Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich's rejection of a trade pact with the EU triggered these protests that toppled him.

Now the country's acting President Oleksander Turchinov seeks closer ties with Europe.

(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) ACTING UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT OLEKSANDER TURCHINOV SAYING:

" Another priority is returning to the European integration course, the fight for which Maidan started with. We must return to family of European countries. We also understand the importance of our relations with Russia. We are ready for dialogue with Russia's leadership and we are ready to build relations with this country on a just basis of equal rights and good neighbourliness."

Turchinov was appointed after Yanukovich was dismissed.

Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili joined the thousands of opposition supporters in Kiev's Independence Square, calling Yanukovich's ouster a victory over Russia.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER GEORGIAN PRESIDENT, MIKHEIL SA