Kremlin says separatists want Russian soldiers to repel 'Ukrainian aggression,' in possibly pretext for incursion; US official says Putin's troops as ready for assault as possible

Russia president says he is still open to 'diplomatic solutions' after Blinken cancels Lavrov meeting; Australia, Japan join with US and EU sanctions on Moscow

US president says Russian government cut off from Western financing, 'elites' also targeted; UK, France and Germany also announce economic measures against Kremlin

Russia says Ukraine has 'plunged deeper into chaos;' Western countries continue to relocate embassies as Russian lawmakers approve use of force abroad

Embassy moves out of capital due to threat of Russian invasion; Israel said to inform Kremlin and Ukrainian government of new location to ensure safety

Since 2014 Moscow has thrown its weight behind an insurgency in the Donetsk and Luhansk border areas; a 2015 peace deal that grants them some self-rule has not been implemented

US ambassador warns consequences of Putin's action will be 'dire' as most countries defend Ukraine; Moscow envoy says Kremlin 'won't allow bloodbath in Donbass'

US officials say Putin sending troops into breakaway regions won't trigger broader sanctions as Russians have been on ground there for 8 years

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'

Kyiv furiously denies incident, brands Moscow a 'fake-producing factory' as Putin proclaims that 'there are no prospects' to implement 2015 peace deal