Ukraine has experienced its bloodiest
week in decades after days of deadly clashes between anti-government
protesters and police which ended in the ousting of President Viktor
Yanukovych.
For three months demonstrators have been involved in a stand-off with authorities in the capital Kiev.
But
on February 18 violence escalated and the Health Ministry said the
death toll between protesters and police had reached 82. The protesters
put that figure at over 100.
Here are a selection of photographs which capture the devastation caused in Kiev's Independence Square.
Anti-government protesters carry away a wounded
man as riot policemen fire live bullets on them on Independence Square
in downtown Kiev
A woman lights candles in memory of the victims
of clashes between police and protesters in Kiev, at the Ukrainian
Embassy in Moscow, Russia
This image taken on February 18 shows an aerial
view of central Kiev, with 'Maidan' dubbed Independence square (on the
left) and smoke billowing from clashes between anti-government
protestors and police (centre near the stadium)
A general view of Independence Square during protests in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, on February 18
Explosive: A general view of Independence Square during protests in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, on February 18
Ukrainian riot police 18 February launched a
massive assault on thousands of anti-government protesters on February
18 in central Kiev
Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square, the epicentre of protests in Kiev
Smoke from exploding fireworks and fires billows
into the night sky as Ukrainians gather on Independence Square during
continuing protest in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 18
Wounded people are seen after clashes with riot police in central Kiev on February 18
Wounded men make their way to safety during clashes with police in central Kiev on February 18
An anti-government protester shoots during
clashes with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine,
on February 18
Armed: A protester uses a slingshot during clashes with police in Kiev on February 18
Violence: Protesters put down barricades during clashes with police in Kiev on February 18
An anti-government protester prepares to throw a
Molotov's cocktail during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine's
parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 18
Anti-government protesters clash with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 18
An anti-government protester throws a stone
during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev,
Ukraine, on February 18
Riot police clash with anti-government protesters outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 18
Interior Ministry members are on fire as they stand guard during clashes with anti-government protesters in Kiev on February 18
Unrest: Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Kiev on February 18
Anti-government protesters shield themselves and wear gas masks during a demonstration in Kiev on February 18
Conflict: Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Kiev on February 18
Terrified: Wounded people are seen after clashes with riot police in central Kiev on February 18
Anti-government demonstrators stand among the smoke of burning barricades during clashes with riot police in Kiev on February 18
War: A protester holds a makeshft shield during clashes with police in Kiev on February 18
Protesters clash with riot police during the continuing protest in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, on February 18
Anger: Anti-government protesters in Kiev, Ukraine stand in a line with shields on February 18
An anti-government protester wrapped in the
Ukrainian national flag stands by a barricade during clashes with riot
police on Kiev's Independence Square on February 19
Anti-government protesters gather stones during a rally in central Kiev on February 19
Riot police officers stand in line during on-going protests on Independence Square in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, on February 19
An anti-government protester uses a slingshot to throw stones towards riot police on Kiev's Independence Square on February 19
An anti-government protester wears a gas
mask during clashes with riot police on Kiev's Independence Square on February 19
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