Ukraine calls for urgent meeting with Russia as invasion concerns look to become likely

Ukraine has called for an urgent meeting with Russian officials as well as other members of a key European security groups, as tensions on the border escalate

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had ignored formal requests to explain the build-up of troops.

Kuleba stated that the “next step” was requesting a meeting within the next 48 hours for “transparency” regarding Russia next plans.

Moscow has denied any plans to invade Ukraine.

But the build-up of some 100,000 soldiers on Ukraine’s borders have sparked fears, particularly from Western Nations, that the Kremlin will move forward with an invasion by Wednesday.

Invasion of Ukraine by Russia could happen by Wednesday, the White House speculates. / Image: File

The United States speculates that an invasion could happen as soon as Wednesday

The US and some of its allies have warned that Russia is preparing for military action, with the White House stating that Moscow could begin with aerial bombardments “at any time”.

More than a dozen nations have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine, and some have pulled embassy staff from the capital.

CBS News reported that the US is preparing to withdraw all its personnel from Kiev within the next 48 hours, citing three sources.

The results of Putin’s meeting with Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron urged leaders last week to engage in firm dialogue on the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

Macron held talks with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine, where he was hoping to be the mediator that could calm rising tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly pledged that there will be no further escalation following lengthy talks with Macron in Moscow.

But reports stated the Kremlin was “even more aggressive” about the situation once his meeting with the French President wrapped up.