蜜芽传媒

The US has ordered relatives of its embassy staff to leave Ukraine as tensions rise with Russia which has amassed around 100,000 troops near the country's borders. The US also told non-essential staff they could leave. The embassy moves were described by US officials as precautionary whilst Russia has denied plans for military action.

Newsday spoke to Amy Mackinnon, a national security reporter for Foreign Policy Magazine based in Washington DC.聽She says the "significant moves" show that western powers and the Ukraine are, "doing their best diplomatically to find a way out whilst also planning for the worst."

Photo: Ukrainian soldiers are seen along the frontline near the town of Zolote. Credit: Getty Images