The crisis in Ukraine has seen at least 77 people killed and many more seriously injured.
The unrest was instigated when President Viktor Yanukovych pulled out of a trade pact between Ukraine and the European Union. The embattled leader instead moved to forge closer ties with Russia.
The deal would have seen Ukraine and the EU become closer politically and opened borders to trade. Ukraine is now in a tug-a-war between the EU and Russia.
Gas bills
President Yanukovych claimed gas bills would increase if he proceeded with the EU deal; however, Ukrainians were angered by what was perceived as leaning towards Russia.
Ukraine has been historically divided by neighbouring powers and close to 250 years ago was the subject of ‘Russification’ when Catherine the Great of Russia invaded held the country. This history has a strong bearing on the people of Ukraine today.
On December 17th, 2013, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered economic olive branch to Ukraine, with $15bn of loans and access to cheaper gas supplies. The protesters saw this as Moscow buying off the President.
Historic ties
In light of increasing number at protests Parliament then passed a number of anti-protest laws, which opposition claimed were eroding freedom of expression; most of the laws later repealed.
More than 100,000 people attended demonstrations in Kiev, the largest protest in Ukraine since the Orange Revolution in 2004.
After days of bloodshed there is now a delicate peace in Ukraine, even though Yanukovych has refused to stand down after the Government voting to oust him from power.
Opposition leader
The newly released opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko has said the 'dictatorship has fallen' while addressing thousands of protestors at Independence Square in Kiev.
Opposition activists in Ukraine are now declaring victory over Government forces according to the latest reports coming from Kiev, the capital, tonight.
All eyes are now on Russia, to see how they will react to the news that their ally in the form of Yanukovych is now in exile from government.
Russia expert at University College London, Martin McCauley, says one of the key questions is what President Putin will do.
The centre of Kiev was devastated during the most recent conflict
Reporter David Bowden describes the scenes of destruction on Newstalk Breakfast on February 20th, 2014 to the backdrop of time lapse photos of Kiev's Independence Square.
Keep up to date with the story as it breaks on Newstalk.
