The debate in the European Parliament on the situation in Ukraine has been predictably held in accordance with a drafted resolution - to prepare sanctions, continue negotiations and prepare a financial aid package.

During a plenary session in Strasbourg on Wednesday, while discussing the situation in Ukraine, a representative of the European People's Party, Elmar Brok, said: "We should have a financial aid package for the short term and then for the long term. There should be progress. I believe that if the Ukrainian authorities continue to act against the people, torture and imprison them, then travel restrictions should be imposed against them. Perhaps we should consider the issue of freezing assets."

He said that the door to Europe remains open for Ukraine.

Hannes Swoboda, the chair of the group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, said that now "it's time to find a compromise at the negotiating table."

"Sanctions should be on the table, but now it's time to discuss and find a political solution. The worst scenario for Ukraine is if it is divided," he said.

He also did not rule out the possibility of a civil war.

Swoboda separately focused on Russia in connection with proposals to invite Moscow to engage in dialogue about Ukraine.

"Russia has no right to colonize Ukraine. Ukraine should make the decision itself. Yes, let's talk with Russia, but Russia should recognize Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity as we do. And Russia should accept the democratic aspirations of Ukrainian citizens as we do. After that, we will talk with Russia," he said.

Swoboda's final remarks were met with applause.

Moreover, he believes that the EU should help Ukraine "find a compromise between the president and opposition leaders."

"[Ukrainian President Viktor] Yanukovych does not unite the country, he splits it. Therefore it would be wise if people wanted to change the Constitution," Swoboda said.

Guy Verhofstadt, the chair of the group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, in turn, said that "there have recently been a lot of statements about Ukraine."

"But what I do not see is a strategy for Ukraine, which could change things in the country and stop the violence. This strategy should be based on three principles. First, we have to prepare a series of targeted sanctions against the regime and its individual members," he said.

He said that such sanctions might include restrictions on travel to Europe and, "more importantly, the freezing of their assets."

"This should go hand in hand with positive measures – the visa-free regime for ordinary Ukrainians," Verhofstadt said.

He said that the second stage of the strategy, "after the sanctions are prepared, is to use them if Yanukovych does not follow the rules." Among the conditions he named the release of prisoners, new presidential and parliamentary elections and a return to the 2004 Constitution.

Verhofstadt said that the third stage of the strategy should be a financial aid package to Ukraine.

Greens representative Rebecca Harms said that the situation in Ukraine is unpredictable. In this regard, she expressed support for the creation of the European Parliament's permanent mission in Ukraine.

Harms also said that "it will be a disaster for the whole European continent" if Ukraine plunges into a civil war.