Supporters of LGBT rights were accompanied by hundreds of police officers during a Pride march through the streets of the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.
About 2,500 people joined the march in celebration of the LGBT community on Sunday under the heavy police presence to separate them from protestors who oppose gay rights in the country.
At least nine people were arrested on suspicion of preparing provocations against participants in the Kiev Pride event, police said.
Several people protesting against the rally scuffled with police as the march assembled.
Other members of the demonstration stood along the Pride march route shouting at participants.
Some held banners with anti-LGBT messages, including one which read: “Sodomy is the road to hell.”
Opponents of gay rights say homosexuality is contrary to Ukraine's traditional culture.
In turn, a large banner at the head of the march declared that "our tradition is freedom".
Whilst homosexuality is legal in Ukraine, prevailing social attitudes are often described as intolerant.
The LGBT community have been subjected to hostility, especially from Ukrainian ultra-nationalists in the west of the country, and their pro-Russian adversaries in the east.
There have been violent street attacks on gay men and pro-LGBT events are also subject to attack by ultra-nationalists.
Agencies contributed to this report.
