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More than 40 people were killed in Odessa on Friday (May 2), most caught in a building set on fire after pro-Russian activists and supporters of Ukrainian unity fought running battles across the southern port city.
In the worst violence in the Black Sea port since President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted in February, police said 38 people had choked to death on smoke or were killed when jumping out of windows after the trade union building was set on fire.
The opposing sides in a battle that is being repeated in other parts of Ukraine, especially in its East, have clashed before in Odessa, but the violence has never before resulted in deaths. Some residents say they fear some may now seek retribution.
Earlier, the police said at least four men had been killed in fighting after a march by the pro-Kiev demonstrators was ambushed. Petrol bombs, paving stones and explosive devices were thrown during the clashes, they said.
