The German and French governments urged their nationals on Saturday to leave Ukraine as soon as possible amid increasing fears of a possible invasion by Russia.
“German nationals are urged to leave the country now,” the German Federal Foreign Office said, adding that “a military conflict is possible at any time.”
Germany called on its citizens to “leave on time” since “should there be a Russian attack on Ukraine, the options for supporting German nationals are very limited.” That marks a sharpening of tone. Last week the German government, like many other countries, issued a similar warning that asked its citizens to “consider leaving the country.”
The French government said it recommends that “all French nationals whose stay in Ukraine has no compelling reason to leave the country. It is also advisable to postpone all trips to Ukraine.”
This story has been updated.