Major stock markets in Europe opened lower on Friday, with the clashes between Russia and Ukraine continuing to occupy the public and traders' attention. Kiev accused Moscow of shelling the Zaporozhskaya nuclear power plant in a move condemned by the United States. Investors will also wait for the newest update on retail sales in the Eurozone.

The DAX went down by 1.41% or 193 points at the opening as Porsche Automobil Holding SE sank by 4.39%. The FTSE 100 declined by 0.36%, with ITV PLC plunging by 7.50%. The CAC 40 decreased by 1.10% as Societe Generale SA fell by 3.59%.

The euro lost 0.45% to the dollar at 8:58 am CET to go for $1.10131. At the same time, the pound sterling dropped by 0.12% against the greenback to sell for $1.33228.