Ongoing Bloodshed in Ukraine

There is escalating violence in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, between the pro-Russian regime and Ukrainians who want closer ties with the European Union.  At least two dozen people have been killed in clashes in the heart of the capital, which resembles a war zone of burning tires, barricades, and Molotov cocktails.  Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych is threatening increased violence against the protesters who have been occupying Kiev's central Maidan (Independence) Square since November.  Russia's would-be czar Vladimir Putin is lending his vocal support to the Ukrainian government, after providing billions in aid to their faltering economy to pull it into Russia's orbit.

The European Union is weighing sanctions against the Ukrainian government, and the U.S. has called on Yanukovych to exercise restraint and negotiate with the demonstrators.  However, it appears that more extreme violence by the government is near, as the regime views the demonstrations as a coup against it.

(photo: Associated Press)