RUSSIA is ordering all of its officials to fly home any relatives living abroad amid rising tensions over the prospect of a new world war, it's been claimed.

Politicians and high-ranking figures are said to have received a high-level warning from tough guy president Vladimir Putin, according to local media.

2 President Putin takes part in 2016 Russia Calling! Investment Forum

The reported call to return to the Motherland – which comes after Putin suddenly cancelled a visit to France – applies to all state employees.

Workers were reportedly told to pull their children out of school immediately, reports the Daily Star.

The top level order applies to administration staff, regional administrators, lawmakers of all levels and employees of public corporations.

Those that do not obey the edict will find the future employment prospects in tatters.

Related Stories VLAD V BRAD Russian president Vladimir Putin blasts Sir Bradley Wiggins and other stars who had 'advantage' PUTIN HITS BACK Russia CANCELS visit to France as relations with Putin collapse over Syria war crimes claims 'wells of outrage are growing exhausted' Boris calls for protests outside the Russian Embassy over Syria YOU'RE FIRED, COMRADE Putin's best mate 'The Butcher of Chechnya' launches Donald Trump-style Apprentice reality show BRIDGE OF LIES Massive 'Putin the Peacemaker' banner mysteriously appears on New York bridge

The reason for the urgent recall is unclear but one top analyst said it could be a hint war is on its way.

Russian political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky said: “This is all part of the package of measures to prepare elites to some ‘big war’.”

Russia recently held defence drills for 40 million citizens in apparent preparation for an all-out nuclear war.

"And earlier this month, Putin’s ministers announced they had built bunkers capable of housing Moscow's 14 million people.