4:3 Pro-govt activists burn pro-Russian tents; clashes, efforts to save those in burning building

(2 May 2014) Deadly clashes took place in the southern Ukrainian port of Odessa on Friday, triggered by Ukraine’s offensive to recapture the eastern city of Slovyansk from pro-Russia forces. The clashes between pro- and anti-government activists in the previously calm port city led to a fire that police said killed 31 people. The clashes erupted late on Friday between pro-Russians and government supporters in the key port on the Black Sea coast, located 550 kilometres (330 miles) from the turmoil in the east. Police said the deadly fire broke out in a trade union building, but did not give details on how it started. According to Ukrainian news reports, the pro-Kiev demonstrators broke up an encampment of Moscow supporters outside the trade union building. The latter took refuge in the building, which then caught fire. Odessa police spokesman Volodymyr Shasbliyenko told AP that the fire apparently was caused by Molotov cocktails. He had no further details or identities of the victims. Unlike eastern Ukraine, Odessa had remained largely untroubled since the February toppling of President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Russia. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: