150,000 Russian troops amassed at Ukraine border, EU warns

The European Union’s foreign policy chief has estimated that more than 150,000 Russian troops have amassed for the biggest military buildup ever near Ukraine’s borders and that it will only take “a spark” to set off a confrontation.

“It is the highest military deployment of the Russian army on the Ukrainian borders ever,” Josop Borrell said during an EU meeting Monday in Brussels. “It’s clear that it’s a matter of concern when you deploy a lot of troops. Well, a spark can jump here or there.”

Borrell declined to say where he got the 150,000 Russian troop number from, but called it “my reference figure.” It’s bigger than the 110,000 estimate provided by Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran last week.