Thousands of Ukrainian nationalists have held a torch-lit rallies, marking the birthday of a World War II partisan leader Stepan Bandera.
Nationalists march in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Photo: AFP
The marchers from the far right Svoboda, or Freedom Party shouted "Glory to Ukraine!" and "Death to the enemies!" as they marched through the capital Kiev. Another protest was held in the western city of Lviv.
Svoboda has been a key participant in recent protests against President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to cancel a deal with the European Union.
Pro-EU activists had been staging regular protests in the capital, demanding new presidential and parliamentary elections, but so far their demands have been unmet.
The BBC reports some people believe Svoboda's involvement in the protests contributes to Ukraine's political divide, as their base of support is mainly in the country's west, while voters in the east and south view them as extremists.
Stepan Bandera is also a controversial figure. In western Ukraine, many revere him as a national hero, while in Russia and eastern Ukraine some accuse him of having co-operated with the Nazis.
