Fresh clashes erupt in Kiev despite truce effort

An anti-government protester looks out from a barricade after clashes with riot police in Independence Square in Kiev February 20, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

KIEV - The renewed clashes between the anti-government protesters and police officers erupted in Kiev on Thursday morning despite efforts between the president and the opposition leaders to stop violence and end the three-day standoff.

During the fresh confrontation, protesters tried to take control of two administrative buildings and strengthen their barricades, which met strong resistance from police.

Police claimed that the protesters employed automatic weapons and sniper rifles during the clashes.

Following the confrontation, at least one officer was killed and 29 were injured, an official from the Interior Ministry told local media.

Eyewitnesses also said that at least seven bodies of protesters are lying in central Kiev.

The new wave of violence came several hours after President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders announced a truce in central Kiev to prevent further bloodshed.

As of Thursday morning, 10 police officers and 18 civilians were confirmed dead and over 500 people from both sides were injured.

On Thursday, foreign ministers of France, Germany and Poland will travel to Kiev to meet Yanukovych to decide on targeted sanctions for violence.

Protests in Ukraine began last November to back the country's European integration.