Ukrainian soldier dies after Kosovo riot

MITROVICH, Kosovo, March 18 (UPI) -- A Ukrainian army officer has died of injuries suffered in a clash with Serb protesters while on duty with the international force in Kosovo.

Senior Lt. Ihor Kinal, 25, died Monday of injuries suffered when armed protesters, angry at Kosovo's vote for independence from Serbia, clashed with Ukrainian and Polish troops in Mitrovich.

The Ukrainian Unan news agency said Kinal died after surgery on Monday.

The violence in Mitrovich left 20 Ukrainians, 22 Poles and 80 civilians injured.

The EU Observer said the European Union issued a statement Tuesday condemning the violence and urging people in Kosovo to build a multiethnic nation that respects democracy and the rule of law.