Unclear if or when Russian soldiers will actually push across border, hours after Putin recognizes breakaway regions; Biden, Macron and Scholz warn 'step will not go unanswered'

White House warns Moscow moving closer to launching attack as France's Macron brokers meeting between US, Russian leaders in last-ditch diplomatic gambit

Speaking with Macron, Putin blames escalation on 'provocations by Ukrainian security forces'; Zelensky calls for immediate ceasefire; Blinken warns Kyiv on 'brink of invasion'

France's Macron phones Putin in last-ditch effort to stave off open conflict; European Council chief warns West can't keep offering 'olive branch' to saber-rattling Moscow

British PM warns of potential 'sheer cost in human life'; Zelensky proposes meeting with Russia leader; Putin, Macron to speak; Germany, Austria tell citizens to leave Ukraine

US official says 'professional' phone conversation produces 'no fundamental change'; evacuation of non-essential staff at American embassy, foreign citizens in Kyiv underway

Equality Minister Elisabeth Moreno backs Muslim players seeking to overturn a ban on wearing headscarf during games under rules that also proscribe the kippah

With Eric Zemmour and Marine Le Pen railing against their religion in frequent diatribes, many French Muslims fear such rhetoric has been normalized

Following meeting with Russian leader, French president says 'upcoming days will be crucial,' it's Europe’s duty to find diplomatic solution and rebuild ties with Moscow

At the same time, US president and NATO allies make clear there are no plans to send troops to aid the former Soviet republic against Russian forces