BRUSSELS, Jan. 17 - European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule has said he is shocked at Ukraine's turn from the European path and warned that it will have consequences for partnership between Kiev and Brussels.

The commissioner said in exclusive comments to Interfax-Ukraine on Friday by phone from Sarajevo: "I'm shocked. It is deeply disappointing to see such a turn from the European path of Ukraine. It is worrying to see this happening with such an important EU partner. The decisions adopted by the Verkhovna Rada represent disrespect for basic democratic principles and they not only raise concerns about the state of democracy and the future of Ukraine, but will also have consequences for the partnership between the EU and Ukraine."