the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has warned of an escalation of the crisis in Ukraine. “In my opinion, we are experiencing the most dangerous moment for security in Europe since the end of the Cold War,” Borrell said after talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Monday. “Together 140,000 troops at the border, that’s not for drinking tea,” Borrell said, referring to the Russian soldiers near Ukraine. Efforts must therefore be stepped up to avoid a major threat to peace and security.
borell said there was still room for diplomacy and discussion. “We hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” In the event of further Russian aggression against Ukraine, the US and the EU would coordinate closely, including on sanctions, said the EU politician.
Borrell and Blinken also confirmed their cooperation in the field of energy, should Russia suddenly suspend gas supplies to Europe. However, concrete measures were not mentioned. According to the EU Commission, more than 40 percent of EU natural gas imports come from Russia. “Russia does not hesitate to use gas supplies to Europe as leverage for political purposes,” Borrell said.