German chancellor Olaf Scholz is preparing to launch a last-ditch attempt to deter Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine, after US officials warned that Russia was on the brink of launching a major attack on its western neighbour.
His preparations came as western nations continued to withdraw diplomatic and military personnel from Ukraine and some airlines cancelled or diverted flights to the country, while others said they were reviewing their schedules.
The US said on Saturday that it was evacuating staff from its Kyiv embassy and several nations urged their citizens to leave. Some European countries are preparing to receive a flood of refugees in the event of military action.