The slow pace of reform and economic pressure by Russia has dampened the enthusiasm of some supporters of Ukraine's Orange Revolution, led by pro-Western Viktor Yushchenko. Voters there are going to the polls today, and the old-skool, pro-Russian forces led by Viktor Yanukovych are expected to make gains.

An excerpt from the BBC story:

"I feel a sort of frustration," says Petro Koshukov, an economist.

Petro was one of more than a million people estimated to have taken part in the pro-Yushchenko demonstrations.

"Things that were promised haven't been done and still need to be done."

The pace of reform has been slow, the economy has slumped and the orange team has been torn apart by a bitter power struggle.

Opposite the government building in Kiev is a noisy demonstration.

Lessons have been learnt from a year ago Alex Kiselev Yanukovych campaign organiser Q&A: Ukraine election

For the last few months, people disappointed by the Orange Revolution have been banging out tunes on home-made drums.

But there have been some significant changes since the presidential vote, which it is claimed was marred by systematic fraud.

"We are having the first fair and democratic election. And this has not been an easy test for the whole of society, for the authorities and opposition, for every citizen," President Yushchenko told listeners in a national radio address.

His authority has been weakened in the past few months.

Troubled year

Ukraine agreed to a controversial gas deal with Russia.

The Orange alliance turned sour last year

Moscow briefly turned off its supplies in a row over a price increase.

The crisis led to Mr Yushchenko's government being sacked for the second time.

Following such a politically turbulent year, his arch-rival, opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych, is on the verge of a comeback. ...

Yulia Tymoshenko was sacked as prime minister when the orange team collapsed. Her party is expected to pick up much of the protest vote.

But it is expected that no party will get enough support to form a majority, so there will probably be a coalition.

The team from the Orange Revolution may join forces. But some analysts believe that the president's party will reach out to the opposition.

Mrs Tymoshenko claims this would be the ultimate betrayal.

"President Yushchenko could then only hope to be a mere assistant of Yanukovych.

"I hope it will never become reality," she says.

Political reforms mean that MPs, not the president, will choose the next prime minister and that position will be much more powerful.