Ukraine In Turmoil Amid Threats From Prime Minister

(Vatican Radio)-- Ukraine's political and social turmoil increased Wednesday after the country's prime minister warned Western regions they may be left without crucial funding if anti-government protests continue.


Despite the threat, thousands of people continued rallying on Kyiv's Independence Square and besieging key government buildings.


They demand the resignation of the government because the president refused to sign the European Union Association Agreement.


Opposition leader and boxing champion Vitali Klitschko believes closer ties with the West is crucial for his former Soviet nation's future.


"Seven million people don't have a job [here] and work in another country outside Ukraine. We have to change that," he complained. "Everybody understands that [situation], but it's very important to motivate people to fight for their rights and to fight for their

future," Klitschko said.


RUSSIA PRESSURE

Yet, President Victor Yanukovych's government says it wants to focus on ties with neighboring Russia instead.


Commentators say Russia is unwilling to lose this former part of its Soviet empire to the West.

Though President Yanukovych was in China Wednesday, the government showed no signs of yielding to pro-EU protesters.


Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, who survived a chaotic no-confidence vote, urged the opposition to end its blockade of government buildings.


He also warned western regions, that they may be left without

federal funding if local officials continue announced protest strikes.

NATO CONCERNED

The NATO military alliance is concerned about reports of violence against demonstrators, said its Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.


"We condemn the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators in Ukraine," he said.


"We call on all parties to refrain from provocations and violence," the NATO leader added.


Yet, amid escalating tensions there is hope: Ukrainian women have been offering warm tea and biscuits to riot police, urging them to remain peaceful.


Listen to the report by Stefan Bos: