Tensions rise in Ukraine, as the Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Ukraine.

Concerns around a potential invasion of Ukraine are growing as more countries tell their citizens to get out.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish citizens currently in Ukraine, to leave immediately by commercial means.

The advice comes after intensive consultations with EU partners in Kyiv and Brussels.

The Department is also advising against all travel to Ukraine, as tensions rise with Russia.

New Zealand has joined the UK, the US, Japan and Australia in urging people to leave, as Russian troops continue to gather on the border.

This is a result of tension rising between Russia and the West regarding Ukraine.

While Russia has repeatedly said it will not invade its neighbour, it has gathered over 100,000 of its troops along the Ukraine border.

The British Minister for Armed Forces says a Russian invasion's "feasible" at any moment.

But he says UK troops won't engage in conflict if war breaks out.

Euan MacDonald told the Anton Savage Show:

“Everything is in place. There’s been reports of field hospitals even being spotted at airfields near Ukraine.

"So that’s a bad sign. Lots of signs of logistics, of fuel tankers moving around - especially in Belarus."

Meanwhile the Department of Foreign Affairs says it has no plans to withdraw Irish Embassy staff in Kyiv at this time.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland issued a statement on Friday (11 February) on the current political and security situation in Ukraine.

"Our Embassy in Kyiv is in constant coordination with partners on the ground in respect of consular and security contingency planning and that coordination will continue through the weekend," the DFA stated.

"Travel advice will be kept under constant review, in consultation with EU partners," the DFA said.

"A small number of Embassies in Kyiv, including the UK, US, Canada, have drawn down non-essential personnel and family members of diplomatic staff only.

"There are no plans to withdraw staff from the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv at this time.

"The Department is in ongoing direct contact with Irish families scheduled to travel to Ukraine for surrogacy purposes and will continue to provide advice and assistance.

"We continue to call on Russia to de-escalate, abide by international law and engage constructively in dialogue.

"Recent high-level discussions are welcome. These now need to translate into immediate, tangible actions and a commitment to dialogue."