Clashes erupted outside parliament in Kiev on Monday as lawmakers gave initial approval to consitutional changes granting more autonomy to separatists in eastern Ukraine, AFP reports.

A blast was also heard outside parliament, although the cause was not immediately known, the agency said. About a dozen people were reportedly injured.

A total of 265 lawmakers voted in favour of the reforms at a stormy session of parliament in Kiev, with protests both inside and outside the buidling.

 Photo: Reuters