European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has reaffirmed the EU's readiness to support Ukraine and sign an Association Agreement with Kyiv.

"I salute the will of the Ukrainian people to live in a free, independent and united country with strong ties to the EU. We stand ready to sign the Association Agreement and support Ukraine in these difficult times," Rompuy said in a statement issued in Brussels on Monday after the EU-Brazil summit, during which the sides discussed the situation in Ukraine.

He said that the European Union was following the situation in Ukraine very closely.

"Our High Representative is in Kyiv and the EU will remain engaged," Rompuy said.