EU ministers debate ways to shield Ukraine from Russia

By LORNE COOK
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union foreign ministers have been weighing ways to counter the threat of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine and what measures to take if Moscow decides to send its troops across the border. U.S. intelligence officials say Russia has moved 70,000 troops toward Ukraine’s border and is preparing for a possible invasion early next year. Moscow denies it has any such plans. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday that the ministers were “on deter mode” to dissuade Russia. No decisions about sanctions against Russia were taken at the meeting but the ministers discussed what steps to take and when, in coordination with the United States and Britain. Russia backs a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine.