Europe’s top diplomats have been summoned to an emergency meeting in Brussels today after EU leaders called for sanctions against the Ukrainian government in response to a bloody crackdown that killed more than two dozen protesters.

The push for sanctions against Viktor Yanukovich, Ukraine’s president, and his allies marks a significant shift for the EU, which has so far insisted on a diplomatic response to the crisis. But it is not guaranteed the unanimous support required by the 28-member bloc, amid fears from some states that a harder approach could push the country closer to civil war.

Carl Bildt, Sweden’s foreign minister, said the tougher measures were needed now because Mr Yanukovich had “blood on his hands”. At least 26 people have died in the latest round of clashes between anti-government protesters and the Ukrainian authorities.