By Laurence Norman 

BRUSSELS--European Union heads of government asked the bloc's foreign ministers to consider further sanctions on Russia as a response to the latest violence in eastern Ukraine, saying Moscow held "responsibility" for the rebels' actions.

In a strongly-worded statement ahead of Thursday's emergency meeting of foreign ministers, the 28 leaders condemned the killing of civilians during "the indiscriminate shelling" of Mariupol on Jan. 24.

"We note evidence of continued and growing support given to the separatists by Russia, which underlines Russia's responsibility. We urge Russia to condemn the separatists' actions and to implement the Minsk agreements," the leaders said.

They plan to review the situation at their next summit meeting, currently planned for Feb. 12.

Meanwhile, the leaders said in view of the worsening situation, "we ask the coming Foreign Affairs Council to assess the situation and to consider any appropriate action, in particular on further restrictive measures, aiming at a swift and comprehensive implementation of the cease-fire and peace agreements signed in September at Minsk.

Tuesday's statement completes an abrupt change of mood in Brussels.

Just a week ago, foreign ministers were discussing how to eventually ease tensions with Moscow and reverse some sanctions over time amid hopes that the situation in eastern Ukraine was calming.

However, last week's renewed violence has hardened opinions, leading to public calls for fresh sanctions moves in the near future.

The statement also suggests there is sufficient unity in the bloc to increase the pressure on Moscow. All 28 governments will need to agree if the current Russia sanctions that are due to expire between March and July are to be renewed.

Write to Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com