EU and UK pledge backing to Ukraine after Russian military buildup

Boris Johnson and European envoy say Kiev has their unwavering support', while Moscow denies threatening behaviour

The European Union and UK have pledged unwavering" support for Ukraine's government amid concerns of a military escalation in the east of the country or a possible new offensive against the Nato ally after recent Russian troop movements.

Ukraine has accused Russia of massing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014. Online researchers have identified troops being transferred to Ukraine's borders from western and central Russia, including artillery from as far away as Siberia.