Bloody clashes in Kyiv leave over 100 casualties.

Ukrainian police said on February 18 that six more police officers had died, bringing the total death toll to 14 in the bloody clashes between police and protesters in the capital Kyiv.

Earlier, 39 police officers were injured by gunfire and more than 100 others were wounded in the wave of clashes.

A Ukrainian protester was injured. (Photo: japantime.co.jp)

Television images showed riot police beginning to move into Independence Square in the capital Kyiv, pushing back anti-government protesters and throwing stun grenades. Meanwhile, on the same day, about 500 anti-government protesters in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv occupied the regional administrative headquarters and police command post.

On the evening of February 18, Vitali Klitschko, leader of the opposition "Udar" (Punch) party, called on leaders of democratic nations to intervene in Ukraine to end the violent confrontation after police launched an operation to disperse protesters in Independence Square in Kyiv. Klitschko argued that "the authorities deliberately provoked" the protesters in Independence Square and accused President Viktor Yanukovych of complicating the situation.

On the same day, White House spokesman Jay Carney said the U.S. condemned the street violence and the excessive use of force by both sides in Ukraine, and urged President Yanukovych to immediately de-escalate the situation, end the confrontation, and resume negotiations with opposition leaders on February 18.

On the evening of February 18, anti-government protesters in Ukraine regained control of Kyiv City Hall after bloody clashes with riot police.

This action occurred just two days after the protesters left the building.

Protesters guarded the entrance, and about 30 activists were setting up a first-aid station inside the building, which protesters left on February 16 under an amnesty agreement with the authorities.

A police officer is engulfed in flames. (Photo: metro.co.uk)

In related developments, Alexei Pushkov, chairman of the Russian State Duma's Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that Ukraine is on the brink of a civil war instigated by the West.

In another reaction, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced that the European Union (EU) could impose sanctions on Ukrainians due to the violence in Kyiv.

According to VNA