Russia has made a huge call that does not bode well for a diplomatic end to the crisis in Ukraine.

Defense ministers have held talks over fears that Russia could be seeking to send its troops into Ukraine. Moscow says it has withdrawn some forces and that it has no plan to launch an invasion.

In the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Germany is cutting a rather ambivalent figure. Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is one major reason why. Can the Social Democrats and the country find its way out from under his shadow?

Russia says it is pulling back some of its troops from near Ukraine after a build-up raised fears of an invasion.

Intelligence sources indicate Russia could invade Ukraine at any time and President Vladimir Putin is likely to strike without warning.

Russia has positioned about 130,000 troops - equipped with everything from tanks and artillery to medical facilities and logistical support - close to Ukraine's border.

Gas reserves are running low, and Europeans could soon face the prospect of freezing to death. Now, their fate rests in the hands of Vladimir Putin.

A presidential aide said the talks took place amid unprecedented US ‘hysteria’

There will be no UK soldiers in Ukraine amid fears of a Russian attack, the armed forces minister said

White House urges Americans to leave Ukraine, but officials say they don’t know whether Putin has decided to invade or not

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he thinks a deal to avoid war in Ukraine is possible and that it is legitimate for Russia to raise its own security concerns.

In the last two weeks, the number of battalion tactical groups in the border region has risen to 83 from 60 as of Friday and 14 more are in transit, the officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information.

US authorities have accused Russia of planning a shocking stunt designed to pave the way for a brutal, violent invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow’s security concerns have been ignored, Vladimir Putin has insisted, following the US's response to Russia’s proposals

The mission also defended the movement of Russian troops "on our own soil" and accused the U.S. violating "the principle of the indivisibility of security" with the placement of "military infrastructure close to Russian borders."

At a UNSC meeting, Russian diplomat Vasily Nebenzya claimed Ukraine’s violation of the Minsk pact could end in ‘worst way’

Washington wants China to “use its influence” with Moscow to push diplomacy over Ukraine

US president who pledged to stare down threats from Putin faces moment of reckoning

Hopes remain that matters can be settled diplomatically, however.

Putin has agreed on a new collaboration with Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua