Borrell frightened: 150,000 Russian troops are deployed on the Ukrainian border

Borrell spoke in Brussels after a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, where he gave an update on a variety of issues, including Russia's struggle with Ukraine and the treatment of Putin's critic, Alexei Navlany, writes Euronews.

Speaking at a Borrell press conference, he said Russia was placing “all types of materials” on the border, including “operations” and “fight”.

He said he couldn't tell where the figure came from 150 thousand, but it was “his reference figure”.

This is the highest military deployment of the Russian Army on the Ukrainian borders ever. Clearly it is a matter of concern”, he said, warning: “When you put many bodies, a spark can jump here or there”.

Relations between Russia and Ukraine continue to deteriorate, as Russia expelled a Ukrainian diplomat who accused of obtaining classified information.

Ukraine expelled a Russian diplomat in response, with moves coming as tensions escalate for Russian military construction along Ukraine's eastern border.

Chief NATO Jens Stoltenberg last week described the deployment as unjustified, inexplicable and deeply disturbing”.

Borrell, meanwhile, said that the Navally situation was “cricism” and that Russian authorities should allow it to have access to the medical professionals you trust.

He said he travelled to Moscow in February to raise the case “face-to-face with the authorities, but the request was not heard.