Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovich is set to return to work on Monday after a period of sick leave, a statement on the presidential website said. Thousands of anti-government protesters have gathered in central Kiev to demand his resignation.
A Ukrainian protester has reportedly been shot dead by police while another has fallen to their death as violent clashes between police and pro-European protesters escalated in Kiev.
The shot protester was said to have been targeted by police sniper. A Reuters cameraman was shown the body of a man who had suffered gunshot wounds to his head.
The other protester fell to his death during the clashes, according to reports.
Ukrainian authorities confirmed they had found the body of one protester and experts were now working to determine the cause of death.
Ukraine has experienced difficult days before but few have been so complex or so pivotal.
The Ukrainian government says it is is ready to use all tools available to restore order if violence and unrest continues.
These are difficult days for Ukraine, a country edging toward its second revolution in a decade.