Ukrainian protests that began over a week ago took a violent turn, with police cracking down on the previously peaceful protesters over the weekend.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in capital city Kiev to protest the Ukrainian government’s decision not to sign a trade and integration deal with the European Union.
Protesters seek to oust Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych after he suspended talks with the EU partially due to pressure from Russia.
The protests became violent after a small group of protesters tried to storm a presidential administration building with a front loader.
Ukrainian police began using tear gas and flash grenades. Additionally, video footage emerged of police officers beating and kicking protesters.
The White House condemned the police violence on Monday, asking authorities to respect their citizens' rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
The Washington Free Beacon assembled five unbelievable photos from scenes the protests:
Police use tear gas, flash grenades on protesters
Activists receive medical attention after riot police break up a rally
A metal barrier is thrown as protesters clash with police outside the presidential office
Police chase protesters after clashes outside a presidential administration building
Protesters clash with police guarding the presidential administration building
