Turchinov Named Interim President in Ukraine as Crimea Talks Secession

Parts of Independence Square, in Kiev, turned from defensive positions to memorials, on Sunday. Other parts were slowly being cleaned up by groups of protesters, who had occupied the square since November.

The mood in the city is slowly turning to a much calmer one, but definitely a happier one as the people feel they were successful in seeing their demands met. They remember the eighty-two who lost their lives, during the violence, and also pledge to stay until they ensure they did not die in vain.

On Sunday, parliament named Oleksander Turchinov as interim president, until elections are held on May 25. Expectations are for him to name an interim government, by Tuesday, February 25. Turchinov pledged to move the country back towards an agreement with the European Union. He also expressed his desire for, "new, equal, and good neighborly footing" with Russia. On Monday, members of the EU will meet with him to discuss economic aid for Ukraine.

In the east, several Ukrainian towns witnessed fighting between supporters of the new government and those who still support former president Viktor Yanukovych. Other towns are rejecting both the new and old governments. A crowd in Kerch tore down the town hall's Ukrainian flag and raised a Russian one in it's place. Thousands in Sevastopol and Simferopol protested and demanded that their cities and the rest of Crimea leave Ukraine and join Russia.

The moods in the east and south are causing worry that the fighting isn't yet over. Leaders in Crimea were asking protesters to sign up for militias. They say they need them to protect themselves from Ukraine's government. However, interim president Turchinov says he has no plans to send troops into Crimea and stressed the importance of national unity.