Ukraine plays down Russian invasion fears as US sounds alarm

Servicemen take part in a joint tactical and special exercises of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ukrainian National Guard and Ministry Emergency in a ghost city of Pripyat, near Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

Ukraine on Sunday pushed back at "apocalyptic predictions" over a potential Russian invasion, after US officials sounded dire warnings that Moscow had stepped up its preparations for a major incursion.

"Do not believe the apocalyptic predictions.