EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has said she hopes that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych will take into account the opinion of the European community on the need to find a way out of the current situation as soon as possible.

She said this at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday.

When asked whether the European side plans to impose any sanctions against the Ukrainian leadership in response to violence against peaceful protesters, Ashton said: "I've said that what I heard from the president was that he would sign [an Association Agreement], I said no more than that. And twice in the last twenty four hours he's told me that that's what he intends to do."

"He talked at length about his history of wanting to see the strong relationship with the European Union. I merely tell you that that's what he's been saying. I believe he should sign as soon as possible, because I think it's in the interest of Ukraine to do so," she said.