BRITAIN has failed to set up new routes for Ukrainian refugees who don't have family in the UK to reach the UK, it has emerged.

Despite a full-scale invasion by Russia, the UK Government has stopped accepting visa applications from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv citizens stuck in the nation.

It comes as 137 people reportedly died in the country following strikes by Russia, including explosions in the capital Kyiv.

Home Secretary Priti Patel announced visa concession for Ukrainians already in the UK for work, study and tourism, extending the time they have before they have to leave.

But no resettlement scheme has been announced for refugees fleeing Ukraine.

READ MORE: 'Not the time for half measures' FM says as 137 Ukrainians die after Russian strikes

Amid the invasion, the US has warned up to five million people could be displaced, with Poland alone preparing itself for up to one million refugees.

The UN Refugee Agency has warned of “devastating humanitarian consequences” from the war.

Boris Johnson has said 1000 troops have been put on standby “to help the humanitarian exodus in neighbouring countries” and said his government is helping UK nationals.

But the Home Office has said: “Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine (who aren’t immediate family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine, or where the British national is living in the UK), are currently unable to make visa applications to visit, work, study or join family in the UK.”

The UK visa application centre in Kyiv has now been closed with all related services suspended in the Ukrainian capital.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon praises Russian courage as protests against war erupt in Moscow

Dependents with UK nationals can apply in the city of Lviv. However, those in Ukraine without close relatives in Britain will only be able to obtain a UK visa if they manage to reach centres in Poland, Romania Hungary or Moldva.

It comes as lines formed at border crossings, with people seen carrying backpacks and dragging suitcases on Thursday.

That came just hours after Russian tanks crossed Ukraine’s eastern border.

Johnson’s spokesperson said: “In terms of refugees, obviously it’s relatively early time at the moment. But we have provided support already to help at the border should we start to see a humanitarian crisis emerge, and obviously we are ready to deploy that.”

The SNP urged the UK Government to bring forward a "serious humanitarian response" plan including more safe legal routes to the UK.

Stuart McDonald MP said: "This must include much broader rights for Ukrainian nationals to join both British and Ukrainian family members who are already here in the UK – rather than expecting them to seek asylum in Poland, away from their families.

“And it must also make clear we are willing and prepared to take Ukrainian refugees here as part of the Global Resettlement Scheme, if that is advised by UNHCR and requested by our European allies.

"Finally, it must also ditch its attack on the Refugee Convention through its toxic Nationality and Borders Bill which would criminalise and marginalise people fleeing war and prosecution – including Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s invasion."

A UK Government spokesperson said: “Our priority remains supporting British Nationals who are resident in Ukraine and their dependents who want to leave the country. We are working around the clock to process visa applications and are processing many applications in a matter of hours.

“The main Visa Application Centre in Kyiv has closed following the Russian Invasion but our centre in Lviv remains open for family members of British Nationals resident in Ukraine, and we have surged staff to the centres in nearby countries, including Poland, Moldova, Romania and Hungary.

 “Ukrainian nationals are able to apply for visas from these centres and we have announced concessions for Ukrainians currently in the UK, to extend or switch their visa.

“We are working with other European countries to ensure that responses to any migration issues are practical and in the best interests of the Ukrainian people.”