The United States has rejected the results of Ukraine's presidential election and called for an urgent review of the balloting.
Secretary of State Colin Powell says the results cannot be accepted as legitimate before allegations of widespread fraud are investigated.
His announcement today (Wednesday) in Washington came shortly after officials in Ukraine named pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych as the winner of Sunday's poll.
The Western-leaning opposition challenger, Viktor Yushchenko, has called for a nationwide strike.
Mr. Powell warned of consequences with Ukraine's relationship with the United States. He also urged authorities not to use force against the tens of thousands of pro-opposition demonstrators who are rallying in Kiev.
Electoral officials in Ukraine say the prime minister won just over 49 percent support, three percentage points over Mr. Yushchenko.
European and U.S. observers alleged widespread fraud occurred.