NATO has raised the readiness level of tens and thousands of troops amid soaring tensions with Russia , widely believed to be preparing to attack Ukraine . Western leaders adopted strategies from warnings to dialogue with Moscow on Friday, as tens of thousands of troops remained stationed along Ukraine's borders. Tensions are soaring as up to 190,000 troops under Russian control surround Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied plans to invade but has also demanded binding security guarantees of NATO, including that it will never admit Ukraine. Pushilin said he was making an "urgent request" for residents to make a "mass, centralized departure," citing the threat of impending military action by Ukrainian troops.
