EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton is deeply worried about the grave new escalation in Kiev and the reported victims.

“I condemn all use of violence, including against public or party buildings. I urge the leadership of Ukraine to address the root causes of the crisis. Political decisions should be made in parliament and Ukraine should urgently return to a parliamentary process. Political leaders must now assume their shared responsibility to rebuild trust and create the conditions for an effective solution to the political crisis,” she said in a statement.

Catherine Ashton noted that a solution should include the formation of a new inclusive government, progress on constitutional reform and the preparation for transparent and democratic presidential elections.

“The EU stands ready to assist Ukraine in this process," she added.