Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Ukraine truce shattered, death toll tops 50

Fresh fighting broke out in central Kiev on Thursday, shattering a truce declared by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, as the Russian-backed leader met European ministers demanding he compromise with pro-EU opponents.

A Reuters photographer saw the bodies of 21 dead civilians in Independence Square, a few hundred metres (yards) from where the president met the EU delegation, after protesters who have occupied the area for almost three months hurled petrol bombs and paving stones to drive riot police out of the plaza.

(Read more: Ukraine President agrees truce with opponents)

Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on Wednesday, after protesters set fire to a camp in a last-ditch effort to resist converging riot police.Source: Tanya Zherdieva

A statement from Yanukovich's office said: "They (the protesters) went on to the offensive. They are working in organised groups. They are using firearms, including sniper rifles. They are shooting to kill.

"The number of dead and injured among police officers is dozens," the statement on the presidential website said.

(Read more: Obama warns of consequences as Ukraine battle rages)

Shortly after 9 a.m. (0700 GMT), the protesters advanced to a line closer to Yanukovich's office and parliament. Television showed activists in combat fatigues leading several captured, uniformed policemen across the square. Both sides have accused the other of using live ammunition.

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