Ukraine’s two rivals for power failed in nearly three hours of talks to resolve the political stalemate over who will lead the bitterly-divided nation.

THE rivals for the Ukrainian presidency sat down and talked last night with European and Russian envoys and the man they both hope to succeed.

The rivals at war over the Ukrainian presidency sat down and talked tonight with the man they both hope to succeed and European and Russian envoys.

Out-going Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has agreed to meet presidential election rivals Viktor Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovych today in the presence of European envoys, a EU official said.

Thousands of Ukrainian opposition supporters encircled government buildings in Kiev today, refusing to let anyone through as they intensified their protests against the outcome of disputed presidential elections.