Ukraine's President has announced a truce with the opposition after violent clashes with riot police killed at least 26 people.

A statement on Viktor Yanukovych's website said: "Based on the results of the meeting, the sides announced a truce and the start of a negotiations process aimed at ending the bloodshed (and) stabilising the situation in the country for the benefit of civil peace."

European leaders are expected to impose sanctions on Ukraine tomorrow as a result of the clashes.

Protests broke out in November after the government ditched ties with the EU in favour of a Russian bail-out.