Ukrainian Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko has asked the police not to give in to provocations, to prevent the escalation of conflicts at protests, and properly ensure citizens' safety.

"It is important to treat each other with respect, not give in to provocations, prevent the escalation of conflicts and destructive actions by specific persons, the blocking of public establishments and transport communications. Our main purpose is to protect public order and ensure citizens' safety," Zakharchenko said in his address to the police posted on the Interior Ministry Web site on Tuesday.