The United States orders the relatives of its embassy staff in Ukraine to leave.

The United States has ordered the relatives of its embassy staff in Ukraine to leave amid rising tension in the region. The State Department has also given permission for non-essential staff to leave and urged US citizens in Ukraine to consider departing.

In a statement, it said there were reports that Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine. A State Department official told reporters that the embassy remains open but repeated warnings from the White House that an invasion could come at any time. However, Russia has denied claims that it is planning to invade Ukraine.