Clashes erupt in Kiev between hundreds of Ukrainians and police in riot gear who fired teargas at the angry demonstrators.

It was the second day of protesters in the capital over the government's decision Thursday to walk away from a trade pact with the European Union and align more with Moscow then the West.

Police squared off with demonstrators who tried to block a government car and a Reuters photographer at the scene said two people were detained.

Monday's crowd of protesters was smaller then the day before - which numbered in the tens of thousands and was largely peaceful.

These have been the biggest anti-government protests since the Orange Revolution nine years ago.