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Kiev clashes claim at least 26

As thick black smoke rose from the barricades encircling the protest camp in central Kiev on Wednesday, the Ukrainian president blamed opposition leaders for new clashes between riot police and protesters that left at least 26 people dead and 241 injured.

World Responses

The clashes in Ukraine's capital that led to at least 26 deaths have drawn sharp reactions from Washington, generated talk of possible European Union sanctions and led to a Kremlin statement blaming Europe and the West. Here is a roundup of some of the international reaction:

Venezuelan opposition leader taken into custody during rally

Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Venezuela's capital on Tuesday after troops arrested opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on charges of fomenting unrest against the government and violence that has killed at least four people.

Thai protesters besiege PM's HQ

Defiant Thai opposition protesters surrounded Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's crisis headquarters on Wednesday, stepping up their campaign a day after dramatic street clashes left five dead and dozens wounded in Bangkok.

Senegal leader visits China

China already plays a key role in Senegal's economic development, but the African country seeks more cooperation from China's private sector, Senegalese President Macky Sall said after arriving in Beijing on Sunday for a three-day state visit.

Two lands can help each other 'realize a dream'

China and Senegal will continue to benefit from their relationship, and a consolidated mutual trust would enhance the countries' future development goals, said Chinese ambassador to Senegal Xia Huang.

Beijing opposes Japan's Taiwan ambitions

Beijing expressed opposition on Wednesday to a Japanese initiative led by the country's ruling party that aims to draw up an act that would "lay the legal basis" to foster ties between Tokyo and Taiwan.

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3 killed in Bangkok clashes

Clashes between police and anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok left three people dead and 57 others injured on Tuesday as riot officers attempted to clear protest camps around the Thai capital.

Anti-graft body files charges against PM

Thailand's anti-corruption body said on Tuesday it had filed charges against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra relating to irregularities in the government's rice-buying program. She has been summoned to appear to face the charges on Feb 27.

Iranian bank sues UK govt for $4b over sanctions

Iran's largest private bank is suing the British government for almost $4 billion in damages after the British Supreme Court quashed sanctions imposed against it over alleged links to Teheran's nuclear program.