You're reading: International leaders express outrage, urge peace in Ukraine (UPDATE)

An 11 p.m. on Feb. 18, an emergency meeting had been scheduled between President Viktor Yanukovych and the nation's three opposition political leaders to resolve an escalating crisis that is bringing the nation closer to the brink of a civil war. But it was unclear whether the meeting would take place amid the ongoing violence on Independence Square.

The announced meeting came amid bloody clashes between anti-government protesters and Interior Ministry forces that are now centered on Independence Square in central Kyiv. Police closed in on the main square at 8 p.m. from along Institutska and Khreshchatyk streets.

Radio Liberty reports that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said tonight that Europe should reconsider its reluctance to impose personal sanctions against those who used violence in Ukraine.

Canada Foreign MinisterJohn Baird issued the following statement:

“I am shocked and appalled by renewed violence and deaths today in Kyiv. Canada calls on all sides to show restraint and to cease all acts of violence immediately. No act of violence or repression today will go unnoticed by the Government of Canada, and we will work with our allies in the international community to ensure that those responsible will be held to account. We call on the Ukrainian government to work with the opposition and demonstrators to respond to their legitimate calls for a true democracy.”

Earlier today, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt said that America is considering sanctions now against those responsible for violence.

Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s top diplomat voiced concern, while Stefan Fuele, the European Union’s enlargement commissioner “deplored the deaths of those people and my thoughts are with their families.”

Ashton voiced concern that riot police were armed with automatic Kalashnikov rifles. 

Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said on Twitter that “everyone has responsibility to take country back from brink of catastrophe. Highly worrying news from Kyiv. Everyone must avoid every form of violence. Only dialogue and democracy can bring a solution. Everyone in Ukraine has a responsibility to secure a peaceful and non-violent solution after the tragic deaths of this day.” 

Also, Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara called a meeting of ambassadors stationed in Ukraine to brief them on developments.

Kyiv Post editor Mark Rachkevych can be reached at [email protected]