EU hints at Ukraine sanctions

The head of the European Commission has warned that Ukraine may face EU sanctions if the bloc’s members agree.

“This kind of behaviour cannot go on. We have to think about the consequences. There will be certain measures taken that we first have to discuss with the member states,” said José Manuel Barroso, the chief of the EU executive.

But Russia’s ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov cautioned against any hasty action against Kiev: “I would like to hope that the European Union will refrain from any rushed conclusions, will wait for the investigation of these tragic deaths, before making decisions and especially taking any measures,” he told euronews.

Sanctions would require the approval of all 28 EU nations.

No common position has been agreed as yet, but Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said on Monday that further action should be taken against Ukraine if the violence continues.