The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued advice against all travel to Ukraine as the threat of a possible Russian invasion intensifies.

It has told British nationals in Ukraine to “leave now while commercial means are still available”.

The updated advice says: “Since January 2022, the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders has increased the threat of military action.

“Due to the growing threat from Russia, the FCDO has taken the decision to temporarily withdraw some Embassy staff and their dependants from Kyiv. The Embassy remains open but will be unable to provide in-person consular assistance. British nationals should leave while commercial options remain.”

According to flight data specialist Cirium, up to 3,776 flights were scheduled in January from European airports to Ukraine – the largest number operated by Ryanair followed by Wizz Air – including 98 flights from the UK.