US warns Russia it would be a 'grave mistake' to send its military into Ukraine as its new leader says it wants to integrate with Europe

Susan Rice, Obama's national security adviser said it is not in interests to see the country split

'It's in nobody's interest to see violence return and the situation escalate,' Rice said today in interview



Opposition politician captured kissing daughter Yevgenia upon her arrival to Kiev's iconic Independence Square



Ukrainian parliament voted to oust Mr Yanukovych - duties temporarily handed over to Oleksander Turchinov


America has warned Russia it would be a 'grave mistake' to send military forces into Ukraine as its new leader said it wants to integrate with the European Union.



Susan Rice, President Barack Obama's national security adviser said it is not in the interests of Ukraine, Russia, Europe or the United States to see the country split.

Speaking on the NBC program 'Meet the Press', Ms Rice was asked about a possible scenario in which Russia would send forces into Ukraine to restore a government more friendly to Moscow.

Susan Rice, President Barack Obama's national security adviser said it is not in the interests of Ukraine, Russia, Europe or the United States to see the country split



Ms Rice, President Barack Obama's national security adviser, said: 'It is not in the interests of Ukraine or of Russia or of Europe or the United States to see the country split. It's in nobody's interest to see violence return and the situation escalate' People gather for prayers and to listen to speakers in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine. After a chaotic and violent week, Viktor Yanukovych has been ousted as President as the Ukrainian parliament moves forward with scheduling new elections and establishing a caretaker government People wave a large Ukrainian flag in Independence Square. It comes as Ukraine's new interim president said on Sunday that he was open to dialogue with Russia as long as Moscow respected his country's decision to seek closer ties with the European Union People lay flowers and pay their respects at a memorial for anti-government protesters killed in clashes with police People light candles inside a tent serving as a chapel in Independence Square. The crisis in Ukraine reflects the conflict between those who want the country to remain aligned with Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and those seeking closer integration with Western Europe A sea of flowers covers the ground where protesters were killed in violent clashes with police People visit Independence Square for what has become a traditional Sunday gathering to protest the government People view floral tributes to anti-government demonstrators killed in clashes with police

Anti-Yanukovich protesters attempt to demolish the 'Monument to Soviet secret security service (checkists) - fighters of the revolution'in Kiev February 23, 2014

Activists guard Ukraine's National Bank close to Kiev's Independence Square today. Volunteers are protecting government buildings from vandalism

Ukrainian supporters of ousted President Viktor Yanukovich gather to try to prevent Victory celebrations by Maidan supporters in Donetsk

Ukrainian President supporters gather to try to prevent Victory celebrations by Maidan supporters in Donetsk. A new era dawned in Ukraine today when parliament appointed a pro-Western interim leader

Pro-Russian activists gather to form local public guards to oppose pro-EU groups in Simferopol in Crimea, today

Anti-government protesters attack a deputy of the Party of Regions Vitaly Grushevsky (centre bottom) who attempts to take cover outside the Ukrainian Parliament building in Kiev

She said: 'That would be a grave mistake. It is not in the interests of Ukraine or of Russia or of Europe or the United States to see the country split. It's in nobody's interest to see violence return and the situation escalate.'

Ms Rice's comments are the most extensive from the White House to date since the recent dramatic events unfolded in Ukraine.

It comes as Ukraine's new interim president said on Sunday that he was open to dialogue with Russia as long as Moscow respected his country's decision to seek closer ties with the European Union.

'We are ready for a dialogue with Russia... that takes into account Ukraine's European choice, which I hope will be confirmed in (presidential) elections' set for May 25, Oleksandr Turchynov said in a television address.

As the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, end Putin is now likely to more closely focus on the Ukrainian situation.

The State Department said on Saturday it would send its No. 2 official, Bill Burns, to Kiev this week.

Rice said the United States wants a de-escalation of the violence in Ukraine, constitutional changes, democratic elections 'in very short order,' and the opportunity for Ukrainians to come together in a coalition unity government.

