EU’s Ashton denounces ‘grave new escalation’ in Kiev

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Tuesday denounced the “grave new escalation” in Kiev, where at least five people were killed and scores hurt as protestors battled police.

“I am deeply worried about the grave new escalation in Kiev and the reported victims,” Ashton said in a statement, saying she condemned “all use of violence, including against public or party buildings.”

“I urge the leadership of Ukraine to address the root causes of the crisis,” she added, calling for an urgent return to a parliamentary process.

“Political leaders must now assume their shared responsibility to rebuild trust and create the conditions for an effective solution to the political crisis,” she said.

“A solution should include the formation of a new inclusive government, progress on constitutional reform and the preparation for transparent and democratic presidential elections. The EU stands ready to assist Ukraine in this process.”