New clashes broke out on Wednesday between Ukrainian police and protesters demanding the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych and two demonstrators were reported to have been killed.

Protesters shouted "Murderers!" and "Glory to Ukraine!" in a square in the center of the capital Kiev after reports spread that a man had been shot dead by a police sniper and that another demonstrator had fallen to his death during clashes.

Ukrainian police confirmed that one body has been located and experts are now working to determine the cause of death.

The latest clashes broke out when police, using teargas, tried to dismantle a protest camp but were repelled by demonstrators hurling home-made petrol bombs, witnesses said.

The demonstrators have been out in the street for several weeks, angered by Yanukovych's decision to shun a trade pact with the European Union and instead accept financial aid from Russia.

Prospects for an agreement to end the conflict dimmed on Tuesday, when Yanukovych refused to personally meet with leading members of the opposition who were invited for talks.

Open gallery view A pro-European integration protester uses a slingshot during clashes with police in Kiev, January 20, 2014. Credit: Reuters

Open gallery view Protesters clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Credit: AP