"One of the problems is that Ukraine hasn't managed in the couple of the last decades to set up a stable democratic state with strong institutions. As long as you have a state with very weak institutions the state is vulnerable. And a vulnerable state can have terrible consequences. So they have to do a very tough work," Brasseur said adding that the reforms should include a new constitution, combating corruption and ensuring decentralization.
"They have a conflict which is terrible, but on the other hand they have to make reforms," Brasseur said at an informal meeting with journalists at the end of the winter session in Strasbourg.
She also reiterated that finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine is of great importance as the lives of innocent people are at stake. At the same time she noted that in order to find a diplomatic solution, cooperation with Russia is absolutely necessary.
Answering a question on the contact between the Russian and Ukrainian delegation to PACE, Brasseur said there were no meetings between the two delegations and that is "very regrettable."
"We have to find a diplomatic solution. And I am doing my utmost to facilitate this dialogue," Brasseur stressed.
In April 2014, following Crimea's reunification with Russia and the start of a military conflict in southeastern Ukraine, PACE approved a resolution, banning Moscow's delegation from voting and participating in the work of the assembly's governing bodies until the end of the year.
Moscow has denied any involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, walking out of the spring session and skipping the summer session in protest.
On Wednesday, PACE adopted an amendment stripping the Russian delegation of its right to vote and participate in the work of the Council of Europe until April 2015.
