Ukraine has expressed the hope that chances of resolving soaring tensions with Russia through diplomacy are greater than that of an attack.                                      

In a statement, Ukrainian presidency advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said an honest assessment of the situation suggests that the chance of finding a diplomatic solution for de-escalation is still substantially higher than the threat of further escalation.                

The statement comes as a US intelligence report warned that Russia was stepping up preparations for an invasion.