D-Day for Ukraine as Russia deploys even ‘MORE troops to border’ despite Putin declaring Russia ‘does not want war’

D-DAY has come for Ukraine as the US intelligence fears a full scale Russian invasion could be launched today plunging the region into a conflict not seen since World War 2. US intelligence had predicted a possible invasion overnight and had earmarked February 16 as the day Vladimir Putin would start bombarding his neighbour and rolling his tanks. East2WestSources said Russia is set to invade Ukraine tomorrow[/caption] ReutersPutin is likely to strike Ukraine without warning[/caption] However, as last minute and high level diplomatic talks continue in a frantic bid to avert a devastating war that could kill millions – for now the region remains calm. Western intelligence sources have claimed that Putin continues to funnel more troops towards its border with Ukraine. It is feared today could be the day for a “False Flag” attack by Russia – a staged incident that would be used as justification for an invasion. And that is despite Russia yesterday claiming it was pulling back some forces as Putin insisted he did not want a war with Kyiv. Dawn broke over Ukraine without a shot being fired and first missiles falling, but the atmosphere remains tense. Plans are today in place for a “Day of Unity” vigil across the nation. Ukrainians will be urged to stand together defiantly at 10am to sing the national anthem. Most read in World News HIS FINAL DISGRACE Shamed Andrew agrees payout of up to £12m to settle sexual abuse lawsuit DRONE WARS Ukraine unveils fearsome 'Punisher' drones to rain death on Putin's forces SAVING BLUSHES Queen 'ordered Andy to settle as he would've been torn apart', blasts ex-cop PREDATOR Chilling texts of girl who lured date to his death & vowed to kill lover EVERY DAY DUKE DUCKS OUT Five bombshells from Andrew ‘rape’ settlement as he dodges court showdown ANDY BUYS HIS WAY OUT Prince Andrew SETTLES with sex accuser, court docs reveal Kyiv has called for calm as preparations have continued for a possible invasion by Russia – with everyday people taking up arms. Western warnings of a night strike by Russia at around 3am came and went without incident amid the ever changing situation. The fog of war has well and truly descended over the region. Putin is keeping the West guessing for his next move as Nato defence ministers will today in Brussels. Russia continues to have around 130,000 remain on Ukraine’s eastern and southern borders with around 40,000 pro-Putin forces in Belarus to the north. And another 30,000 pro-Russian separatists were facing Ukrainian defenders in the separatist Donbas enclave. It comes as: Russia is still feared to invade Ukraine “at any time” as the US predicted an attack TODAYPutin insisted he does not want war as Russia claimed it was pulling back troopsBoris Johnson warned Russia was continue to build up forces and construct field hospitalsLiz Truss said that Putin “won’t stop” with Ukraine amid renewed fears over the Baltic statesIt was warned a war between Russia and Ukraine would be “bloody and grimy“Ukraine unveiled a fearsome “Punisher” drone to help defend against RussiaPriti Patel moved to axe golden tickets for foreign billionaires in a move aimed at Russian oligarchs UK defence secretary Ben Wallace will join Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin amid ongoing tensions in eastern Europe as the alliance considers its response. Putin had said he was open to further dialogue with the US and its Nato allies. “We have seen no evidence at all of Russian withdrawals – precisely the opposite in fact. Russia is continuing to reinforce its positions on the Ukrainian border,” a Western source told the Daily Mail. Read our Russia Ukraine live blog for the latest updates “We could also easily see a false flag operation [today] along the lines of, ‘well we were retreating but look what the Ukrainians have done’. “So we remain ready for an immediate scenario. “The volume of Russian capability remains very high, the precise lay-down of military assets might change but the threat remains “Putin… is obsessed with Ukraine and has a very twisted view of Ukrainian history. Getting Ukraine back is an end in itself. But he will listen to his generals, who are wary of getting involved in a lengthy conflict.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier suggested there were “mixed signals” coming out of Russia about the prospect of an invasion of Ukraine, describing the situation as “not encouraging”. US President Joe Biden, meanwhile, gave a televised address in the United States, in which he said an invasion was still possible and stressed the US would defend all Nato territory. In a televised address, he said: “While I will not send American servicemen to fight in Ukraine, we have supplied Ukrainian military with equipment to help them defend themselves, and provided training and advice and intelligence for that purpose. “And make no mistake, the United States will defend every inch of Nato territory with the full force of American power. “An attack against one Nato country is an attack against all of us.” Armed forces minister James Heappey said he was cautiously optimistic about news some troops were withdrawing from the Ukrainian border but added he would “continue to be very vigilant” of Russia’s actions. He told Channel 4 News: “If, as a consequence of a combination of things over the last few weeks, the threat of economic sanctions and the impact that that threat is having on the Russian economy, if the cost of military action has started to become clear, then that is a good thing that Russia may be moving in a different direction.” He added: “But until those are matched by troop movements, people like me need to continue to be very vigilant and be very clear in what we are saying in communicating what we are seeing and the danger that that presents.” Following a Cobra emergency committee meeting, Boris Johnson said the intelligence he has received about Russian military activity is “not encouraging”, with the construction of field hospitals and the movement of extra forces closer to the border suggesting preparations are still being made for an invasion. While Mr Johnson acknowledged Russia had claimed it was withdrawing troops from the border, he added there were “more battalion tactical groups being brought closer to the border”. “So, mixed signals, I think, at the moment,” he said. Mr Johnson also said he would bring forward a new Economic Crime Bill in order to deal with “dirty” Russian money in the City of London. The news was welcomed by both Labour and Conservative MPs, but Labour opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer warned the Prime Minister should “get his own house in order” by investigating whether the Tories had received any donations linked to Mr Putin. Sir Keir also also encouraged the Government to “go now and go hard” in using economic sanctions against Russia APGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, met with Putin in Moscow for crisis talks[/caption] APReports warned 60 per cent of Russia’s ground forces are in striking range.[/caption] GettyA Ukrainian boy is shown how to use a rifle[/caption]