Protests batter Ukraine's economy

Thousands protested in the streets during Ukraine's political crisis

Ukraine saw growth in its economy halve in the months following the country's disputed presidential elections.

Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 5.4% between January and March, compared with a 10.8% rise at the same time in 2004, official figures showed.

Much of Ukraine ground to a halt during last year's political crisis, which eventually saw pro-Western opposition leader Vickor Yushchenko win power.

Thousands of people joined protests during the so-called Orange Revolution.

Badly hit

Ukraine's GDP growth in the first quarter fell due to a slowdown in the construction industry, the State Statistics Committee said.

Construction output fell by almost 6% in January to March, compared with the same period last year, the committee said.

The government expects Ukraine's economy to expand by about 8.2% in 2005, compared with GDP growth of 12.1% last year.

The construction industry, previously one of Ukraine's fastest growing sectors, was badly hit during the weeks of political turmoil which swept across the country, analysts said.

Vickor Yanukovych, Mr Yushchenko's opponent and chosen successor to outgoing president Leonid Kuchma, initially won power during elections in November.

However, widespread protests and allegations of vote rigging resulted in a second ballot, and victory for Mr Yushchenko.