Months of demonstrations against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich's decision to abandon an EU integration pact have snarled the country in a political crisis. Last week, tough anti-protest legislation was rushed through parliament, which political opponents say paves the way for a police state. In response, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in central Kiev, swelling the ranks of those already camping in Independence Square, and demonstrations turned violent. Bloody clashes took place between police and protesters yesterday, leaving more than 200 people wounded. The standoff continued into this morning, with no immediate resolution in sight.