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.
The Ukrainian opposition has urged Europe and the United States to help bring a halt to the violence and alleged torture they blame on President Viktor Yanukovich.
Opposition leaders met German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Munich on Friday and are due to talk with US Secretary of State John Kerry today.
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.