More than a dozen countries have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine amid warnings from Western powers that an invasion by Russia could be imminent, the BBC reports.
The U.S., U.K., and Germany are among those who told their nationals to leave.
Moscow has amassed an estimated 100,000 troops along Ukraine’s border but denies any intent to invade.
In a phone call, U.S. President Joe Biden again warned Russian leader Vladimir Putin of the costs of any invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said invasion warnings could stoke panic, which he called “the best friend of our enemies.”
The White House has warned that an invasion could happen at any time, and could begin with bombing from the air. Russia characterized such allegations as “provocative speculation.”
Non-essential staff have been ordered to leave the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, and consular services will be suspended from Sunday, although “a small consular presence” will remain in the western city of Lviv “to handle emergencies.”
Canada is also moving its embassy staff to Lviv, near the border with Poland, Canadian media reported. U.K. ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons tweeted that she and a “core team” are staying in Kyiv.
Russia is also making changes, saying it will “optimize the staffing” of its diplomats in Ukraine, citing “possible acts of provocation by the Kyiv regime or third countries.”
The US has pulled some 150 troops who were training Ukrainian soldiers out of the country, citing an abundance of caution. And Dutch airline KLM announced it would stop flying to Ukraine, effective immediately.
Zelensky said that if western powers had any firm evidence of an impending invasion, he had yet to see it. “I think there is too much information in the media about a deep, full-scale war,” he said.
“We understand all the risks, we understand that they exist. If you or someone else has additional 100% reliable information about the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine… please share it with us.”
Many countries, including Australia, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands, and Japan have told their citizens to leave Ukraine. Some have also evacuated diplomatic staff and their families.
Biden told Putin that any invasion would result in “swift and severe costs on Russia,” White House notes about the call said.
“While the United States remains prepared to engage in diplomacy… we are equally prepared for other scenarios,” it said.
The Kremlin described the call as taking place amid “peak hysteria” from the U.S. and its allies, and said Putin had again told his counterpart that they had not addressed Russia’s security concerns. But both leaders would continue to talk, it said.
French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke to Putin by phone today, telling him that “a sincere dialogue was not compatible with escalation,” according to notes released by the French embassy.
