A war triggered by a Russian invasion of Ukraine would have "devastating" consequences for Europe, Italy's foreign minister Luigi Di Maio has warned, urging nations to prevent any such conflict.
"We must avoid war. It would have a devastating effect on Europe," Di Maio said in Brussels after a European Union foreign ministers meeting on Monday.
"We are watching the Russian military operations at the border with Ukraine with great concern and apprehension and hope these will be eased to reduce tensions," Di Maio went on.
Such a de-escalation is essential to reach a diplomatic solution to the crisis, Di Maio said.
Di Maio's comments came as Russia's president Vladimir Putin told French and German leaders on Monday he would sign a decree recognising two breakaway regions of Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
Such a move could allow Putin to openly move troops into Eastern Ukraine. The EU has said it will impose sanctions on Russia if it invades the former Soviet republic.
