VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis on Sunday voiced apprehension over a recent Russian troop buildup near the border with Ukraine and called for efforts to ease tensions in the 7-year conflict in eastern Ukraine pitting Ukrainian forces against Russia-backed rebels.
Ukrainian authorities say cease-fire violations have become more frequent in recent weeks, with nearly 30 troops killed this year.
They accused Russia of fueling tensions by deploying 41,000 troops near the border with eastern Ukraine and 42,000 to Crimea, where Russia maintains a large naval base. "I observe with great apprehension the increase of military activities,” Francis said in remarks to the public gathered in St.