With over 100,000 Russian troops stationed near the Ukrainian border, the world is on the verge of a dangerous situation that might escalate into a war with far-reaching effects.
Russia's buildup of artillery near Ukraine, according to US authorities, gives it the potential to invade its neighbour on short notice. Russia, on the other hand, has consistently rejected any intention of launching an offensive against Ukraine.
In this context, on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden spoke over the phone for an hour. Joe Biden warned during the call that an assault on Ukraine would have "rapid and devastating consequences."
Meanwhile, other countries have requested that their residents in Ukraine return as soon as possible. Some countries are concerned that a conflict in Eastern Europe may lead to a large refugee catastrophe.
Here's how countries around the world are dealing with the crisis, from Australia to the United Kingdom, Hungary to France.
US
President Joe Biden reminded Russian President Vladimir Putin during their phone discussion on Saturday that invading Ukraine would result in "widespread human suffering" and that the West was dedicated to dialogue to resolve the conflict but "equally prepared for other eventualities."
According to the White House, Biden also stated that if Russia attacks its neighbour, the US and its allies would respond "decisively and impose rapid and harsh penalties."
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has dispatched 3,000 additional US troops to Poland. The US has also encouraged all American citizens in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, warning that those who stay will not be rescued by the US military if air and rail transit is disrupted as a result of a Russian invasion.
The US has also declared that the majority of its workers will be evacuated from the embassy in Kiev. Consular services in Ukraine have been halted.
RUSSIA
Russian President Vladimir Putin has complained that the US and NATO have failed to meet Russian demands that Ukraine be barred from joining the military alliance and NATO forces be withdrawn from Eastern Europe.
Russia has stated that it does not intend to invade Ukraine. However, the country has amassed a force of well over 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border and has dispatched troops to neighbouring Belarus for drills, effectively encircling Ukraine on three sides.
UKRAINE
Thousands of Ukrainians braved the cold on Saturday to march through Kyiv to show togetherness in the face of a possible Russian invasion.
"Right now, the people's biggest opponent in our country is panic," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Saturday. And all of this knowledge is merely adding to our anxiety rather than assisting us."
AUSTRALIA
Australia said on Sunday that it was evacuating its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. Prime Minister Scott Morrison also urged China not to remain "chillingly silent" in the face of the crisis.
According to an official announcement, Australia's embassy staff in Kyiv has been directed to a temporary location in Lviv, a city in western Ukraine around 70 kilometres (44 miles) from the Polish border.
The country has recommended its residents to leave Ukraine by commercial methods as soon as possible.
HUNGARY
Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, warned on Saturday that a Russian invasion of Ukraine may result in hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees pouring across Hungary's border.
In his speech, he called for a peaceful resolution to Europe's mounting tensions. He claimed that it was in Hungary's best interests to "prevent conflict," which he claimed would result in a flood of Ukrainian migrants and economic damage.
UK
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has urged its citizens to leave Ukraine "as soon as possible." "They should not expect, as they witnessed in Afghanistan this summer, any likelihood of a military evacuation," said James Heappey, a junior defence minister.
Britain, on the other hand, keeps a diplomatic presence in Ukraine.
FRANCE
Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the phone on Saturday. According to a French official, Putin gave no indication of planning to invade Ukraine during the call.
"We are nevertheless extremely vigilant and alert to the Russian (military) posture in order to avoid the worst," the official added.
France has advised its nationals to avoid trips to Ukraine and preparations are being made for embassy staff and their families to leave the country if they want.
NEW ZEALAND
In response to increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine, New Zealand's foreign ministry asked all New Zealanders in Ukraine to leave immediately on Saturday.
"Because New Zealand has no diplomatic representation in Ukraine, the government's ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders in Ukraine is severely limited," the foreign ministry said.
"In these circumstances, the security situation in Ukraine could change at any time, and New Zealanders should not rely on assistance in evacuation.
Also read : If Russia attacks Ukraine, there will be repercussions, says Biden
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