Interfax-Ukraine was told on Monday at the British Embassy and other embassies in Kyiv of European Union member countries that members of their staff were currently on the Ukrainian capital's Independence Square, the main site of current pro-EU demonstrations.

Interfax-Ukraine was told at the European Commission Delegation in Kyiv that several members of its staff were on Independence Square currently monitoring developments there.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Simon Smith visited Independence Square on Monday and said on Twitter: "Ukraine's authorities must listen to voice of reason: violence against peaceful protest is not the answer, but a step into a dismal future."