The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv is preparing for an onslaught from Russian troops - with its mayor saying the city has entered a "defensive phase".
Tanks have been seen just a few miles from the centre and people have been told to stay at home.
There are concerns Moscow is planning to overthrow the government.
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised the response from the west.
But there is a glimmer of diplomatic hope - as the Kremlin says Vladimir Putin is ready to send a delegation to hold talks with Ukrainian officials.
Meanwhile, the country's neighbour, Poland, is preparing to close its airspace to Russian aircraft from midnight.
The Pope has taken the unusual step to intervene - visiting the Russian embassy in Rome to express his "concern" about the war.
