(1 Mar 2014) Pro-Russian demonstrations broke out in major cities in eastern and southern Ukraine on Saturday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin was granted parliamentary permission to use troops to protect Russians in the country.
Demonstrators in the country's second largest city of Kharkhiv raised the Russian flag over the city hall after a demonstration turned violent.
Russia supporters clashed with backers of the Ukrainian government who were guarding the building and government supporters were left beaten and bloodied.
Ukrainian media also reported pro-Russians demonstrations in Donetsk and Odessa. All three cities have large Russian-speaking populations.
"I welcome Russia," said one man who gathered in the square in Kharkhiv.
"I think what's happening here is just a small provocation. I think we are closer to Russia than the West," he added.
When asked whether he would prefer Ukraine to be part of Russia, he answered "One hundred percent!"
Saturday's developments were a marked escalation of conflict between the two countries, which started when Ukraine's pro-Russian president was pushed out by a protest movement of people who wanted closer ties to Europe.
Support for Russia remains strong in the industrial eastern regions, which depend on Russian natural gas supplies and the vast Russian market.
Many in the mainly Russia-speaking east and south want close ties with Russia.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
