Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmtryo Kuleba’s briefing on geopolitical tensions with Russia recently added to the risk-off mood as the diplomat conveyed the emergency meeting request to the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Ukraine Foreign Minister Kuleba also said, “The plea by separatist leaders to Russia for military support is a further escalation of the security situation.”

Meanwhile, a satellite imagery firm Maxar also mentioned new deployments of Moscow’s troops in western Russia.

Additionally, the Dnipro International Airport in eastern Ukraine is closed to arrival and departures until 7:00 AM local time Thursday.

FX implications

AUD/USD is considered risk-barometer pair and holds lower ground near 0.7230 amid recent challenges to market sentiment. On the contrary, gold prices remain firmer due to the metal’s safe-haven appeal.

Read: Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD looks to reclaim $1914 amid risk-aversion theme