KIEV, Jan. 26 - Hundreds of people were injured and detained in Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk on Sunday when riot police moved to attack protesters demanding resignation of the local governments.

The police were assisted by thugs, known as titushki, who are believed to have been hired by pro-government allies on per-hour basis to confront the protesters.

The efforts show President Viktor Yanukovych is trying to stop the spread of the massive street protests throughout the regions of the country that poses direct challenge to his rule.