Kiev protests turn deadly as thousands clash

Thousands of anti-government protesters have clashed with security forces in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, as the country's old Soviet master Russia blamed European "connivance" for encouraging the violence.

Plumes of smoke and tear gas rose in the air as stun grenades boomed, after opposition leaders accused pro-government factions in parliament of dragging their feet on a constitutional reform that would limit presidential powers - a key opposition demand.

Emergency officials said one person was killed in the protests on Monday, but opposition leaders said at least three were killed, scores were injured and several others were "close to death".

The latest violence is a reminder of what the opposition wants and what those in power are offering.

Al Jazeera's Nadim Baba reports.