Several dozen members of the Nastup pan-Ukrainian committee have gathered in front of the Russian Embassy in Kyiv to protest Russia's ban on Ukrainian imports.

The demonstrators are holding national flags and Nastup banners, as well as posters reading, "Hands off Ukraine!", "No to Economic Terror!".

Nastup Chairman Ruslan Sekela said that in the absence of a reaction from the Ukrainian government and from leading political forces, the public must have its say. "All of the leading political players and the public must react. We propose that Russian goods be boycotted. This is something every Ukrainian can do," Sekela said.

"We urge all Ukrainians to join the boycott," he added.

"Although Nastup is an opposition organization, it is ready to support President Viktor Yanukovych in this particular case, when the signing of an association agreement with the European Union is at stake," the politician said.

"We must not be divided into the government and opposition. Today we all must rise in defense of Ukraine and its interests," the activist said.

The demonstrators said they are not opposed to the Russian people with whom good-neighborly relations must be maintained.

Protestors burnt Russian food stuffs bought in Kyiv, including a packet of tea and a stick of Russian chocolate.

The activists urged the Ukrainian government to respond appropriately to Russia's conduct and to ban Russian imports.

The ashes were then gathered, packed and left at the entrance to the embassy.

Several dozen policemen stood watching.