Ukrainian protesters and police have reached a stand-off in the capital Kiev, after dozens were killed in clashes on Thursday.

Thursday was the bloodiest day since the unrest began in November, with many of the anti-government protesters reportedly killed by police snipers.

In all, 77 people - including policemen - have been killed since the violence first flared up on Tuesday, Ukraine's health ministry said. Another 577 were injured.

Thousands of protesters remain camped in Kiev's main square, despite attempts by the security forces to move them, BBC reports.

Foreign minister’s crisis talks with opposing sides

On Thursday, the foreign ministers of France, Poland and Germany conducted several hours of discussions with Mr Yanukovych on a "roadmap towards a political solution" before going on to talks with opposition leaders.

They returned for another meeting with Mr Yanukovych in the evening and the talks continued late into the night.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Mr Yanukovych had expressed willingness to hold early elections this year.

Mr Yanukovych's aide Hanna Herman was later quoted as saying that the president was ready to make concessions to "restore peace".

The snap presidential and parliamentary elections are one of the key demands by Maidan activists and opposition leaders.

Currently, the presidential poll is scheduled for next year.