Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed the need to stay calm over tensions near the border with Russia.

His appeal comes after US President Joe Biden warned that Russia could attack Ukraine next month. The warning came during telephone talks between Zelenskyy and Biden on Thursday.

At a news conference on Friday, Zelenskyy said even respected heads of state say the war will happen tomorrow. He added they are creating a panic.

The president also expressed concern that the United States and other countries are preparing to evacuate embassy officials and their families. He said recalling diplomats is a mistake, describing Ukraine as no "Titanic."

Things appear to be normal in the capital Kyiv, as shops and restaurants are open as usual.

But caution is growing among citizens. In an opinion poll conducted in mid-January in Ukraine, 48 percent of respondents said Russia could launch a military incursion. That exceeded the 39 percent who said a Russian incursion was unlikely.

Zelenskyy is apparently wary of his country showing weakness as Russia may take advantage of unrest in Ukraine.