EU's top diplomat Catherine Ashton will head to Ukraine next week in support of finding a resolution to political crisis that broke out after Ukrainian president's refusal of a deal on closer ties with the EU.
The unrest was triggered in November when Yanukovych rejected to sign "the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement", or DCFTA, offered by the EU. It was to serve as a springboard for Ukraine to get closer to the 28-member bloc, with the possibility of full membership in the future.
After months of negotiations, Ukraine took a U-turn and refused to sign the deal, citing its desire to have better relations with Russia, with which it shares historical and economic ties.
Angry about Yanukovych's refusal, Ukrainian protesters, seeking the resignation of the government, have poured out to the streets.
Ashton's upcoming visit came after talks between European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych over the phone.
Barroso had urged Yanukovych for restraint and a peaceful resolution to end unrest in the country.
Barroso had also reiterated his call for a political resolution through dialogue with the opposition and the non-governmental organizations, said a statement released by the EU Commission.
