EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton has said that the EU Foreign Affairs Council, at an emergency meeting on Monday, will consider the political aspects of the situation in Ukraine and express support for its people.

She said before the meeting that she had convened the meeting because of deep concern about the situation in Ukraine. She said that it was desperately necessary to see a de-escalation of the situation. She said that the purpose of the meeting was to consider political issues and, of course, continue to provide the support of the EU to the people of Ukraine. This will be an important meeting, Ashton said.