Fear mongering content became viral on social media this week, as Ukrainian civilians prepare for an imminent Russian attack. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

US military personnel have arrived in Romania ahead of a deployment of NATO troops expected in the country. Romania, a NATO member since 2004, borders Ukraine to the north.

Has war been declared? Following a day during which the Kremlin ratcheted up its rhetoric, François Picard’s panel weighs the consequences of the call in Moscow to recognise Ukraine’s pro-Russian separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. They also discuss Vladimir Putin’s ultimate goal.

Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Friday.⁣

Europe is facing an expansionist Russia. But will sanctions alone be enough to stop Vladimir Putin? Guests: Ulrike von Hirschhausen (historian), Vendeline von Bredow (Economist), Matthew Karnitschnig (Politico)

Russian forces would enter areas outside Kyiv on Friday, a top Ukrainian defense official has said. Ukraine's president called on the international community to help his country.

Disinformation is part and parcel of the approach to war as seen in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, has said the crisis in Ukraine could be a "historic turning point" in how European countries source their energy. Speaking to FRANCE 24 on Wednesday, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Birol noted that supplies of Russian gas to Europe had already fallen last year before the recent escalation of tensions. He said it could be an impetus for EU policymakers to turn to alternative sources, as the cost of gas and electricity have soared.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressing the country:"For the second time, we are left alone in defense of our country. Who is ready to fight with us? Honestly no one. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Honestly, everyone is afraid of Moscow.

Ukrainians are fleeing to their EU neighbors as they fear even further escalation. The UN and the EU have vowed support as the already dire humanitarian situation worsens.

Russia has already been using weapons like malware and disinformation against Ukraine for eight years. Shortly after the invasion, security experts discovered cyberattacks designed to disable Ukrainian computers.

In the run-up to, and after it was invaded, Ukraine has faced a large-scale assault not just by land, sea and air, but by cyberspace as well.