More than a dozen people are dead in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday after what appears to be the capital's most violent day since anti-government protests began in November.
Protestors chanted, sang and continued hurling rocks and molotov cocktails at police as parts of Kiev burned late Tuesday night. (Via Espreso TV)
According to The Washington Post, the day began with what was supposed to be a peaceful march to the Ukrainian Parliament as the government considered constitutional changes to limit presidential powers.
But USA Today reports Parliament delayed Tuesday's session, which prompted a wave of violence between opposition forces and Kiev authorities.
Protestors met riot police head-on, fighting with anything they could get their hands on. Authorities say both protestors and policemen were killed in the clashes. (Via CNN)
The New York Times reports anti-riot police pushed through protestors' barricades near Independence Square using tear gas and water cannons. Both sides accused each other of using live ammunition.
The months-long conflict in Kiev began when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich rejected a trade deal with the European Union and instead opted for an unpopular bailout from Russia.
According to Businessweek, the opposition wants the government "to overturn constitutional changes that strengthened Russia-backed Yanukovych's powers and to put Ukraine on a path toward E.U. membership."
The Wall Street Journal says Tuesday's violence comes after days of easing tension. Authorities offered an amnesty deal for protestors in exchange for the opposition removing barricades around Kiev and leaving occupied government buildings.
According to the BBC, world leaders again condemned the violence in Kiev, with E.U. foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney all calling for the government to hold peaceful dialogue to solve the ongoing crisis. (Via World Economic Forum, Munich Security Conference)
JAY CARNEY: "To restore peace and stability, we urge President Yanukovich to de-escalate the situation immediately and end the confrontation at Maidan."
Yanukovich was initially scheduled to continue negotiations with the opposition Wednesday, but RT reports he has already begun talks with opposition leader Vitaly Klitschko.
