Via Sky News:
http://news.sky.com/story/1176373/ukraine-pro-eu-protesters-declare-strikeProtesters in Ukraine have begun a nationwide strike after violent weekend clashes in which hundreds of thousands marched through the streets of Kiev.
The protesters are seeking early elections over President Viktor Yankovych's failure to sign a deal with the European Union.
Thousands of supporters of the ex-Soviet state's closer alliance with Brussels and opposed to closer links with Russia camped out overnight in the capital's Independence Square.
The group huddled in 20 huge military tents to keep warm against the winter chill while musicians performed on a makeshift stage.
More than 5,000 of them then moved toward the government and presidential administration buildings in a bid to force authorities to immediately step down.
Streams of cars honked their horns in support while church bells rang out across the heart of the ancient capital.
The energetic crowd had first defied a ban on protests on Sunday by driving lines of helmeted police off the expansive square in scenes reminiscent of the 2004 pro-democracy Orange Revolution.
Some of the protesters also steered a yellow bulldozer within striking distance of barricades protecting the nearby office of President Viktor Yanukovych.
Security forces outside the president's office fired dozens of stun grenades and smoke bombs at masked demonstrators who were pelting police with stones and Molotov cocktails.
Kiev police spokeswoman Olga Bilyk said that around 100 officers were injured in Sunday's clashes.
Protesters try to break through police lines near the presidential administration building during a rally held by supporters of EU integration in Kiev Protesters try to break through lines of riot police in Kiev
A mayor's office official said nearly 50 demonstrators had also been treated by doctors for various injuries.
More at link.
Why the hell do they want to join? Trade deal, sure - but membership?
