European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said that the EU will respond to any deterioration of the situation in Ukraine with targeted measures against those responsible for violence.

"We have also made it clear that the EU will respond to any deterioration on the ground. We therefore expect that targeted measures against those responsible for violence and use of excessive force can be agreed by our Member States as a matter of urgency, as proposed by the High Representative/Vice President," he said in a statement on Ukraine on Wednesday.

Barroso also said that the EU was shocked and utterly dismayed at the latest events in Ukraine.

"There are no circumstances that can legitimize or justify such scenes. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. We condemn in the strongest terms the use of violence as a way to solve a political and institutional crisis. It is the political leadership of the country that has a responsibility to ensure the necessary protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. We call on all sides to immediately put an end to the violence and engage into a meaningful dialogue, responding to the democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian people," reads the statement.

Barroso said that the EU had offered its assistance to facilitate the political dialogue and de-escalate the situation.

"We continue to believe that constitutional reform, the formation of a new inclusive government and creating conditions for democratic elections constitute the only way-out of this deep and long-lasting political crisis. We have made it clear we stand ready to support Ukraine on this road of reforms, towards democracy, stability and prosperity. We have made it clear that our offer of political association and economic integration remains on the table, and does not constitute the final goal in our cooperation," he said.