Steinmeier calls on Putin to preserve peace in Europe

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to "loosen the noose around Ukraine's neck," amid the growing tension at the Ukrainian border.

Steinmeier, who was re-elected for a second term of five years by a special parliamentary assembly on Sunday, made the comments during a press conference alongside President of German Parliament, Baerbel Bas.

In reaction to the escalating crisis on the border of Ukraine where Russia has massed well over 100,000 troops, Steinmeier warned that “we are in the midst of the danger of a military conflict, a war in Eastern Europe - Russia bears the responsibility for this.”

“Russia’s troop buildup cannot be misunderstood. It is a threat to Ukraine and it is supposed to be one,” he added. “But the people there have a right to live without fear and threat, to self-determination and sovereignty. No country in the world has the right to destroy that - and whoever tries to do so, we will answer you decisively.”

U.S. officials say Russia’s build-up of firepower has reached the point where it could invade on short notice.

It has become the biggest security crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War.

IMAGE: AP