The Foreign Office has issued advice against all travel to Ukraine as tensions rise over the threat of a possible Russian invasion.
British nationals in Ukraine were told on Friday to “leave now while commercial means are still available”.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “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.”
A FCDO spokesperson said: “The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority, which is why we have updated our travel advice. We urge British nationals in Ukraine to leave now via commercial means while they remain available.”
There were 98 flights scheduled from the UK to Ukraine in January and this month Ryanair, Wizz Air and Ukraine International Airlines were flying to the country.
As many as 3,776 flights from European airports to Ukraine were scheduled in January, according to flight data firm Cirium.
Ryanair was the largest airline flying between Europe and Ukraine, followed by Wizz Air.
Russia has denied any plans to invade Ukraine despite the build-up of some 100,000 soldiers on the country’s borders.