EU and Russia express concern over Kiev violence

As protests continue to grip Ukraine, the level of violence is raising deep concerns among world leaders.

In recent days, three protesters have died -- two of them from gunshot wounds.

More than 150 police have been injured.

Olivier Bailly, a spokesman for the European Union commission, said Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich to address his concerns.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) EU COMMISSION SPOKESMAN, OLIVIER BAILLY, SAYING:

"The use of force is obviously, for the Commission, not the answer to the political situation. Mr. Barroso also urged President Yanukovich to have the highest level dialogue with the opposition immediately, which is a role for him as the head of state."

The EU has played a significant role in the unrest.

Ukraine was heading for a trade deal with the EU, but Yanukovich rejected the pact.

Instead, he opted for closer ties with Russia.

That country's deputy prime minist