EU estimates 150,000 Russian troops near Ukraine’s borders

A woman waves a European Union flag in front of the Russian embassy in Prague, Czech Republic (Petr David Josek/AP)

The European Union estimates that 150,000 Russian troops have already amassed for the biggest military build-up ever near Ukraine’s borders and that it will only take “a spark” to set off a confrontation.

At the same time, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the condition of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was “critical” and that the 27-nation group would hold the Kremlin accountable for his health and safety.