EU official vows rapid sanctions if Russia launches Ukraine military attack

Bloc would unify to respond within days, says official on eve of foreign ministers’ meeting

The European Union will be ready to launch sanctions against Russia “within days” of a military attack on Ukraine, a senior official has said, as the volatile security crisis enters a new critical phase.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday are expected to issue a further warning to Moscow, amid simmering tensions over Russia’s buildup of 100,000 troops and heavy weapons along its border with Ukraine.