U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Paytt has said that the United States holds Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych responsible for the escalation of the crisis in Ukraine, as Dzerkalo Tyzhnia weekly (ZN.UA) quotes the U.S. diplomat as saying.

The comment came after Paytt met with Foreign Minister of Ukraine Leonid Kozhara to discuss the situation in the country.

"From this moment on, the United States holds Yanukovych responsible for everything that happens in Ukraine," Paytt said.

According to the diplomat, this was a first round of the negotiations, and a second will follow later.

Paytt also reported that the United States believes that the crisis in Ukraine can still be resolved through dialogue, but is considering the introduction of sanctions against those who encourage the use of violence.