Borrell describes 150,000 Russian troops deployed to Ukraine border as ‘highest ever’

At today’s (19 April) Foreign Affairs Council, European Union foreign ministers discussed Russia’s increased military activities in Eastern Ukraine and the illegally annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea with the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba. EU High Representative Josep Borrell urged Russia to de-escalate and commended the Ukrainian government for its restraint.

Borrell described the build-up of troops as "the highest military deployment of the Russian army at the Ukrainian border ever”, saying that more than 150,000 Russian troops had been deployed, as well as all kinds of materials for warfare as well, including field hospitals. He said that the risk of further escalation was evident. Minister Kuleba briefed the ministers on the higher number of casualties compared to the same time last year and described the situation as, “very worrisome”.

The message from all EU ministers was clear, offering their strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both Chancellor Merkel and President Biden have made direct requests to Putin to withdraw this deployment. 

The EPP Group in the European Parliament requests a parliamentary debate in next week’s plenary session on the current Russian military build-up at the Ukrainian border.

“It is Europe’s collective duty to reaffirm our support for Ukraine and we would like to hear from the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council on how the European Union intends to do it,” said Sandra Kalniete MEP, vice chairwoman of the EPP Group responsible for foreign affairs. “The situation is deteriorating and is a serious and growing threat to European stability and security as well as to Ukrainian sovereignty.”

“The EU and the member states have to start to deliver on their declarations: we must assist Ukraine militarily in terms of strengthening capabilities and also politically. It has to be made clear without any delay by the highest authorities of the European Union. In addition, together with our partners, it is time to grant the NATO Membership Action Plan to Ukraine,” she concluded.

The other focus of the discussion was the further implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, and notably the EU's continued engagement with Ukraine to ensure sustained reform efforts, especially on strengthening the rule of law. Ministers will be invited to reflect on how the EU can further enhance its sectoral cooperation in areas like climate policy. The EU will also continue to work with Ukraine in the fight against OVID-19, in particular through assistance with vaccination.

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