Overnight, protests in the Ukrainian capital Kiev continue to rage, with 25 people dead and more than 240 hospitalized in the violent showdown between opposition demonstrators and police. The conflict is the culmination of months of protests as citizens voice their demands for pro-Western reforms while the government of President Viktor Yanukovych has instead strengthened ties to Russia. Following the institution of an anti-protest law, even more demonstrators packed the streets of the city’s Independence Square. The face-off with authorities has led to massive fires as Yankovych issued a ominous warning to protestors who do not “disassociate themselves from the radical forces that provoke bloodshed and clashes with law enforcement.” EU leaders have scheduled a special meeting to discuss the situation, and may imposed sanctions because of the crackdown …
