's Independence Square. Police arrested more than 30 people on their first encounter which led to a crowd of 100'000 people to join alongside the protesters.

Hundreds have been wounded since then, as well as the deaths of 70 people due to the clash between the police and the people...and of course the President. 

Protesters accused Yanukovych of ignoring their demands and constitutions that would limit presidential power. Then, predictably, police decided to respond with violence which sparked more and more violence.

The country itself is struggling with recession and these protests, the violence, and the damage caused by improper conduct is not doing the economy any favours.

Today, it has been reported that the President has left Kiev and that the opposition leaders want him to step down as soon as possible so that new elections can be held in May this year.

Protesters have now gained full control over the capital, Kiev, after a deal was signed to end the three month crisis in Ukraine.