EU sees shift in Russian approach, hope for 'new era'

European Commission High Representative Federica Mogherini listens during a news conference in Riga January 8, 2015. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

RIGA (Reuters) - The European Union sees some signs of an easing in the Ukraine conflict and a more constructive approach from Russia to tackling issues like Syria, offering hope of a "new era" in relations with Moscow, the bloc's foreign policy chief said on Thursday.

Federica Mogherini said Ukraine had reported "limited but positive signs" from the east of the country, where more than 4,700 people have been killed since last April in fighting between the army and pro-Russian separatists.