After a new wave of uprisings in Kiev, Ukraine left 26 dead and more than 240 injured, the European Union is calling an "extraordinary" meeting to discuss its response to the violence.
The 28-nation bloc is considering sanctions that could include travel bans and asset freezes, particularly targeting Ukrainian leaders, German chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed.
See also: Photos From Kiev: Latest Riots Turn Deadly
Mass riots and clashes between police and protesters began in November, but they started to dwindle in January. Kiev was relatively calm until Tuesday, when protesters broke through a police barrier near the country's parliament, heaving Molotov cocktails, fighting with bats, rifles and paving stones. Police, in turn, fired rubber bullets and live ammunition.
The unrest stems from President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to accept a $15 billion bailout package from Russia instead of entering into an agreement with the European Union. Protesters and opposition leaders have since called for Yanukovych's resignation.
Editor's Note: This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
Anti-government protesters walk amid debris and flames near the perimeter of Independence Square, known as Maidan, on Feb. 19, 2014.
Anti-government protesters put on gas masks near the perimeter of Independence Square, known as Maidan, on Feb. 19, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.
A view out from inside the Trade Unions Building, which has served as the de facto headquarters for the anti-government protest movement, as the building burns on Feb. 19, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Protesters stand guard on the perimeter of Independence Square, known as Maidan, as the Trade Unions Building, which has served as the de facto headquarters for the protest movement, burns on Feb. 19, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.
An injured anti-government protester awaits treatment at the Mikhailovsky Monastery, which has been converted into a makeshift hospital, on Feb. 19, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Anti-government protesters guard the perimeter of Independence Square, known as Maidan, on Feb.19, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Anti-government protesters walk amid debris and flames near the perimeter of Independence Square on Feb. 19, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Anti-government protesters guard the perimeter of Independence Square on Wednesday.
Anti-government protesters sleep on the floor inside the Mikhailovsky Monastery, which has been converted into a makeshift hospital, on Feb. 19, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Anti-government protesters protected themselves with shields during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014.
An anti-government protester, center, prepares to throw a Molotov cocktail during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square on Tuesday night.
Anti-government protesters relax at the barricades during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square on Feb. 19, 2014.
Protesters dig for stones during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square on Feb. 19, 2014. The deadly clashes in Ukraine’s capital have drawn sharp reactions from Washington, generated talk of possible European Union sanctions and led to a Kremlin statement blaming Europe and the West.
Protesters protected themselves with shields during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square on Wednesday.
Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square on the evening of Feb. 18, 2014.
Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square on Tuesday night.
An anti-government protester, right, prepares to throw a Molotov cocktail during clashes with riot police in Kiev on Feb. 18, 2014.