Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has agreed to peace talks with the leaders of protesters who have called for his resignation. Champion-boxer-turned-politician Vitaly Klitschko and other protest leaders called for a 24-hour police truce until 8 p.m. local time, dependent on the outcome of the talks. Still, tensions remain high throughout Kiev following some of most violent protests in the city’s history.
Since November, pro-European liberals have protested the Yanukovich government, calling for early elections after Yanukovich rejected a free trade deal with the European Union. In recent days, the protests in Kiev have become increasingly violent. At least three protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began, two from gunshot wounds and another beaten to death. More than 150 police officers have also been injured in the protests.
Riot police officers pose for a picture near burnt vehicles as smoke rises in the background during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersA woman reacts as Interior Ministry members push pro-European protesters during a rally in Kiev January 22, 2014.
ReutersA man holds a Ukrainian flag as smoke rises in the background during clashes between police and pro-European protesters in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersRiot police officers look out from an armored vehicle during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersA pro-European integration protester fires off fireworks towards riot police during clashes in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersA woman holds a wooden cross as riot policemen aim their weapons during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersA pro-European integration protester takes cover behind a makeshift shield at the site of clashes with riot police in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersAn aerial view shows riot police and Interior Ministry members standing in formation as tires set ablaze by pro-European protesters burn during clashes in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersPeople walk near burning tires at the site of clashes of pro-European integration protesters with riot police in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersA man plays a musical instrument near burning tires set ablaze by pro-European protesters during clashes in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersPro-European integration protesters shoot using a big slingshot towards riot police in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersA pro-European protester holds a pneumatic gun during clashes with Ukrainian riot police in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersA riot police officer looks out as his colleagues take cover behind shields during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev January 22, 2014.
ReutersRiot police block a street, as stones used by pro-European integration protesters in recent demonstrations lie on the ground, in Kiev January 21, 2014. ReutersPro-European protesters gather during clashes with riot police in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersA pro-European integration protester catches fire during clashes with police in Kiev, Jan. 20, 2014. ReutersRiot police officers gather during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersA pro-European protester carries a tire to burn during clashes with riot police in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersRiot police officers hold a man lying on the ground during clashes between police and pro-European protesters in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersInterior Ministry members stand in formation in front of burning tires set ablaze by pro-European protesters during clashes in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersPro-European protesters throw tires into a fire during street violence in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersRiot police officers take cover behind shields during clashes with pro-European protesters in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersA pro-European protester wears a gas mask during street violence in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersPro-European integration protesters take cover from water sprayed from a fire engine at the site of clashes with riot police in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersA pro-European protester throws a Molotov cocktail towards riot police during clashes in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersA pro-European protester throws a burning tire during clashes with riot policemen in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersSmoke from burning tires set ablaze by pro-European protesters rises during clashes with riot police in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersPro-European integration protesters carry Molotov cocktails during clashes with police in Kiev January 20, 2014. ReutersPro-European protesters launch a pyrotechnic pistol towards riot police during clashes in Kiev January 22, 2014. ReutersA pro-European integration protester throws stones towards riot police as others take cover in Kiev, January 23, 2014. ReutersA pro-European integration protester carries tires at the site of clashes with riot police in Kiev, January 22, 2014. ReutersPro-European integration protesters take cover from water sprayed from a fire engine at the site of clashes with riot police in Kiev, January 23, 2014.
ReutersPro-European integration protesters burn tires at the site of clashes with riot police in Kiev, January 23, 2014. Reuters
