European Parliament President Martin Schulz has called on the Ukrainian government "to listen to its citizens and not beat them."

In a statement, the text of which was passed to an Interfax-Ukraine reporter in Brussels on Monday, Schulz said that he was concerned about the situation in Ukraine.

"I am following the events in Ukraine with great concern," Schulz said.

"Its authorities are not only ignoring the aspirations of many of its citizens, but are quashing them with batons and tear gas when these hopes are voiced on the streets with desperation. The excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable. The Ukrainian authorities should listen to citizens and not beat them."

In connection with this, the EP president urged the Ukrainian government "to abide by its international commitments to respect the freedom and expression and assembly."

"The current crisis should be solved through dialogue among all political forces," he said.