Ukraine opposition leaders have signed a peace deal with their country's beleagured president.

Ukrainian opposition leader Vitaly Klitschko.....

(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) VITALY KLITSCHKO, UKRAINIAN OPPOSITION LEADER, SAYING:

"The priority today is to stop the bloodshed. This is the first aim. Our second aim is to do everything possible to punish those guilty of these events. Third, to do everything possible to prevent the country from splitting up."

The deal, brokered by European Union mediators, allows for the creation of a national unity government and clears the path for an early presidential election this year, although no date is set.

The Polish Foreign Minister weighed in.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) RADISLAW SIKORSKI, POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER, SAYING:

"I am satisfied it is the best agreement that could be had and that it gives Ukraine a chance to return to peace, to reform and to, hopefully resume its way towards Europe."

The White Hous