German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Ukraine must safeguard protesters' lives following deadly clashes with security forces at opposition demonstrations.

"We expect the Ukrainian government to ensure basic rights -- particularly the possibility to stage peaceful demonstrations, to protect lives and that violence is not used," she said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Ukraine must safeguard protesters' lives following deadly clashes with security forces at opposition demonstrations.

"We expect the Ukrainian government to ensure basic rights -- particularly the possibility to stage peaceful demonstrations, to protect lives and that violence is not used," she said.