France's Hollande condemns fresh violence in Ukraine

French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday condemned the Monday attack on the Ukrainian parliament building in Kiev where lawmakers were voting on constitutional changes that would give more autonomy to its eastern region held by rebels.

In a statement issued by Hollande's office, the French head of state expressed his "solidarity to the President (Petro) Poroshenko, the Ukrainian authorities, and the entire population in these difficult times."

Three Ukrainian national guardsman were killed and about 140 people, mainly law enforcement officers, were wounded in clashes between nationalist protesters and police guarding the parliament building.

Opponents of the bill attacked police officers on Monday with smoke bombs and tear gas. They then threw a hand grenade at them, according to reports.

Constitutional amendments on decentralization are one of the main provisions of the Minsk peace deal signed in February of this year. The deal was designed to put an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has so far killed 6,800 people. Endit