( CNN ) -- The violence and bloodshed on the streets of Kiev has left Ukraine on the `` brink of catastrophe , '' according to one of the nation 's most famous sons . Sergey Bubka , a man known across the world for his record-breaking exploits as a pole vault champion , has been left shellshocked by the scenes in his home country . From Sochi , where he is trying to salvage the spirit of Ukraine 's athletes at the Winter Olympics , Bubka has watched on in horror as anti-government protestors clash with police . `` I could n't believe that has happened in my country , '' the 50-year-old , who is head of Ukraine 's Olympic Committee , told CNN in Sochi Thursday . `` Ukraine is so nice and the country is beautiful . We are kind , we are friendly and have shown outstanding hospitality in many events . `` In this moment , I can not believe it . We can not go against each other . We need to understand each other . `` We must listen . We must go back to dialogue , save the peace , save our Ukraine and save our nation. `` A fragile truce crumbled Thursday as gunfire erupted at Independence Square , where the anti-government protests have been taking place . The head of the protesters ' medical service told CNN that at least 100 people have died and 500 were injured . The Ukrainian government has not released an updated figure , but the interior ministry said earlier that one police officer was among the dead . `` The reaction is really shocking , '' added Bubka . `` It 's difficult to say something because we love our country and our people . `` We saw some moves to take the situation in a better direction but then suddenly the real violence started . `` We 're really sad at what has happened and our team has expressed condolences to the victims who died . We want both parties to settle down and stop this . `` We have to try to start the dialogue again because we would love to see peace . '' The pictures being broadcast across the world have led to shock and condemnation with Bubka and the nation 's athletes struggling to come to terms with the events . Also a member of the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) , Bubka held a meeting with his country 's 43 athletes in Sochi . The team held a minute 's silence instead of wearing black armbands following discussions between the team and the IOC . However , two members of the team withdrew Thursday in a show of solidarity with the protesters in Kiev . Alpine skier Bogdana Matsotska and her father and coach , Oleh Matsotskyy , made a joint announcement on Facebook . `` As members of Ukraine 's national Olympic team , we are extremely indignant at latest actions by President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych , who has drenched Ukrainians ' last hopes in blood instead of resolving the conflict with Maidan ( anti-government protesters ) through negotiations , which we had hoped he would when we left for Sochi , '' they said . `` This was the violation of the old principle of the Games -- the Olympic Truce . In solidarity with fighters on the Maidan barricades and as a protest against lawless actions made towards protesters , the lack of responsibility from the side of the president and his lackey government , we refuse further performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games . '' Bubka , who spoke with both athlete and coach before their decision was announced , admits that `` it is not an easy time to compete . '' But he is adamant that Ukraine can be brought together by success in Sochi and through `` sporting and Olympic values . '' Bubka , who won gold at the 1988 Summer Games , has put his hopes in the women 's biathlon team which has a great chance of a medal in Friday 's 4x6 km relay . `` We need this , '' he said . `` We need this and we pray for that . `` We discuss with them to give them confidence and eliminate pressure from sport and situation at home . `` We tell them we love them and believe in them . 'Do what you do every time . It 's your time and it 's your day . We need this . ' `` We want to show to everyone that Ukraine exists and is united through sport and Olympics . '' Earlier this month Olympic champion Renaud Lavillenie broke Bubka 's 21-year-old pole vault world record with a 6.16-meter leap in the Ukrainian 's home city of Donetsk .
Sergey Bubka tells CNN he wants the violence in Ukraine to stop . Former Olympic champion wants government and protesters to `` start dialogue again '' CNN told at least 100 people have died and 500 injured since Thursday morning . Two members of Ukraine Winter Olympics team withdraw from Sochi Games .