Ukraine Riot Cops Pose for Photo Amid Violent Clashes

Jan. 23, 2014, 12:25 PM UTC / Updated Jan. 23, 2014, 1:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian riot police officers pose for a picture near burnt-out vehicles as smoke rises during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev on Wednesday.

Demonstrations that began on Nov. 21 flared into violence on Sunday after the government rushed through a new law effectively banning peaceful protest. Late Wednesday, protest leaders delivered an ultimatum to Ukraine's government -- call elections or we will "go on the attack."

Image: Protesters throw rocks at police in central Kiev, Ukraine — Protesters throw rocks at police in central Kiev on Jan. 22, 2014. Mass protests erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout.Efrem Lukatsky / AP

Image: A woman holds a wodden cross as riot policemen aim their weapons during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev — A woman holds a wooden cross as riot policemen aim their weapons during clashes with pro-European protesters.GLEB GARANICH / Reuters

Image: A protester points a handgun during a clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine — A protester points a handgun during a clash with police in central Kiev.Efrem Lukatsky / AP