Washington claims Russia is moving forces towards Ukraine while Russia says more of its tanks and jets are leaving the area. Germany's Annalena Baerbock accused Moscow of making Cold War demands. DW has the latest.

Mercenaries, cyber-attacks, targeted disinformation — Russia no longer depends on classical methods of warfare in its campaign to destabilize Ukraine.

The US is moving to bolster Poland's defense capabilities amid the rising threat of war between neighboring Ukraine and Russia. Defense Secretary Austin said the conflict could lead to a flood of refugees.

Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw military exercises involving Russian "strategic forces." The drills included ballistic and cruise missile launches.

Russian and Belarusian troops will continue their joint exercises near Ukraine, which were expected to end on Sunday, due to the "escalating situation" in Donbas.

Fear mongering content became viral on social media this week, as Ukrainian civilians prepare for an imminent Russian attack.

Germany has urged Russia to come back to the negotiating table as Russian media reported "no concrete plans" were in place for Putin to meet Biden.

FRANCE 24 spoke to Sir John Sawers, the former head of Britain’s secret intelligence service. Sawers, who headed the MI6 between 2009 and 2014, said that if Russia’s President Vladimir Putin decides to take military action against Ukraine, it would be in his interest to limit an invasion to eastern Ukraine. But, he cautioned: “There is no doubt that Russia has the capability to carry out a full invasion, take over Kiev, and install a puppet regime.”

Russia's move to recognise the breakaway Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk has sent ripples through global markets on Tuesday, with falls across Asia, and in early trading in Europe. Oil prices also jumped, with the international benchmark Brent Crude hitting its highest level since mid-2014. Investors are now focusing on which sanctions the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union might impose on Russia in response.

Global stock markets have taken a beating as investors rush for safe havens amid an escalation in geopolitical tensions over Ukraine. Russian stocks and bonds as well as the ruble are among the biggest losers.

Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, says the geopolitical volatility and limited supplies mean oil prices will continue to rise and are likely to pass well beyond the symbolic $100 per barrel level.

Tensions in eastern Ukraine have been rising for weeks. DW reports from the village of Vrubivka, where many are leaving and those who stay live in constant fear of shelling.