GETTY President Vladimir Putin cancelled an upcoming visit to France

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According to reports, the Russian leader has told diplomats of all ranks to “bring relatives home to the Motherland”. Administration staff, politicians and public sector workers have been ordered to take their children out of foreign schools immediately. Russian political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky told the Daily Star: “This is all part of the package of measures to prepare elites to some 'big war’.”

The worrying development – which follows after President Putin suddenly cancelled a visit to France – applies to all state employees. Workers were reportedly told to pull their children out of school immediately, even if it was in the middle of term. Anyone who fails to act will put their chances of promotion at risk, local media reported. Putin's cancellation is the latest deterioration in ties between Moscow and the West.

Vladimir Putin in pictures Tue, December 13, 2016 Russin President Vladimir Putin in pictures Play slideshow 1 of 56

Among the recommendations is for students in foreign universities to shift to Russian institutions. Older citizens should also return to Russia, the diktat seen by Znak.com apparently states. Sources said Russian officials were irritated by the fact that the children of Russia’s political elite were being educated abroad, while there parents were seen “talking about patriotism but surrounded by Russia’s enemies”.

GETTY President Vladimir Putin