NATO increases deployment in eastern Europe over concerns of Russian invasion into Ukraine

North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) said on Monday it was putting forces on standby and reinforcing eastern Europe with more ships and fighter jets amid fears of a Russian invasion into Ukraine.

Russia has massed an estimated 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border but denies it is planning an invasion.

It claims that it is sending troops to Belarus, which also shares a border with Ukraine, for joint military drills which are to be held February.

Krelim spokesperson even issued a statement decrying 'Western accusations' as a cover for NATO's own planned provocations.

Moscow has however demanded that NATO promise that it will not allow Ukraine to join the alliance and wants it to remove troops and military equipment from parts of eastern Europe.

Britain on Monday also announced it is withdrawing some diplomats and dependents from its embassy in Kyiv. The Foreign Office said the move was “in response to the growing threat from Russia”.

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The US has also ordered the families of all American personnel at the US Embassy in Ukraine to leave the country.