European markets close lower amid Russia-Ukraine tensions

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - European stock markets closed lower on Friday amid the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, fell 3.74 points, or 0.81%, to close at 460.81.

London's FTSE 100 lost 23 points, or 0.32%, to end the day at 7,513.

Germany's DAX 30 was the worst performer, plummeting 225 points, or 1.47%, to finish at 15,042.

France's CAC 40 decreased 17 points, or 0.25%, to end the day at 6,929, while Italy's FTSE MIB fell 162 points, or 0.61%, to end at 26,506.

Spain's IBEX 35 declined 81 points, or 0.94%, to finish at 8,590.

The US on Friday accused Russia of deploying additional troops to the Ukrainian border despite its announcement of a partial military withdrawal.

There was no sign of a Russian troop pullout, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the Munich Security Conference.