The European Parliament has called on the EU to be ready to impose economic sanctions in response to the crisis in Ukraine and apply an embargo on arms and dual-use technologies.

Such an appeal is contained in a resolution adopted by the European Parliament at a plenary meeting in Strasbourg on Thursday.

"[The EP] reiterates the necessity for the EU and its Member States to speak to Russia with one united voice; considers that the current situation requires the [European] Council to strengthen the second phase of sanctions and be ready for the third phase (economic sanctions), which must be applied immediately; reiterates, furthermore, its call on the Council to swiftly apply an arms and dual-use technology embargo," reads the resolution.

In addition, the EP called for measures "against Russian companies and their subsidiaries, particularly in the energy sector, as well as Russian investments and assets in the EU, and for all agreements with Russia to be reviewed with a view to their possible suspension."

"[The EP] urges the EU to support Ukraine in international bodies, particularly international judicial bodies, should Ukraine decide to bring cases against Russia for violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity," reads the resolution.