Article content

NOVI PETRIVTSI, Ukraine — The opulent residence of President Viktor Yanukovych has always been a closely guarded secret — and a symbol of the alleged corruption at Ukraine’s highest levels. On Saturday, after he fled the capital and its gates were thrown open, thousands streamed into the compound to get a first-hand look.

Inside the walled compound known as Mezhyhirya, posh mansions stood amid manicured lawns. There were parks dotted with statues, ponds with fountains and wild ducks, a tennis court, a golf course and a colonnaded pavilion.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or From a hovercraft to an entire spanish galleon: Protesters storm the secret mansion compound of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych Back to video

As throngs of ordinary Ukrainians got their first look at Yanukovich’s luxurious estate, many expressed disgust. Some brought their children — one even brought his dog. They considered the tour a victory for anti-government demonstrators who fought street battles with police this week in which dozens were killed.

At a protest of government censorship of the media in June outside the walls of Yanukovych’s residence, the gates were cordoned off by dozens of beefy riot police in red berets.