EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton, has said she is concerned about the escalation of events in Kyiv and called on the government and the opposition to engage in dialogue at the highest level.

"I strongly condemn the violent escalation of events in Kyiv overnight leading to casualties. The reported deaths of several protesters is a source of extreme worry and my sympathy goes to all those affected. I call on everyone involved to ensure restraint," Ashton said in a statement obtained by Interfax-Ukraine.

She also urged the government and the opposition "to engage in a genuine dialogue at the highest level."

"The solution needs to meet the aspirations of the Ukrainian people," she said.

Ashton said that violence is not "an answer to the political crisis."

"All acts of violence must come to an immediate end and be swiftly investigated. Those responsible will have to be held to account," she added.

She also said that she was deeply concerned about attacks on journalists and about reports of missing persons.