Smash hit

Mr Havel, the former Czech President and leader of the country’s 1989 Velvet Revolution that overthrew communist rule, sent a message to the tens of thousands of Ukrainians packed into central Kiev that their future was in their own hands.

“I wish you strength, determination, courage and fortunate decisions,” said Mr Havel, saying that Ukraine’s fate for perhaps decades to come would be decided in the coming days.

Canada, which has a large Ukrainian immigrant community, rejected the result.

Ukrainian ambassadors throughout the West were summoned by their host countries to be told of the deep concerns sparked by the evidence of ballot rigging.

President Kwasniewski of Poland, whose country borders Ukraine and includes many Ukrainians, sent his top foreign policy adviser to mediate.

The EU also sent an envoy to Kiev. José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, said: “We consider there is a place in the European family for a democratic Ukraine. There will be consequences in the overall relations between the EU and Ukraine if there is not a serious, objective and balanced review of the electoral process and the electoral results.”

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, the Nato Secretary-General, said that a review of Ukraine’s election was “absolutely necessary”.

The crisis poses a particular dilemma for President Bush, who has built close personal ties with Mr Putin.

The US also needs Russia’s help in the nuclear stand-off with Iran, one of Mr Bush’s top foreign policy priorities.

Mr Yushchenko has also pledged to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Iraq.

US officials have been careful to avoid a direct rift with Mr Putin, although Mr Bush did bring up the subject of the Ukrainian election when he met his Russian counterpart ahead for the vote at an Asian summit in Santiago, the Chilean capital, at the weekend.

General Powell’s comments were the first time a senior administration official had addressed the issue in public.

Yet with democratic reforms in the Middle East the cornerstone of his foreign policy, Mr Bush cannot be seen to duck the issue in Ukraine.

Experts gave warning that the West was risking a civil war in Ukraine if it pushed too hard and too fast.

WORLD OPINION

“All respected domestic and international organisations agree that your demands are justified. Therefore, I wish you strength, endurance, courage and fortunate decisions.” Vaclav Havel, former Czech President and leader of 1989 “Velvet Revolution”, expressing his support for opposition protesters

“We cannot accept this result as legitimate because it does not meet international standards and because there has not been an investigation of the numerous and credible reports of fraud.” Colin Powell, US Secretary of State

“We will not accept elections that are fraudulent . . . We cannot rule out the outbreak of violence.” Javier Solana, EU foreign policy chief

“I have nothing to question about what the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe observer said, which was that massive electoral fraud took place.” Gerhard Schröder, the German Chancellor

“It is our duty to say we are not satisfied with the way the elections took place.” José Manuel Barroso, European Commission President

“If Ukraine is not democratic “then Russia will absorb it, like it has done with Belarus, and we will have the Soviet Union again, more dangerous this time.” Lech Walesa, former Polish President

“I assure you and all the Ukrainian people that I am praying particularly for your very dear country in recent days.” Pope John Paul II

“A review of this election is absolutely necessary.” Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Nato Secretary-General

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