She said U.S. authorities are not sure where Russian-backed President Viktor Yanukovich has fled.

'He is in a place that will reveal itself. Yesterday we knew where he was. Today we're not so sure,' Rice said.

The crisis in Ukraine reflects the conflict between those who want the country to remain aligned with Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and those seeking closer integration with Western Europe.

Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko kisses her daughter Eugenia, right, upon her arrival to Kiev's iconic Independence Square to address the assembled crowd

Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko is helped out of her car by her daughter Eugenia, before she addressed a crowed in Independence Square

Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko (left) listens to her daughter Eugenia as she stands on a stage before addressing anti-government protesters gathered in Independence Square in Kiev

But Rice said those goals were not 'mutually exclusive'.

'There is not an inherent contradiction ... between a Ukraine that has longstanding historic and cultural ties to Russia and a modern Ukraine that wants to integrate more closely with Europe,' Rice said.



On Sunday, Ukraine's parliament, exercising power since mass protests caused Yanukovich to flee, named its new speaker as acting head of state and worked to form a new government.

The European Union and Russia, vying for influence over the huge former Soviet republic on their borders, considered their next moves.

Russia, which had provided funding to Yanukovich's government, said it would keep cash on hold until it sees who is in charge.

Asked whether Putin looked at Russia's sphere of influence in Ukraine in a Cold War context, Rice said that 'he may'.

'But if he does, that's a pretty dated perspective that doesn't reflect where the people of Ukraine are coming from. This is not about the U.S. and Russia,' Rice added.

Two key lawmakers urged the Obama administration to make clear that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be protected.

'I think the message has to be sent to him (Putin) that let the Ukrainian people determine their own future, and a partition of Ukraine ... is totally unacceptable,' Republican Senator John McCain, a key Republican voice on foreign policy, told the CBS program 'Face the Nation'.

'And we need to act immediately to give them (Ukrainians) the economic assistance that they need, based on reforms that are gonna be required, as well. So it's gonna be tough sledding.'

Bob Corker, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, added in a statement: 'The United States should do everything possible to ensure Ukraine remains one country and that their territorial and political integrity is maintained, allowing them the freedom to choose a future within Europe.'

Earlier on Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew met his Russian counterpart, Anton Siluanov, on the sidelines of a Group of 20 meeting in Sydney to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

'Secretary Lew emphasised that the United States, working with other countries including Russia, stands ready to assist Ukraine as it implements reforms to restore economic stability and seeks to return to a path of democracy and growth,' a Treasury Department official said.

Earlier today, images emerged of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in tears as she was reunited with her daughter for the first time in two and a half years after she was released from prison.



In emotional scenes the opposition politician was captured kissing her daughter Yevgenia upon her arrival to Kiev's iconic Independence Square to address the assembled crowd.



With its president gone and a new one named today to fill the void, Ukraine remains a country bitterly divided by an ethnic split that goes back to the collapse of the Soviet Union two decades ago.

For three months anti-government protesters have been involved in a stand-off with authorities.



With the news that President Viktor Yanukovich has fled Kiev and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko has been released, the nation's future hangs in the balance.



Today, presidential duties were temporarily handed over to the speaker of the assembly, Oleksander Turchinov.

The Ukrainian parliament also voted to dismiss Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara, forcing out an ally of Mr Yanukovich.

Kozhara has been closely involved in discussions with foreign powers over Yanukovich's decision to spurn political and trade deals with the European Union and rebuild economic ties with Russia instead.

