Protesters clashed with police in Kiev after Russian was made a regional language in the predominantly Russian regions of Ukraine.
Many say the measure threatens Ukraine’s sovereignty after 20 years of independence from the former Soviet Union.
The bill was approved , after Ukraine’s parliament voted in a surprise proposal, giving those against the bill inadequate time to cast their ballots.
If this bill becomes a law, there will be implications on the languages used in courts, education and other institutions in the Russian speaking regions of Ukraine, although Ukranian would still remain the state language.
Parliament speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn announced his resignation due to the passing of the bill.
Commenting on the bill he said “[...] On a larger scale they have tricked Ukraine, they have tricked the people".
