Confrontation between protesters and police continued in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday (January 23) for the fifth consecutive day.

Black smoke seen from afar was billowing over the flames as demonstrators continued to burn tyres on a street in central Kiev.

Riot police stood watching from the distance, so far avoiding any action.

The protesters remained hopeful for a peaceful resolution of tense situation in Kiev despite the three deaths that occurred on Wednesday as a result of violent clamp down on demonstrators by Ukrainian riot police.