LONDON — European stocks are expected to open in mixed territory on Thursday as tensions remain high over the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

The U.K. FTSEIndex opens 26 points higher than its previous 7,353 Germany opening. DAX 27 points lower at 13,923, France’s CAC 40 down 27 points at 13,923 and Italy’s FTSE MIBData from IG shows that 51 points are higher at 24400

With more explosions reported in Kyiv, the mixed opening for European stock markets comes amid increased concerns for Ukraine’s fate.

A huge Russian army vehicle column was seen heading towards Moscow earlier this week, raising concerns about Russia’s imminent attack on the capital.

Kharkiv was the second-largest city of Ukraine. On Wednesday, heavy bombings were carried out. Kherson, Kherson’s mayor, stated that Russian forces had seized control over this key port in south Ukraine. It is a Russian military victory if it’s confirmed.

In a historic vote, the United Nations denounced Russia’s seven-week-long invasion and many countries sent Moscow to be investigated for possible war crimes.

After Wednesday’s rebound in U.S. stock prices, shares in Asia-Pacific rose largely in Thursday trading. U.S. stock index futuresDuring overnight trading, they were slightly lower

However, oil prices moved higher after a recent price rise. International benchmarks were set in the early hours of Asia trading hours. Brent crude futures surged 3.09% to $116.42 per barrel, after earlier rising as high as $118.22 per barrel. U.S. crude futures also climbed 2.43% to $113.29 per barrel.

OPEC and its allies decided Wednesday to hold production steady despite the recent dramatic spike in oil prices.

Merck, Telecom Italia and Prudential are the main earners. The euro zone unemployment rate for January and the producer prices are included in data releases.

— CNBC’s Eustance Huang contributed to this market report.