Russia starts evacuating diplomatic personnel from Ukraine as war fears mount

Russia has started evacuating diplomatic personnel from Ukraine according to Russian state-run news agency Tass.

After weeks of rising tensions, President Vladimir Putin took steps this week that dramatically raised the stakes.

First, he recognised the independence of separatist regions Donetsk and Luhansk, then he said that recognition extends to the large parts of the territories now held by Ukrainian forces, including the major Azov Sea port of Mariupol.

Finally, he asked for and was granted permission to use military force outside the country — effectively formalising a Russian military deployment to the rebel regions.

Putin has been vague when asked whether he has sent any Russian troops into Ukraine and how far they could go, and the separatist leader in Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, said on Wednesday that there were no Russian troops in the region.

Europe is braced for further confrontation and Ukraine has urged its citizens to leave Russia after tensions escalated dramatically when Russia’s leader cleared the use of military force outside his country and the West responded with a raft of sanctions.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday advised against travel to Russia and recommended anyone there leave immediately, saying Moscow’s “aggression” could lead to a significant reduction in consular services.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Commons today: “In light of the increasingly threatening behaviour from Russia, and in line with our previous support, the UK will shortly be providing a further package of military support to Ukraine.

“This will include lethal aid in the form of defensive weapons and non-lethal aid.”