LONDON — European stocks are expected to open lower on Monday as investors brace themselves for the next meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve this coming week, and watch for developments in Ukraine as tensions with Russia grow.

United Kingdom’s FTSEIndex opens 15 points lower than 7,470 in Germany DAXFrance’s 15543 points were down by 35 CAC 40 down 17 points at 7,040 and Italy’s FTSE MIBAccording to data from IG, 36 points were lower at 26832,

The European market is set to follow their Asia-Pacific counterparts lowerMonday: Investors respond to heightened tensions between the Ukraine and RussiaTake a look at the U.S. Federal Reserve’s next monetary policy meeting, this coming week.

It Federal Open Market Committee is due to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday to decide on the next steps for U.S. monetary policy.

Inflation is an important concern for the U.S. central banking. investors will listen closely to hear how worried the Fed actually is — Chairman Jerome Powell is due to brief the media Wednesday afternoon local time after the FOMC releases its statement.

Meanwhile, market sentiments could be shaken due to fears of a possible military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

U.S. State Department recommended Sunday that all U.S. citizens in Ukraine depart the country immediately, citing Russia’s extraordinary military buildup on the border.

On Sunday, a top State Department official spoke out to reporters on the phone. He said that U.S. citizens in Ukraine should think about leaving now and using privately or commercially available transport options.

The U.K. accused Russia of trying to put a proRussian leader in Ukraine. Russia repeatedly denies that it plans to invade neighboring countries.

Philips will release earnings on Monday. Data releases also include U.K. flash purchasing manager’s indicator (PMI), figures from the eurozone for January services industry.

— CNBC’s Amanda Macias and Saheli Roy Choudhury contributed reporting to this story.