Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovich is set to return to work on Monday after a period of sick leave, a statement on the presidential website said. Thousands of anti-government protesters have gathered in central Kiev to demand his resignation.
Ukrainian prime minister Mykola Azarov has offered his resignation in the hope that a peaceful settlement can be found to end the unrest in the country.
"The conflict situation which has come about in the country is threatening the economic and social development of Ukraine, creating a threat to the whole of Ukrainian society and to each citizen," Azarov said.
"With the aim of creating extra means for finding a social-political compromise, for the sake of a peaceful settlement of the conflict, I took the personal decision to ask the president to accept my resignation."
The 66-year-old was appointed by president Viktor Yanukovich and has been a loyal supporter of the embattled leader, backing his controversial decision to form closer economic ties with Russia instead of signing a trade deal with the European Union.
Ukraine has experienced difficult days before but few have been so complex or so pivotal.
The Ukrainian government says it is is ready to use all tools available to restore order if violence and unrest continues.
These are difficult days for Ukraine, a country edging toward its second revolution in a decade.