EU ministers meet to consider imposing sanctions on officials blamed for Ukraine's violence

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton reflects, prior to an extraordinary foreign ministers meeting on Ukraine, at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. The 28-nation European Union holds an emergency meeting on Ukraine, to consider sanctions against those behind the violence. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe) (The Associated Press)

European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Michel Barnier, right, talks with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, prior to an extraordinary foreign ministers meeting on Ukraine, at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. The 28-nation European Union holds an emergency meeting on Ukraine, to consider sanctions against those behind the violence. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe) (The Associated Press)

BRUSSELS – European Union foreign ministers are holding an emergency meeting in Brussels to consider imposing sanctions on top Ukrainian officials held responsible for the escalating violence in the country.

As they entered Thursday's meeting, British Foreign Minister William Hague and others said sanctions being discussed include banning Ukrainian officials from traveling to the 28-nation bloc and freezing their assets there.

Some EU countries are advocating even tougher sanctions, including an arms embargo. But others said being too harsh too quickly could jeopardize the EU's role as a mediator trying to end the crisis.

Any decision by the EU ministers would need to be unanimous.

The United States, which has called for sanctions, already has canceled the visas of several Ukrainian officials connected with the police violence.