"We are shocked to hear the latest news from Ukraine about deaths of protesters, and express our deepest condolences to their families," Barroso said in a statement.

　　He called on all sides in Ukraine to immediately refrain from violence, and start taking steps that would help deescalate the situation.

　　"The overall environment has been worsening for some time and I would like to explicitly underline the fundamental responsibility of the Ukrainian authorities to now take action to deescalate this crisis and in particular the need for them to engage in a genuine dialogue with the opposition and with civil society on the ways to overcome this deep crisis," he said.

　　Barroso said the European Union was following with great concern the recent restrictions on fundamental freedoms including freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

　　"We are genuinely concerned about where these developments are taking Ukraine and will continue following closely these developments, as well as assessing possible actions by the EU and consequences for our relations," said Barroso.

　　Anti-government protesters and police have clashed in Kiev since Sunday, which has seriously escalated the political crisis in the country. Local media said three people were killed and hundreds of people including police officers were hurt.