United Nations, February 20 (RHC)-- The exercise of restraint is being urged in Ukraine following the killing of more than 22 people during violent clashes between riot police and protesters in the capital, Kiev.

Thousands of people have been demonstrating in the capital since November against the government’s perceived rejection of integration with the European Union.

On Tuesday, the situation took a violent turn for the worse when protestors attempted to march on Parliament ahead of a crucial debate reinstating the 2004 Constitution, which would significantly limit the powers of the president.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed he is shocked and gravely concerned about the escalation of violence in the country and called for the immediate renewal of dialogue.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay is urging the government and the protestors to defuse the tensions and find a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis.