14:37
18.2.2014
The nationalist Svoboda party tweeted this picture -- apparently of bullet casings from clashes today.
15:09
18.2.2014
The chief Euromaidan medic, Olga Bohomolets, and a lawmaker from the opposition Fatherland party, Lesiya Orobets, say that three protesters have been killed. Others, she says, are in critical condition. They are apparently in the House of Officers, which was seized today.
15:35
18.2.2014
More disturbing scenes, via our Ukrainian Service. Police are shown badly beaten. Some protesters try to help bring them to safety, while others go for more.
15:49
18.2.2014
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has threatened an "appropriate response" after protesters today seized the Central House of the Officers of the Armed Forces (Officers' House). The military has avoided involvement in the mass protests that began in Kyiv three months ago.
16:07
18.2.2014
Via our Ukrainian Service, the western cities of Lviv and Ternopil have called for a "general mobilization" and have sent convoys of buses to Kyiv.
16:28
18.2.2014
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry has issued an ultimatum. Protesters are to cease "riots" by 6 PM Kyiv time (1.5 hours from now).
Various reports say riot police are moving towards Independence Square -- the site of the 3 months old opposition encampment.
Various reports say riot police are moving towards Independence Square -- the site of the 3 months old opposition encampment.
16:40
18.2.2014
The heads of the president's security services have issued a joint statement, warning that "extremists from the opposition have crossed the line."
"Their one goal, even at the cost of human blood, is to grab a hold of power."
"We cannot allow a further escalation of the conflict," the statement says. "Ordinary citizens are turning to the authorities to restore order and to return peace and stability to Ukraine...If at 1800 the atrocities don't stop, we will have to clean up this mess, by all means available under the law."
"Their one goal, even at the cost of human blood, is to grab a hold of power."
"We cannot allow a further escalation of the conflict," the statement says. "Ordinary citizens are turning to the authorities to restore order and to return peace and stability to Ukraine...If at 1800 the atrocities don't stop, we will have to clean up this mess, by all means available under the law."
16:53
18.2.2014
Via our Ukrainian Service: The Independence Square Metro station is closed, officially because of "a threat of a terror attack."
16:58
18.2.2014
17:11
18.2.2014
A correspondent for Interfax Ukraine says the bodies of a man and a woman, between 50 and 60 years old, have been seen near Independence Square barricades. A police spokesperson has confirmed five deaths, according to AP.