Leaders of the European Union are alarmed over the violent escalation of the political crisis in Ukraine, Council of EU said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The European Union strongly deplores the human rights situation, including violence, cases of missing persons, torture and intimidation and the deaths and injuries sustained on all sides," the statement reads.  “We call on all sides to refrain from violence. It is important to de-escalate and improve the security situation. The authorities must ensure that those responsible for the excessive use of violence are held accountable and that fundamental rights are respected and protected

We expect the Council of Europe International Advisory Panel to start workingwithout delay ".

The statement highlighted importance of advancing discussions on a constitutional reform, an inclusive government and conditions for free and fair elections. Besides, EU reiterated commitment to sign and implement the Association Agreement "provided the authorities demonstrate their adherence to a free, united and democratic Ukraine and to the values on which the Association Agreement is based".

"The European Union will respond to the deterioration on the ground including via targeted

measures. Our Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council will at their meeting tomorrow

examine targeted measures, such as financial sanctions and visa restrictions against those

responsible for violence and use of excessive force".