DHAKA: At least 31 people have been killed in a fire in an official building amid clashes between pro-Russian activists and government supporters in Odessa, in south-west Ukraine.

The deaths came as pro-Russian protesters clashed with Ukrainian government supporters in the city.

Officials said some people were overwhelmed by smoke and others died after they jumped from the building.

Earlier President Oleksandr Turchynov said many separatists had been killed in a government offensive in Sloviansk.

Activists have seized scores of government buildings and detained observers in eastern Ukraine.

BDST: 0852 HRS, May 3, 2014