The European Union has pledged its “unwavering” support to the Ukrainian government, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressing great concern about Russian troop movements.
“Following serious concerns over Russian military activity around Ukraine,” Borrell wrote online following a call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
“Unwavering support from the EU for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Borrell said he would hold further talks with Kiev’s leading diplomat and foreign ministers from the 27 EU countries later this month.
Ukraine this week accused Russia of massaging thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014.
The Kremlin did not deny the recent troop movements, but insisted that Moscow “does not threaten anyone”.
Reports of a build-up erupted amid an increase in armed clashes along the front lines between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists.
According to the UN, the long-running conflict since 2014 has claimed more than 13,000 lives.
Western leaders, including Joe Biden, have said they stand by Ukraine.
With Agence France-Presse