KYIV, Reuters – A top European diplomat visited Ukraine’s frontline with Russian-backed force forces Wednesday. This was a gesture of solidarity with Moscow’s threat to a major military confrontation.

Josep Borrell, an EU High Representative, flew via helicopter to the eastern Luhansk Region. This was part of a Western diplomatic effort to support Ukraine.

Dmytrokuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister said that Borrell was receiving a timely visit despite Russian blackmail and threats.

“The European Union has backed Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.” This is actually the strongest support since 2014.

Borrell met soldiers and civilians from the east, before returning to Kyiv where he was due to meet President Volodymyr Zeleskiy.

Borrell posted, “With Russia’s increasing military buildup, I am here for EU support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as to support sustained reform efforts that support resilience,” Borrell said.

The West has been supporting Ukraine in the last week, and Russia is accusing Ukraine of having tens to thousands of soldiers near its borders to prepare for a large-scale military operation.

Moscow refutes U.S. claims that it plans an invasion in Ukraine, and Kyiv is accused of building its own forces east of Ukraine.

Washington stated Tuesday there was consensus among Europeans about Russia’s consequences if Moscow escalates the conflict in Ukraine.

After Russia annexed Crimea to Russia in 2014, relations between Moscow and Kyiv collapsed and Moscow-backed forces seize territory in eastern Ukraine Kyiv wanted back.

Moscow seeks assurances that NATO will stop its eastward expansion, and cease military cooperation with Ukraine or Georgia. These countries have territorial disputes and disagreements with Russia.