Tens of thousands of Ukrainians braved teargas, snow and heavy rain yesterday to threaten a new Orange Revolution unless the Government rejects Russian pressure and reopens talks towards EU membership.

A fifth day of protests around the country culminated last night with special forces units using pepper spray and batons on a small group of demonstrators in Kiev where more than 20,000 protesters gathered after European leaders issued a strong condemnation of Russia and urged the Government to rethink its abrupt decision to slam the door on Brussels.

Opposition leaders, including the world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, are straining to revive the spirit of the mass uprising that brought a pro-Western government to power in 2004.

Yuliya Tymoshenko, the jailed opposition leader, announced last