War in Europe

Nationwide state of emergency in Ukraine comes amid growing reports of imminent full-scale Russian invasion.

Russian lawmakers authorize Russian President Vladimir Putin to use military force outside his country and US President Joe Biden and European leaders respond by slapping sanctions on Russian oligarchs and banks.

Embassy officials working to ensure Israelis still in country will be able to flee via land borders with Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova, and Hungary. Jewish Agency also relocates staff to western city of Lviv.

US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield warns that "the consequences of Russia's actions will be dire, across Ukraine, across Europe, and across the globe."

The Kremlin's carefully staged move flies in the face of European efforts for a diplomatic solution to the escalating crisis in Ukraine.

Leaders of the separatist regions released televised statements earlier Monday pleading with Putin to recognize them as independent states and sign friendship treaties.

"The embassy is preparing for all sorts of scenarios, but as of today, we are staying here in Ukraine, because our presence here is necessary for Israelis who are staying here in Ukraine," Ambassador Michael Brodsky says.