EU warns ‘spark’ could set off confrontation at Russia-Ukraine border

A Ukrainian soldier is seen at fighting positions on the line of separation from pro-Russian rebels near Luhansk, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2021. Growing cease-fire violations and a massive Russian military buildup near the Ukrainian border are causing tensions to rise in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where more than 14,000 people have died in seven years of fighting between forces from Kyiv and separatists loyal to Moscow.(AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

The European Union’s foreign policy chief has said a big build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine’s border means it will only take “a spark” to set off a confrontation.

In a sombre assessment of relations with Moscow, Josep Borrell also said the condition of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was “critical” and the 27-nation group would hold the Kremlin accountable for his health and safety.