You're reading: Irish Times: Tension rises in Ukraine with talks blocked and deadlines looming

Concessions offered by Ukraine’s authorities and anti-government protesters have failed to defuse rising tension in Kyiv, amid threats and ultimatums from both sides.

Courts yesterday released from police custody the last of 234 people detained during months of demonstrations against the rule of president Viktor Yanukovych and in return activists agreed to allow the partial resumption of traffic on a major Kyiv street blocked by their barricades. 

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