Clashes have erupted between protesters and police in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, as deputies gave their initial backing to reforms for greater autonomy in the disputed east of the country.

At least 10 people are said to have been injured.

A loud explosion has been heard. News footage shows objects thrown over the police cordon.


Rada violence pic.twitter.com/P8nXRKxrvo— Oliver Carroll (@olliecarroll) August 31, 2015




Eyewitnesses say demonstrators tried to break down the fence around the parliament building and police responded with tear gas.

During a noisy session of Ukraine’s parliament, deputies voted by a sound majority to give more autonomy to the disputed areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, currently under control of pro-Russian groups.

This was a clause in the MInsk 2 peace agreement.


Smoke bombs at Rada pic.twitter.com/JQtibgk45C— Stefan Huijboom (@SHuijboom) August 31, 2015