Ukraine's parliament has approved a law granting an amnesty to those detained during recent anti-government protests.
Members of parliament celebrate after the vote. Photo: AFP
Opposition parties abstained from voting, in anger at a condition in the bill which means it will only apply if protesters abandon government buildings they have occupied in recent days.
The vote followed a day of debate. It passed by 232 votes for with 11 against. However, 173 MPs did not vote, the BBC reports.
The protests began in November last year after President Viktor Yanukovych reversed a decision to sign a trade deal with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Russia.
Meanwhile, Moscow has indicated that it may hold back some of a promised bailout package until a new government is formed. The loans were worth $US15 billion.
