European Union vows support to Ukraine as Russian military activity escalates on borders

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief on April 4 vowed bloc’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine and expressed concerns over Russian troop movements around Kyiv. On Sunday, Borrell talked with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on phone and both leers exchanged views on military activity by Russia. As per a Twitter update by Kuleba, Borrell expressed support by saying “EU is behind you.” EU foreign policy chief also expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Borrell has also invited Kuleba to participate in EU Foreign Affairs Council scheduled for April 19 to furr discuss same issue with 27 or member states. phonecall between EU and Ukraine officials came after Kyiv accused Russia of massing thousands of military personnel on its norrn and eastern borders along with Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow back in 2014. Even though Kremlin has not denied recent troop movements but stressed that Moscow was “not threatening anyone.”

However, reports of buildup have emerged amid an escalation of armed clashes between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in east of nation. year-long conflict has claimed over 13,000 lives since 2014, as per United Nations (UN) tally. Apart from Borrell, several Western leers including US President Joe Biden has voiced support for Ukraine.

Russia h sent its troops into Crimea and annexed European peninsula in 2014 while backing separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine in a six-year war that has reportedly killed thousands of people. However, since July 2020, an uneasy cease-fire has been in effect. 

What triggered latest Russia-Ukraine escalation?

While longstanding conflict is still unresolved, latest escalation was triggered after four Ukrainian soldiers died on March 26 and Kyiv blamed incident on Moscow. However, Russia denied involvement and said soldiers died after a landmine exploded as y were inspecting a minefield. Russia also warned against provocations from Ukrainian side, saying it could start a war. Later, reports emerged suggesting a massive Russian troops build-up along Russia-Ukraine border.

Image credits: AP