Ottawa increases warnings about Ukraine, urges Canadians to leave over Russia threat

Ottawa is warning all Canadians against travelling to Ukraine due to Russian threats and the risk of war.

The federal government is also urging Canadians currently in the country to leave.

The increased warning comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West over the deployment of 100,000 Russian troops on Ukraine's border.

Talks between the U.S., NATO and other Canadian allies and Russia have so far proven unsuccessful, leading to fears of a new war in Europe.

Canada had warned against non-essential travel to Ukraine and pulled some diplomatic staff along with their families from the country in recent weeks.

But the stepped up warning suggests growing concerns that a conflict is on the verge of breaking out, even as negotiations continue.