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.

All bets are off: the Russian president has made his move. Months of Western efforts to stave off a Crimea-like land grab seem to have been wiped out with the stroke of a pen. Does Vladimir Putin's recognition of two breakaway regions of Ukraine's Donbass as independent mean war? Armoured vehicles are now near the front line, after Putin claimed that another Vladimir - Lenin - gave away eastern Ukraine when he formed the Soviet Union. We discuss the situation, and the international response.

Is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to direct troops to the separatist-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk an invasion? And what are its so-called "peacekeeping" functions? Experts share their analysis.

We take a look at how the Russian, Ukrainian, and European press are reacting to Vladimir Putin’s decision to declare separatist territories independent. We also discuss the varied views of what this means for Europe. Finally, we look at today’s special date: Twosday.

Experts say Beijing wants to avoid overtly taking sides, while looking for divisions in how Western countries respond to Russian aggression.

How to respond to Russia's soldiers and tanks? After months of buildup and shuttle diplomacy, the gloves are now off as Russian President Vladimir Putin's has made his move for southeastern Ukraine. How far is the West willing to go for a non-NATO member that is pining to join the military alliance?

World powers, including the United States and the European Union, have announced their first round of sanctions against Russia over its recognition of two breakaway republics in Ukraine. They include blacklisting certain banks, barring American and European banks from trading Russian government bonds, and targeting individuals with asset freezes and travel bans. FRANCE 24's Business Editor Stephen Carroll looks at how the measures might affect the Russian economy.

Casualties, shelling, Russian tanks and emergency meetings to coordinate the West's response. DW has an overview as a Russian war on Ukraine unfolds.

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

Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine has upended assumptions about the sanctity of borders and thrown the world into a whole new situation, security experts say.