EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Federica Mogherini has said she would welcome any peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ukraine's east.

During yesterday's long debate on Ukraine she echoed calls from some MEPs to unite in the positions of the EU institutions with regard to Ukraine.

Mogherini reiterated that any peaceful resolution in the region must emphasize the "restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity", adding there can be "no change of borders with force".

She stressed that it is "clear" that the EU would never accept such a policy from Russia.

However, she reiterated her earlier calls to keep channels of communication open with Russia, telling MEPs that it will not undermine their attempts to take a tough stance with the country.

"Even to be hard, you need to talk", she said.