Protesters call for strikes and blockades as crisis deepens in Ukraine

Ukraine opposition leaders are calling for a general strike after their parliamentary allies failed to topple the government in a vote of no confidence.

Protesters are also threatening to tighten their blockade of key buildings amid the deepening crisis over the government’s rejection of closer ties with the European Union.

Meanwhile NATO Secretary General Fogh Rasmussen has criticised the crackdown on protesters:

“We condemn the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators in Ukraine. We call on all parties to refrain from provocations and violence.”

And US Secretary of State John Kerry has also voiced concerns.

“We urge the Ukrainian government to listen to the voices of the people who want to live in freedom and we urge all sides to conduct themselves peacefully. Violence has no place in a modern European state.”

Despite protester calls for him to resign Ukraine’s president Victor Yanukovych has left the country for China as a gesture of confidence that security can be maintained at home.

In terms of public relations, the images could not contrast more sharply with scenes of violence that took place on the exact same spot last weekend.

A row of women emerged from among the Ukrainian anti-government protesters near presidential administration buildings in Kyiv, to bring hot drinks and snacks as a peace offering to the riot squad.

“We want you, the police, to understand that the people who are in the square… that we’re expressing non-violent resistance,” one of them announced via a loudspeaker, as the women faced lines of police officers.

“Please, accept some hot tea, biscuits, and sandwiches – all we can give you to make you feel better,” she added, as the embarrassed officers weighed up the unexpected gifts.

Riot police remained expressionless in place while plastic cups filled with drinks sat on the ground in front of them.