EU leaders have given pro-Russia forces in Ukraine a Monday deadline to retreat from East Ukranian checkpoints, and return hostages from the OSCE.
The ultimatum was handed down just as political and trade deals were signed between the European Union and former soviet republics Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
Our correspondent Sandra gathmann reports:
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In the presence of all 28 leaders of the European Union gathered around a table, Three former soviet republics, the Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova signed association agreements with the EU in a ceremony Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko described as historic.
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The deals provide a roadmap for countries aspiring to eventually join the EU by agreeing to political and economic reforms. A separate deal will also see the lifting of trade barriers.
But for Ukraine, this was a symbolic victory. Former president Victor Yanukovich u-turned on the same deal last year in favor of forging closer ties with Russia, sparking pro-EU revolutions in the capital Kiev that led to his overthrow. The subsequent pro-Russian rebel movements that led to Russia's annexation of the crimean peninsula have fueled European tension over Moscow's military presence and support from across the border.
EU leaders have now given Russia a 72 hour deadline to urge the rebels to return border checkpoints, handover hostages and stick to a peace plan with Ukraine.
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The EU is echoing warnings from the United States that Russia could face economic sanctions. But Amanda Paul - Foreign Policy Expert - European Policy Center: says reaching a consensus to get tough will prove difficult for Europe.
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Friday's summit also sought to end tension within the group of EU leaders over the nomination of Jean Claude Jucnker as the European Commission's next President.
The UK together with Hungary were outvoted 26 to 2 - in supporting the former luxembourgish prime minister to hold Europe's highest position. Britain's Prime Minister David feels Mr. Juncker is an old fashioned federalist, and will hurt Britain's chances of staying in Europe if there's a referendum.
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EU leaders also began mapping their visions for the next few years… the UK and France agree Europe should be able to move at different speeds. But with economic recovery still fragile and a banking union in the works many suspect the quest for deeper European integration will continue to cause rifts. Especially with new Eastern members looking to join.