Following the release of Yulia Tymoshenko the former PM of Ukraine, mess tents are pitched at Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the Independence Square

It comes as Tymoshenko called for the protests to continue and encouraged crowds not to leave the square

Food and provisions line the shelves of the mess tents

For three months anti-government protesters have been involved in a stand-off with authorities. With the news that President Viktor Yanukovich has fled Kiev and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko has been released, the nation's future hangs in the balance Protests began in November when Yanukovych abruptly refused to sign a long-anticipated political association and free trade agreement with the European Union, opting instead for closer ties with Russia Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko (second left) and her daughter Yevgenia (right) meet with U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt (left) and head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Jan Tombinski in Kiev

Opulence: Ukranians walk around President Yanukovych's countryside residence in Mezhyhirya. The property has been closed off to the public during his reign The house became a tourist attraction for the day. Visitors were able to take a look at the exotic gardens and monuments dotted around the estate People wander around President Viktor Yanukovych's Mezhyhirya estate, which was abandoned by security Protesters try to play on a golf course at the Ukrainian President Yanukovych's countryside residence in Mezhyhirya, Kiev's region. Ukrainian security and volunteers from among Independence Square protesters have joined forces to protect the presidential countryside retreat from vandalism and looting A man wearing a kevlar vest and combat trousers plays golf on the president's private course A protester poses in a bathtub at the residence has the crowds take photos of some of the sprawling outhouses

People gaze through the windows of the lavish residence to see a long dining table below a two-tiered chandelier The marble floors are covered in intricate patterns and the room is surrounded by vases filled with roses A man gives a thumbs up behind the bar which is nestled in a corner of the residence The immaculate lavatory still has neatly folded towels hanging on rails inside

A man wearing a kevlar vest and a helmet gives a peace gesture to the cameras as he relaxes on a sofa with a fellow protestor

A protestor waves the European Union flag outside the front door of the sprawling mansion. Opposition icon Yulia Tymoshenko told supporters on her release from prison that she believed Ukraine would be joining the EU The curtains were drawn shut and the doors were locked on the outside of the house, but the scale of the luxury house is evident from the outside Protestors watch a ship, which was converted into a restaurant. Protestors took full control of the premises after Yanukovych was ousted from power

One visitor takes in the view of the house from across the artificial lake. Hundreds of people entered the grounds but not one has entered the building itself

One visitor carried a Ukranian flag while touring the grounds of the house while a man in the distance takes a photo. There is a private golf course and zoo nestled in the estate A protester guards the entrance to Ukrainian President Yanukovych's countryside home. Viktor Yanukovych is not in his official residence of Mezhyhirya, which is about 20 km (12.5 miles) north of the capital

WILLIAM HAGUE CALLS FOR NATIONAL UNITY IN UKRAINE AND WARNS RUSSIA SHOULD NOT INTERVENE

Foreign Secretary William Hague said Russia should not intervene in the Ukraine crisis Russia should not intervene in the Ukraine crisis, William Hague warned as he called for the urgent formation of a national unity government to help manage divisions in the country. The Foreign Secretary said there was a 'moment of opportunity' in Ukraine after MPs voted to oust president Viktor Yanukovych and hold fresh elections in May. He said talks were continuing with Moscow and stressed that it would not be in the interests of the Russian people to intervene, amid concerns that president Vladimir Putin could send in troops. Mr Hague said: 'There is a moment of opportunity now for the Ukraine after those terrible scenes and the horrific bloodshed of a few days ago.

'There is an opportunity but there are still many dangers.' Mr Yanukovych is believed to be in the Ukraine's Russian-leaning east and Mr Hague acknowledged the complex picture in the vast country.

'The political situation even among the opposition is very complex, it's clearly been a very divided country. The position and whereabouts of Mr Yanukovych are not clear as we speak,' he told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show. 'There are many dangers but it's urgent that they get on to form that inclusive government, a government of national unity in effect. 'It's urgent that they confirm their constitutional arrangements for elections coming up which they have declared for May. 'It's really urgent that they and we get on with improving their economic situation.' Asked about the role of Russia, Mr Hague said Prime Minister David Cameron held talks with Mr Putin last week and he would speak to his counterpart Sergey Lavrov tomorrow. He said: 'It's very important for us to try to persuade Russia that this need not be a zero sum game. 'It's in the interests of the people of the Ukraine to be able to trade more freely with the European Union, it's in the interest of the people of Russia for that to happen as well. 'We are in constant discussion with Russia and it's very important we keep that up, particularly if there's an economic package it will be important that Russia doesn't do anything to undermine that economic package and is working in co-operation and support of it. 'So, a lot of work to do with Russia over the coming days.' Asked if Moscow could send in the tanks, Mr Hague said: 'We don't know what Russia's next reaction will be. 'We do know that Russia as well as the United States said a few days ago that they would get behind the deal that had been made, that deal has now been overtaken by events.'

