DHAKA: Ukraine’s president Viktor Yanukovich faced calls to resign on Wednesday, one day after securing $15 billion in loans from Russia and a major discount on natural gas prices in a move that has infuriated demonstrators.

Ukraine’s capital Kiev has been gripped by mass protests over the past few weeks after Yanukovich refused to sign a deal with the European Union in favour of apparent closer ties with its former Soviet-era ruler, Russia.

Thousands of demonstrators have camped out at the city’s Independence Square to protest against the decision, reports france24.com.

Yanukovich and Russian president Vladimir Putin finally reached an agreement on Tuesday, effectively ensuring that Ukraine remains firmly in Russia’s orbit.

Protesters immediately reconvened at Independence Square, where they accused the government of selling out.

‘I think the people will eventually have it their way. We will sign up to Europe. That’s why I’m here,’ said Snezhana, a factory worker who was one of hundreds to spend the night at the protest despite freezing temperatures.

Irina Litvinianko, a businesswoman, echoed Snezhana’s comments saying, ‘It’s hard to imagine it could end up in anything else but a change of power’.

BDST: 2039 HRS, DEC 18, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor