Violence in Ukraine protests

Fires raged in the streets of Kiev, as demonstrations turned violent on Tuesday (January 21).

Around 1,000 protesters confronted police near the government headquarters. Young people hurled projectiles at police, and ignored appeals to disperse.

Firecrackers exploded. Buses were torched. And barricades were erected.

Former interior minister and now opposition figure Yuriy Lutsenko, who was injured in clashes earlier this month, said such violence showed growing anger and frustration amongst the protesters.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) FORMER INTERIOR MINISTER TURNED OPPOSITION LEADER YURIY LUTSENKO SAYING:

"I do not support these methods, but I understand that their actions were the result of the president of Ukraine ignoring the demands of millions of peaceful protesters for 60 days. It is obvious (Viktor) Yanukovich simply does not want to hear his people the nice way, so these people in their desperation had to get through to him."

After weeks of mass pr