Ukraine President Declares February 20 Day of Mourning

Ukrainian riot police stand in front of the fire ring around of the Independence Square during the continuing protest in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, 18 February 2014. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Ukrainian President Yanukovych has issued a decree declaring February 20 a day of mourning got the victims of "mass unrest."

State flags will be lowered to half-staff, entertainments and sports competitions won't be held in the country on the day of mourning.

Violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police on Tuesday night left at least 25 people dead, including nine police officers and a journalist, and hundreds of wounded.

Police and protesters in Kiev are preparing for a second day of unrest.

The protests started in November, after when Ukrainian President Yanukovych rejected a trade deal with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia.