EU leaders have warned Russia that action against Ukraine will result in “massive consequences” and a “severe cost” amid worries over the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border.
The message, which came after the last European Council summit of the year in Brussels, also mentioned possible “restrictive measures” against Russia, but no detail has been released.
However, the bloc also encouraged more diplomacy with Moscow.
The Kremlin denies it plans to attack.
Western intelligence services believe up to 100,000 Russian troops are massed near Ukraine’s borders. Ukrainian authorities have said Moscow could be planning a military offensive at the end of January, although US officials say it is not yet clear whether President Vladimir Putin has made a decision.
“Any further military aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe cost in response, including restrictive measures co-ordinated with partners,” EU leaders said in a statement, referring to the US and UK.
Source:Fiilafmonline/BBC
