Opposition supporters took to the streets of the Ukrainian capital again today, boosted by a parliamentary vote declaring invalid a disputed presidential poll handing victory to Prime Minister Mr Viktor Yanukovich.
Eastern regions, where Moscow-backed Mr Yanukovich has his power base, geared up for a rival day of protest on his behalf. Mr Yanukovich flew to meet regional bosses and supporters north of the big mining centre of Donetsk.
Yesterday's vote in parliament, which noted widespread fraud in the November 21st run-off election, had no legal force as parliament claims no jurisdiction over the validity of elections. But it provided a further boost for liberal opposition candidate Mr Viktor Yushchenko in his bid to overturn Mr Yanukovich's victory.
The declaration was issued ahead of a Supreme Court hearing tomorrow to consider Mr Yushchenko's complaints of poll irregularities. The court has so far forbidden publication of the count handing victory to Mr Yanukovich, thus blocking his inauguration.
No date for any new election was suggested in parliament.
Mr Yushchenko has already said he stands for a new vote on December 12th, but Mr Yanukovich has yet to say whether he is ready for a re-run. Western countries have called for a review of the results, with the European Union advocating a new election.
The crisis has dramatised a longstanding divide between Ukraine's nationalist west, supporting Mr Yushchenko, and the industrial Russian-speaking east solidly behind the premier. It also has raised tensions between the West and Russia since Mr Yushchenko calls for gradual integration with the West while Mr Yanukovich sees closer ties with Russia as the key to prosperity.