Russia war fears LIVE: Putin warned of ‘widespread human suffering’ in crisis call

UK families are facing waits for Ukraine-born babies to be issued British passports as they look to flee amid increasing fears of war.

British nationals in the Eastern European country were warned not to expect a military evacuation and urged to leave “via commercial means while they remain available” on Friday.

The Foreign Office said in a statement: “The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority, which is why we have updated our travel advice.”

The UK’s decision came in line with that of several other governments, including Japan, Latvia, Norway, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.

Ben Garratt, 40, and his wife Alice live in London but moved to Kiev in December to bring their son Raphael to life, as the “very different surrogacy laws” in Ukraine allow for a swifter IVF and surrogacy process.

The couple are growing increasingly concerned after this week’s updated Foreign Office.

Mr Garratt told PA: “If we take the advice at face value, it means the UK and also the US government are worried that Russian action is imminent – that makes us want to get out.”

The two were originally waiting on a British passport to be issued for their baby son but are now also trying to secure an emergency travel document.

They said: “We’re essentially stuck in Ukraine until we can get the required British paperwork to allow our son, born here, to leave.

“It’s getting frustrating because we’re being told by the UK Government to leave the country… and we still don’t have the document we need.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said in a statement: “We are doing everything we can to support all British families with surrogacy arrangements in Ukraine at this time.

“Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) have sped up the process of issuing passports in Ukraine to support British families get the right documentation to allow them to return to the UK.”