Ukraine has brought in emergency measures and told its citizens in Russia to flee the country as fears of a large-scale invasion by President Vladimir Putin’s troops mount.
In further ominous signs, Moscow began evacuating its Kyiv embassy and the leaders of two Russian-backed separatist-controlled regions in eastern Ukraine asked Mr Putin for military help in repelling “aggression” from the Ukrainian arm.
Ukraine’s month-long nationwide state of emergency, which has begun after it was approved by parliament on Wednesday, allows authorities to restrict movement, block rallies and ban political parties and organisations “in the interests” of national security and public order.
It also bans “information materials” that “could destabilise” the country, and gives the government the right to impose curfews and carry out checks.
The move came as US defence officials said Mr Putin’s forces are “as ready as they can be” to mount what America believes could be a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with about 80% in attack positions.
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