Ukraine's President has announced a truce with the opposition after violent clashes with riot police killed at least 26 people.
A statement on Viktor Yanukovych's website said: "Based on the results of the meeting, the sides announced a truce and the start of a negotiations process aimed at ending the bloodshed (and) stabilising the situation in the country for the benefit of civil peace."
European leaders are expected to impose sanctions on Ukraine tomorrow as a result of the clashes.
Protests broke out in November after the government ditched ties with the EU in favour of a Russian bail-out.
The head of the European Commission has said the EU will "respond to any deterioration on the ground" in Ukraine.
José-Manuel Barroso says the EU expects that targeted measures against those responsible for the violence, and use of excessive force, can be agreed by EU Member States as a matter of urgency.
It comes after 25 people died on Tuesday in the worst day of fighting since the nationwide demonstrations began in November.
#UNSG following developments in #Ukraine with increasing alarm. Calls on an immediate end to violence http://t.co/36k5jTMQRt
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) February 19, 2014
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Mr. Barroso added that the EU stands ready to support Ukraine "on this road of reforms, towards democracy, stability and prosperity".
President Barack Obama has condemned the violence in the Ukraine, saying the United States expects the Ukrainian government to show restraint against protesters and warning that there would be consequences for stepping over the line.
EU Foreign Ministers, including Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, will attend an extraordinary meeting tomorrow to discuss the worsening situation and possible sanctions.
Talks last night broke down after the Ukrainian President refused to call off the police assault on the Kiev protest camp.
Andriy Shevchenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and supporter of European integration, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast immediately after watching the sun rise over bloody scenes at Independence Square in Kiev this morning.
Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, said the President was unwilling to hold meaningful talks.
The EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton has denounced the "grave new escalation" in Kiev, and says the European Union stands ready to help in any way that it can.
In an address to the nation, President Viktor Yanukovych said anti-government protesters had "crossed the limits" by taking to the streets to try to oust him from power.
Smoke continues to rise from Independence Square in Kiev
"The leaders of the opposition have disregarded the principle of democracy according to which we obtain power through elections and not on the street."
Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych has fired his army chief following the day of violence.
Water cannon & stun grenade
Thousands of riot police used water cannon and stun grenades against protesters during Tuesday's clashes.
Demonstrators responded to the security forces' assault by hurling petrol bombs, fireworks, and stones.
Meanwhile US Vice President Joe Biden called Mr. Yanukovych, urging him to pull back the government forces and exercise "maximum restraint".
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also appealed for restraint and a "genuine dialogue" to resolve the crisis.
Nationwide demonstrations began in November after Mr Yanukovych agreed with Russian calls to pull out of a planned trade agreement with the EU.
He instead agreed to accept a Kremlin bailout for the struggling economy.
Oleksandr Danylyuk is a lawyer and rights activist who runs the Ukranian opposition group Common Cause from exile in London.
He doesn't see any end to the violence:
