After the US, Great Britain also withdraws diplomats and their families from Ukraine

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - After the State Department began withdrawing diplomats and their families not essential for the functioning of the embassy in Kyiv over the weekend, the United Kingdom has also started doing the same.

"The UK has begun withdrawing staff from the British embassy in Ukraine due to warnings of a Russian invasion. Officials said there were no specific threats to British diplomats, but about half of the staff working in Kyiv will return to the UK," reports the BBC.

According to the BBC, Ukrainian authorities have stated that the moves by the US and UK are premature and will harm ongoing efforts. US Secretary of State Blinken repeatedly stated in the media over the weekend that he prefers the situation to be resolved diplomatically before sanctions are imposed against Moscow.

Russia has denied any plans for military action in Ukraine.