KIEV, February 20, /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine's Interior Ministry reported Thursday, that rioters on Independance square in Kiev openely fire shotguns against Berkut riot police units.

At least 20 policemen have been wounded as a result of sniperfire on Independance square in central Kiev.

Calshes between the protesters and riot police started Thursday morning. The rioters have put up a smoke screen by burning tyres. Thick black smoke is rising over the square.

Cobblestones and Molotov cocktails are thrown at policemen, who respond with sound and flash grenades and plastic bullets.

"Shots are being fired at police from the windows of the conservatory building overlooking Independence Square,” the Interior Ministry’s press-service says. The building is uccupied by radical protesters.