EU leaders have signed an agreement on closer relations with Ukraine, in a show of support following Russia's annexation of Crimea.

European Union heads of state and officials pose for photos during a photo session at EU Summit at the EU headquarters in Brussels, capital of Belgium, March 20, 2014. – Photo: Xinhua

Ukraine's interim PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk and the EU signed the deal in Brussels.

Pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych's abandonment of the deal had led to deadly protests, his removal and Russia taking over Crimea.

On Friday, Russia's upper house unanimously approved the treaty on Crimea joining the Russian Federation.

The EU Association Agreement is designed to give Ukraine's interim leadership economic and political support.

EU President Herman Van Rompuy said in a tweeted message: "Signing political part EU-Ukraine Association Agreement symbolises importance of relations [and] will to take it further."

The move comes hours after the EU broadened its sanctions over Russia's annexation of Crimea.

It added 12 individuals to an earlier list of 21 who now face asset freezes and travel bans.

The US on Thursday added to its own list and also targeted the Rossiya bank.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday the international sanctions were "absolutely unlawful".

Two credit rating agencies have now downgraded Russia's outlook to negative from stable.

Source: BBC