(30 Mar 2014) Ukrainians on Sunday marked the close of 40 days of mourning for the victims of last month's violence, which saw more than a hundred people killed and led to president Viktor Yanukovych's current exile.
Thousands gathered in Kiev's central Maidan Square, scene of much of the violence, to listen to prayers and speeches and pay their respects at memorials to the dead.
The leading contender to become Ukraine's next president in May 25 elections, billionaire businessman Petro Poroshenko, attended the event, flanked by boxer-turned-politician Vitali Klitschko who yesterday stepped aside in the presidential race to support him.
The move is likely to ensure that both men cement powerful positions in Ukraine's new government and block the chances of a full return to power from the country's former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko.
The May 25 presidential election and Kiev mayoral vote are taking place against the backdrop of Russia's recent annexation of Crimea, Ukraine's dire economic straits and rumblings of discontent in the country's mainly Russian-speaking eastern provinces.
Both Klitschko, 42, and Poroshenko, 48, played prominent roles in the months-long protest movement that led to the toppling of President Viktor Yanukovych in February.
The demonstrations were sparked by Yanukovych's decision to back away from closer ties with the European Union and turn towards Russia but grew to encompass widespread discontent with corruption and the lack of democratic freedoms.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
