U.S. and EU warn Russia over “worrying” military activity

The European Union said that it was alarmed by Russian military activities close to Ukraine’s border. The bloc voiced its concern after Washington demanded an explanation from Moscow about the troop movements, and amid mounting tension between the U.S. and Europe in the west, and Russia and its small ally Belarus in the east.

“We continue to watch the situation and the information we gathered so far is rather worrying,” EU foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano told journalists. He said the 27-nation bloc was monitoring the situation with partners including the United States and Britain and “we are open to look at further steps as necessary.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday warned Russia against making another “serious mistake” on Ukraine, as Washington sought clarity about Russian troop movements near the border.