Ukrainian politicians caught in vicious fight on TV after live debate

Volodymyr Parasyuk is seen lunging at rival MP Olesksandr Vilkul after a heated television debate

Two rival Ukrainian MPs have been caught fighting on camera following the filming of a television debate.

Volodymyr Parasyuk was seen throwing a punch at Oleksandr Vilkul, a former Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, in a studio corridor behind the scenes of Ukraine’s 112 TV channel.

Mr Parasyuk was held back by bodyguards, before walking outside to repeatedly kick and vandalise his opponent’s car.

Mr Vilkul is a former member of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych’s Party of Regions but is now in the Opposition Bloc party.

Mr Parasyuk was an active participant in the anti-Yanukovych movement and the Maidan protests in Ukraine in last year, which were triggered by President Yanukovych’s refusal to sign an agreement of association with the EU.

The activist made headlines in November last year after he was filmed kicked a security chief in the head during a meeting on anti-corruption.

He later defended his actions, said to be triggered by an argument over each individual’s importance, and said: “It was an emotional reaction ... I will not allow someone like this to badmouth myself or my brothers.”

Additional reporting by AP