US orders families of embassy staff to leave Ukraine

The United States has ordered relatives of its embassy staff living within Ukraine to leave the country amid rising tensions with Russia

The US State Department issued a warning on Sunday, urging those residing in Ukraine to get out of the country as soon as possible.

The White House has also urged US citizens in Ukraine to consider departing.

In a statement, it United States said that there were reports that Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine.

Russia has denied claims that it is planning to invade Ukraine

The State Department also warned people not to travel to Ukraine and Russia due to the ongoing tension and “potential for harassment against US citizens”.

“There are reports Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine,” an advisory from the State Department said.

A State Department official told the AFP news agency that the embassy remains open but repeated warnings from the White House that an invasion could come at “any time”.

The agency stated that the government “will not be in a position to evacuate US citizens in such a contingency”.

The move by America is part of a series of precautions the State Department takes when crises could put US diplomats in harm’s way.

The head of the military defence alliance Nato has warned there is a risk of fresh conflict in Europe after an estimated 100,000 Russian troops amassed on the border.