The US Embassy in Ukraine calls to defuse the situation around the detention of Mikhail Saakashvili.
"We are aware that Mr Saakashvili was detained and that protests are ongoing. We call for all sides to deescalate tensions and avoid violence. We are monitoring the situation closely and expect any investigation will be conducted expeditiously and in accordance with Ukrainian law," the US embassy said in a release on Tuesday.
Saakashvili is suspected of aiding a criminal group by receiving money for organisation of protests from Serhiy Kurchenko, who is internationally sought, including for gross embezzlement.