The condition of some Ukrainian demonstrators – being treated in Czech hospitals – has improved

The condition of a number of Ukrainian nationals, injured in recent anti-government demonstrations in Kiev, has improved somewhat, according to a spokesman. In all, 27 patients are being treated in Czech hospitals. Some of the demonstrators – who came out against now deposed president Viktor Yanukovich – had suffered broken shins, or facial injuries such as a cracked eye socket.

Back in Ukraine, tensions are continuing to rise over the peninsula of Crimea and involvement by Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday asked his country’s upper house to approve the use of troops in Ukraine, allegedly to protect the lives of Russian citizens there. A day earlier, US President Barack Obama warned Russia not to interfere militarily in Ukraine.