Talks to end some of Ukraine’s worst violence in decades broke down overnight with President Yanukovych saying he wanted Kyiv’s protest camp cleared, reports Euronews.

Since Tuesday morning at least 20 people have died and more than 500 have been injured in an eruption of violence.

After failed overnight talks, Yanukovych urged opposition leaders to distance themselves from radical forces reported BBC.

Police launched their latest assault on Independence Square, also known as the Maidan, shortly after 04:00 local time (02:00 GMT). Several tents were set ablaze, and water cannon were later used.

Activists say the violence has been stoked by the authorities.

Missiles were hurled at each other – petrol bombs and stones by one side, stun grenades by the other. Several of the dead are said to have died from gunshot wounds.

While activists have called on support from other cities, the authorities have closed off roads and the metro into central Kyiv.