Russian strikes on farms in Syria could be war crimes: report

Is it better than Putin bargained for? Critics of Geneva talks between Cold War rivals say they reward the Kremlin for its massive troop build-up on the Ukrainian border. Would the United States be sitting down with Russia without the threat of an invasion? Is it better to talk or not to talk?

The United States and Russia have set out firm lines ahead of talks on Ukraine in Geneva. Washington has warned of the risk of confrontation, while Moscow has ruled out concessions.

As tensions simmer and troops amass along on both sides of the border, DW's Nick Connolly visited eastern Ukraine. Close to the Russian border, in the town of Milove, he spoke with locals about what it's like to live there.

Russia is bringing its security demands to talks with NATO. Moscow wants written guarantees that there will be no further eastward expansion of NATO and that Ukraine will never join the Western military alliance. Russia's stance has a long history, as DW's Emily Sherwin reports.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told DW that the military alliance was committed to its "dual track" approach to Russia and would continue both pursuing dialogue and preparing for a confrontation.

The United States has accused Russia of planning a so-called “false flag” operation in eastern Ukraine, in an attempt to create an excuse for an invasion. The Pentagon says there is evidence Russian agents might already be in the country to carry out acts of sabotage and blame Ukraine for them.

The duopoly of Western aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing is under pressure. Russia's MC-21 airliner is now certified to fly and China is pushing ahead with plans to enter the international market.

How strong is the West's resolve when it comes to Ukraine? A steady diet of diplomacy is so far failing to lift the uncertainty over Vladimir Putin's true intentions when it comes to those 100,000 troops amassed at the border.

Russia still seems to be beefing up the military presence on its border with Ukraine, while Kyiv has received military support from the US and the UK. Germany won't send weapons to Ukraine, saying that would only escalate the situation.

The West still doesn't know why war in Ukraine might happen, but it increasingly seems like it's happening. Kiev is trying to keep calm and rally support while being surrounded on three sides and being the recent victim of a cyberattack that feels like a dry run. Meanwhile, NATO countries are sending weapons and advisors while deploying fresh troops elsewhere in Eastern Europe. But that's small compared to the 100,000-plus forces amassed by Moscow.

Russia still seems to be beefing up the military presence on its border with Ukraine, while Kyiv has received military support from the US and and its NATO allies. Germany won't send weapons to Ukraine, saying that would only escalate the situation.

As Antony Blinken responds in writing to Russia's demands for an overhaul of Eastern Europe's security architecture, in the same breath he urges American citizens in Ukraine to leave. This Wednesday's "Normandy Format" talks, including France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine, serve as a reminder that Ukraine has already lost its territorial integrity – back in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported the insurgency that's raged since in the southeast. So what is Moscow after this time?