Britons are being advised against all travel to Ukraine and those already in the country are being told to leave while they can.
The action came as Boris Johnson told world leaders he “feared for the security of Europe” over the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
And the White House on Friday stated its belief that Russian military aggression against its neighbour could begin “any day now” – including during the current Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to end on 20 February.
Follow live updates after PM speaks to world leaders over Ukraine crisis
‘British nationals in Ukraine should leave now’
On Friday evening, the Foreign Office issued updated travel guidance to advise UK citizens “against all travel to Ukraine”.
“British nationals in Ukraine should leave now while commercial means are still available,” the updated advice added.
“Since January 2022, the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders has increased the threat of military action.
“Due to this increased threat, the FCDO has taken the decision to further withdraw embassy staff from Kyiv.
“The embassy remains open but will be unable to provide in-person consular assistance. British nationals should leave while commercial options remain.”
The action copies that taken by the US government, who were already advising Americans against travelling to Ukraine due to “the increased threats of Russian military action”.
The State Department is also urging all those US citizens currently in Ukraine to leave the country now.
PM tells allies he ‘fears for security of Europe’
In a virtual meeting on Friday evening, the prime minister spoke with the leaders of the US, Italy, Poland, Romania, France, Germany, the EU, and NATO.
“The prime minister told the group that he…
Source : skynews
