Ukraine's president says he has reached a deal with the opposition to end the crisis, after all-night talks mediated by three EU foreign ministers, BBC reported.

Viktor Yanukovych's statement said the agreement would be signed later.

However, the French foreign minister voiced caution, saying the deal was not definitive, and the opposition has not confirmed Mr Yanukovych's claim.

Protesters and police are still locked in a stand-off in Kiev, a day after dozens were killed in violent clashes.

On Thursday, EU foreign ministers said sanctions would be imposed on some Ukrainian officials over the violence.

The US has warned Kiev that it would follow suit.

The protests first erupted in late November when President Yanukovych rejected a landmark association and trade deal with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia.
 

Source: BNA