Chaos spread in the streets as protests in Ukraine grew despite the government’s orders to send cops to disperse the demonstrators.  Around 350,000 filled the streets of Kiev as thousands more rallied in other cities, demanding the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovich for refusing to sign a political and trade deal with the European Union.

Clashes lasted well into the night.  As protesters pushed forwards, cops responded with tear gas and stun grenades.  Ukraine’s “Berkut” special forces police lashed out at the protesters, beating them with truncheons and fists even as they lay on the ground.   One report said that the police targeted at least 29 journalists.

Away from the fighting, opposition leaders denounced Yanukovich for back-pedaling from signing a deal, long in the making, on closer relations with the EU in favor of renewed economic dialogue with Moscow. 

“They stole the dream,” heavyweight boxer-turned-opposition politician Vitaly Klitschko told crowds on Independence Square.

Klitschko defused a potentially fatal confrontation between protesters and police.  Some protesters were planning to storm the Presidential Administration building, but Klitschko forcefully warned the protesters to get back and not fall into a trap.

Sunday's protest also marked the anniversary of Ukraine's 1991 referendum on independence, evoked memories of the 2004-5 Orange Revolution which overturned the established political order.