Ukrainians awoke Saturday morning to rumors and reports that ousted president Viktor Yanukovych had fled to his home town in the east or left the country. Thousands poured onto the grounds of the presidential residence, 12 miles from downtown Kiev, to gawk at the manicured lawns, the golf course and the botanical gardens, while other government offices were shuttered amid reports that workers at the public prosecutor’s office were destroying documents.

Feb. 26, 2014 People wander around ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych’s Mezhyhirya estate, which was abandoned by security. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images