Why is Ukraine torn between East and West?

Protests have gripped Ukraine since the government rejected a far-reaching accord with the EU in favour of stronger ties with Russia in November 2013.

They turned violent on 19 January, and deadly on 22 January in the capital, Kiev, where confrontation degenerated into rioting after the government brought in tough new legislation to end mass protests on the main square.

The BBC's Steve Rosenberg, in Kiev, explains why Ukraine has such strong links with Russia, and why a move closer to the West is causing turmoil.