Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has expressed concern about recent political developments in Ukraine.

"Over past weeks, the people of Ukraine have gathered in protest against their government's decision to suspend preparations for the signing of an Association Agreement with the European Union," reads a statement posted on the Web site of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Thursday.

Bishop joined many in the international community to deplore the Ukrainian government's use of violence against peaceful protestors in Kyiv, which she said was disproportionate and excessive.

She also urged the Ukrainian authorities to exercise utmost restraint with regard to the protests, to ensure Ukraine's international commitments to the freedoms of assembly and expression are fully upheld, and "to listen to the voices and aspirations of the Ukrainian people."