EU warns of 'spark' that could escalate Ukraine conflict with Russian army 20 Apr, 2021 04:13 AM 3 minutes to read Armed forces in Ukraine patrol the border with Russia. Photo / Getty Images AP The European Union's foreign policy chief said on Monday that in the face of the big military buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine's borders, it will only take "a spark" to set off a confrontation. In a glum assessment of relations with Moscow, Josep Borrell also said that the condition of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was "critical" and that the 27-nation group would hold the Kremlin accountable for his health and safety.