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Ukraine protests: Two people killed in clashes in Kiev Ukraine protests: 'Two people' killed in Kiev clashes
(35 minutes later)
At least two people are reported to have died in clashes between police and protesters in the Ukrainian capital Kiev in a third night of violence.At least two people are reported to have died in clashes between police and protesters in the Ukrainian capital Kiev in a third night of violence.
The clashes began after police moved in to dismantle a protest camp.The clashes began after police moved in to dismantle a protest camp.
Protesters threw firebombs and stones, while the police used tear gas and rubber bullets. At least one of the men who died reportedly had bullet wounds. Protesters threw firebombs and stones, while the police used tear gas and rubber bullets. At least one of the men who died had bullet wounds.
The violence was triggered by the introduction of new laws last week that criminalise protests.The violence was triggered by the introduction of new laws last week that criminalise protests.
Protesters have been camped out in central Kiev since late November, in anger at the government's rejection of a planned treaty with the EU in favour of Moscow.Protesters have been camped out in central Kiev since late November, in anger at the government's rejection of a planned treaty with the EU in favour of Moscow.
Prime Minister Mykola Azarov had warned that police would use force if the unrest seen on the fringes of the protest in recent days continued. Wednesday's violence was restricted to a small area around Hrushevskyy Street, close to the main protest encampment at Maidan (or Independence Square).
The violence has been restricted to a small area around Hrushevskyy Street, close to the main protest encampment at Maidan (or Independence Square), with most of the rest of the city functioning normally, say correspondents. Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told his cabinet on Wednesday that "terrorists" from Maidan had "seized dozens of people and beat them".
"I am officially stating that these are criminals who must answer for their action," he said.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Ukraine said it had revoked the visas of "several Ukrainians who were linked to the violence". It did not give names, but said it was "considering further action against those responsible for the current violence."
Hundreds of people have been injured during the three nights of clashes, though peaceful protesters have blamed a little-known far-right group, Right Sector, for carrying out the violence.Hundreds of people have been injured during the three nights of clashes, though peaceful protesters have blamed a little-known far-right group, Right Sector, for carrying out the violence.
FireworksFireworks
Shortly after 06:00 GMT on Wednesday - after a relatively peaceful night - police stormed protesters' barricades on Hrushevskyy Street.Shortly after 06:00 GMT on Wednesday - after a relatively peaceful night - police stormed protesters' barricades on Hrushevskyy Street.
Fresh clashes broke out as police arrested protesters, amid heavy snowfall.Fresh clashes broke out as police arrested protesters, amid heavy snowfall.
Protesters could be seen on live TV coverage throwing stones and fireworks towards police. At least one police officer threw a firebomb towards a burned bus.Protesters could be seen on live TV coverage throwing stones and fireworks towards police. At least one police officer threw a firebomb towards a burned bus.
The BBC's Duncan Crawford in Kiev says police have now fallen back and protesters are returning to the square.The BBC's Duncan Crawford in Kiev says police have now fallen back and protesters are returning to the square.
There were reports that one of those who died had been killed by a sniper, but this has not been confirmed. Another activist is said to have died in a fall, but this is also unconfirmed. The interior ministry confirmed that one person had died of gunshot wounds, stressing the cause of the shooting was not clear, Interfax news agency reports. Medics for the protesters claimed he was shot by a police sniper.
Medics were also quoted as saying a second activist had been killed in the clashes, but this has also not been confirmed by officials.
Many of the protesters wore red helmets, in defiance of the new laws, which ban protective headgear and masks at protests.Many of the protesters wore red helmets, in defiance of the new laws, which ban protective headgear and masks at protests.
The laws also prescribe jail terms for anyone blockading public buildings and outlaw unauthorised tents in public areas.The laws also prescribe jail terms for anyone blockading public buildings and outlaw unauthorised tents in public areas.
Mr Azarov had warned on Tuesday: "If the provocateurs do not stop, then the authorities will have no other choice but to use force under the law to protect our people."