The US government is urging Americans in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, warning that Russia is stepping up efforts to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days.

„The US Embassy urges US citizens to depart Ukraine now using privately available ground transportation options if it is safe to do so. The security situation throughout Ukraine is highly volatile and conditions may deteriorate without warning“, - a security alert on the embassy’s website said.

The renewed US warning comes as Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine approaches the six month mark on Wednesday and follows similar warnings, from Ukrainian President and other officials, that Moscow may carry out intense attacks, including missile strikes, to coincide Ukraine’s Independence Day.