The Ukrainian Government Faces Pressure At Home and Abroad, Despite Making Concessions

The Ukrainian government has followed through with significant concessions to the opposition in a bid to defuse the ongoing political crisis that has spread throughout the country. Regardless of agreements made, profound challenges remain for Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich as he tries to balance the demands of protesters, the hostility of right-wing fringe groups and mounting external pressure.

The Ukrainian parliament voted Jan. 28 to repeal the recently passed anti-protest laws that sparked demonstrations across the country, while Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov tendered his resignation on the same day. Although opposition leaders hailed the moves, the government still faces major constraints from the more radical demonstrators and from rival interests in shaping the country's political evolution.