The Ukrainian Parliament has voted to release jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko - without requiring the president's signature.

She's seen as the arch-rival of President Yanukovych - her arrest in 2011 and conviction on charges of abuse of office were widely seen as a case of political revenge. 

Events continue to move at a rapid pace in Ukraine that could see a decisive shift in the future of the country.

meanwhile, funerals are taking place in Kiev for some of those who were killed in violence over the past 48 hours.