KIEV, Dec. 29 - Thousands of Ukrainians have staged a rally for the first time in front of President Viktor Yanukovych’s heavily guarded lavish private compound, potentially taking the protest to a new level.

About 5,000 protesters riding in about 1,000 cars got to the compound, known as Mezhihiria, which is 15 km outside Kiev , also carrying a coffin, suggesting an end to his political career.