Dozens of people have been killed in a fire and clashes in the port city of Odessa, as Ukraine’s bloody conflict spread from the east to the south.<br /><br />A trade union building was set on fire, reportedly after pro-Russian activists took refuge inside, having been chased by pro-Kyiv demonstrators.<br /><br />At least 31 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning or after jumping from windows, according to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.<br /><br />Clashes have occurred in largely Russian-speaking Odessa before, but this deadly violence was something new.<br /><br />At least four people were killed and dozens wounded amid running battles between pro-Kyiv and pro-Russian supporters.Some reports put the overall death toll at 43.<br /><br />Odessa is not far from Crimea, annexed by Russia from Ukraine in March.<br /><br />Pro-Russian gunmen have overrun eastern Ukraine but early on Friday, Kyiv sent in forces to dislodge the militants from their stronghold in the town of Slovyansk.<br /><br />The separatists though fought back, downing two Ukrainian military helicopters at the start of the operation.<br /><br />Deaths were reported on both sides and there was still said to be intense gunfire well into the night.
