Move follows US warning that a Russian invasion is imminent
Highlights
- Russian diplomats and consular officers in Ukraine have begun to leave for Russia, state-owned Ria Novosti news agency reports.
- Russia has said it has no plans to invade Ukraine and has not officially announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic staff there.
- State Department officials told Associated Press that US embassy staff would be asked to leave Kiev on Saturday, but the decision was not officially confirmed.
- National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday a Russian invasion of Ukraine could come at “any time” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would speak to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and warned Washington and its allies would swiftly impose severe economic sanctions if Russia invaded.