Protesters, police clash in Kiev’s main square

Violence erupted in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev after anti-government protesters broke through a police cordon in front of parliament on Tuesday. Protester marched toward the parliament to demand constitutional reforms that would curb the powers of President Viktor Yanukovych. At least 25 people died and 241 were injured.

Above, protesters wearing masks clashed with riot police in downtown Kiev.

Oscar Verbitsky watched the news at the Ukrainian American Soccer Club.

Berkut riot police hung a Ukrainian flag from a street light on Independence Square.

Women passed stones to protesters.

Anti-government protesters clashed with riot police in Kiev’s Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest.

Protesters clashed with riot police as a rainbow appeared.

A protester sat near the barricades on Independence Square.

A protester took pictures as he stood behind burning barricades in Kiev’s Independence Square.

A protester stood behind a burning barricade.

Protesters hit a riot policeman who fell on the floor.

Police clashed with anti-government protesters in Kiev on Tuesday.

Interior Ministry members stood in formation as their colleagues attempted to extinguish a fire during clashes with anti-government protesters in Independence Square in central Kiev. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich warned his opponents that he could deploy force against them after what he called their attempt to “seize power” by means of “arson and murder”.

Anti-government protesters aimed their weapons during clashes with riot police.

Anti-government protesters helped an injured man during clashes with riot police at Independence Square.

People spoke near a barricade on fire during the clashes.

Anti-government protesters took cover behind a temporary barricade during clashes with riot police at Independence Square in Kiev.

Police fired rubber bullets at stone-throwing protesters as they demonstrated close to Ukraine’s parliament in Kiev.

An anti-government protester prepared to throw an explosive during clashes with riot police at Independence Square in Kiev.

Anti-government protesters walked past a burning tent encampment during clashes with riot police.

Anti-government protesters gathered near a statue during clashes with riot police at Independence Square in Kiev.

An anti-government protester prepared to throw an explosive during clashes with riot police at Independence Square in Kiev.

Riot police clashed with anti-government protesters outside Ukraine’s parliament in Kiev, Ukraine.

Fireworks exploded near anti-government protesters during clashes with riot police.

Anti-government protesters carried a wounded man during clashes with riot police in Kiev. Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko called on women and children to quit the encampment on Kiev’s iconic Independence Square over fears of a possible police assault.

Anti-government demonstrators stood on barricades during clashes with riot police in Kiev.

An anti-government protester prepared to throw an explosive during clashes with riot police at Independence Square in Kiev.

An anti-government protester threw bottles during clashes with riot police at the Independence Square in Kiev.

TOPSHOTS Opposition demonstrators evacuate a wounded protester during clashes with police in Kiev on February 18, 2014. Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko on Tuesday urged women and children to leave the opposition’s main protest camp on Kiev’s Independence Square, known as Maidan, as riot police massed nearby. “We ask women and children to quit Maidan as we cannot rule out the possibility that they will storm (the camp),” the former heavyweight boxing champion told protestors on the square. AFP PHOTO / PIERO QUARANTAPIERO QUARANTA/AFP/Getty Images

Red Cross workers gave first aid to wounded policemen.

Opposition demonstrators stood near burning barricades during clashes with police in Kiev.

Aa riot policeman whose helmet was burning shielded himself during clashes with anti-government protesters in central Kiev.

Anti-government protesters shielded themselves during clashes with riot police in central Kiev.

An opposition demonstrator held a Molotov cocktail during clashes with police in Kiev.

Anti-government protesters “detained” a police officer in the center of Kiev.

Riot police aimed at anti-government protesters.

Policemen carried a colleague wounded during clashes with anti-government protesters in Kiev.

A young anti-government protester took part in clash with police in Kiev.

Policemen tried to avoid flames from Molotov cocktails during clashes with anti-government protesters in front of the Ukrainian Parliament in Kiev.

Anti-government demonstrators stood among the smoke of burning barricades during clashes with riot police in Kiev.