BRUSSELS, Aug. 19 - MEPs Elmar Brok and Jacek Saryusz-Wolski have described the EU's position in Russia's trade war with Ukraine as passive and called for immediate action to defend Kiev and its right of a free choice.

"By blocking imports from Ukraine, Russia is waging a trade war with Ukraine. Pressure is increasing to deter Ukraine from entering into the Association Agreement/DCFTA with the EU. The EU, as a concerned party in the conflict, has to act to defend Ukraine, challenged by Russia's action, while Ukraine should do everything that is required in order to sign the Association and DCFTA Agreement with the EU," the MEPs said in a statement released in Brussels on Monday.