Pressed on whether he believed there could be a Russian intervention he added: 'I am not suggesting that. 'I'm really suggesting that it would not be in the interests of Russia to do any such thing, that we have to keep up the communication with Russia, as we are doing, as you can gather, so that the people of Ukraine can choose their own way forward. 'I'm not suggesting that anybody is going to stop them but there are many dangers and uncertainties.' Mr Yanukovych has described the events as a coup, insisted he was the 'legitimately elected president' and said he would not step down. The release from prison of Ukraine's former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko was welcomed by European Union foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton.

'You have the right to rule': Ex-PM Yuila Tymoshenko tells 'hero' protesters they have 'removed cancer from Ukraine' after her release from prison sentence



Ukrainian opposition icon and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko spoke to supporters at a Kiev protest camp just hours after being released from a hospital where she was incarcerated.



She arrived on stage in Kiev in a wheelchair and looked frail as she addressed thousands of demonstrators who had packed into Independence Square.



Tymoshenko, heroine of the 2004 Orange Revolution, is the chief rival of President Viktor Yanukovych.



His rule is crumbling after protesters took control of the capital Saturday and parliament voted to remove him from power.

Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko addresses anti-government protesters on Independence Square in Kiev hours after she is released from a prison sentence Looking frail after suffering a crippling back problem for years, she said the people who had been killed in the violence were Ukraine's heroes and they now have the 'right to rule'

You are heroes, you are the best thing in Ukraine' she said of those killed in the violence, looking tired and speaking from a wheelchair as she addressed the euphoric crowd.

She also congratulated the protestors for 'removing the cancer from Ukraine' and demanded the ousted President Yanukovych be brought to Independence Square.



'This is your victory, no politicians could do what you have done,' she said.



'This country is now free, you have given this country its freedom.



'You have removed this cancer from our country. I am convinced that any bullet shot through the heart of the people went through the heart of each Ukrainian.

The appearance brought Tymoshenko back to the square where she attracted world attention in the 2004 Orange Revolution protests, a riveting figure then for her rhetoric, her elaborate blond peasant braid and her fashionable clothing Anti-government protesters hold a portrait of Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko while she speaks to a crowd at a rally

Upon her release, Tymoshenko promised to run for president and immediately went to Kiev's Independence Square.



'When I came to Kiev the first thing I wanted to do was come to the barricades,' she added.



'I wanted to feel the feelings that had all these boys and girls on the barricades had been through.

'All the people responsible will be brought to justice.'

The appearance brought Tymoshenko back to the square where she attracted world attention in the 2004 Orange Revolution protests, a riveting figure then for her rhetoric, her elaborate blond peasant braid and her fashionable clothing.



The square has been the nucleus of a three-month protest movement that pushed Yanukovych to major concessions this week.

Parliament arranged the release of the current President Viktor Yanukovych's arch-rival, who has been imprisoned since 2011, but the president said he would not recognize any of the lawmakers' decisions as valid.



Her release will send shockwaves through Ukrainian politics, at a moment of deep turmoil following the worst unrest in the sprawling country since the days of the Soviet Union.







The last time Viktor Yanukovich was seen was when he signed a peace deal with opposition leader Vitali Klitschko. The pair shook hands after signing the agreement in the Presidential Palace, bringing the violence to a temporary end The ousted President looked defeated as he waited to sign the agreement aiming to end the violence which has engulfed the Ukrainian capital

Protestors began to dismantle statues of Lenin in the city of Bila Tserkva during the political turmoil The toppling of Lenin statues in the central Ukrainian city came after protesters top brought down a similar statue in the Ukrainian capital Kiev