It is a last-ditch diplomatic push. Boris Johnson and Joe Biden last night insisted not all hope was lost - despite the Ukrainian president appearing to suggest Russia could invade tomorrow.
After another frantic day of diplomacy, the Prime Minister and the US President agreed that there was still a "crucial window" to avoid war.
It came as Volodymyr Zelensky warned his people to prepare for a Russian invasion on Wednesday, urging them to greet it with a show of patriotism on the streets, in a bizarre video address to the nation. Close aides later said he was being "ironic".
Western leaders are today expected to engage in eleventh hour diplomacy to try to resolve the security crisis peacefully, but officials fear time is running out.
More than 60 per cent of Russia's ground combat power and half its air force have now been mobilised, in the biggest build-up of military force in Europe since the end of the Cold War.
Western states believe it is sufficient to mount a large-scale operation at a moment's notice. Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant explains five options for how an invasion could play out.
Meanwhile, petrol prices are expected to spiral higher after surging to a record level as fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine ramp up pressure on households.
The cost of petrol jumped to 148.02p a litre on average over the weekend, eclipsing its recent record set in late November. Diesel has also risen to a fresh high of 151.57p.
About a fifth of the UK's diesel comes from refineries overseen by the Kremlin. Rachel Millard explains fears that climate blockades could drive prices even higher.
Novak Djokovic breaks silence over Covid jab refusal
Tennis star Novak Djokovic feels so strongly about vaccinations that he would be willing to give up the chance to become the greatest ever player rather than be forced to get a Covid jab. In his first interview since being deported from Australia, Djokovic was asked if he would sacrifice competing at Wimbledon and the French Open because of his opinion on vaccines. "Yes, that is the price that I'm willing to pay," he told the BBC this morning. The Serbian star said he supported an individual's right to choose "what you put in your body". He was ordered to leave Melbourne in January as the president of Serbia said the player had been treated like a "mass murderer" over his refusal to be vaccinated.
Please, sir - how do I address you in a gender-free way?
Pupils should refer to staff as "teacher" instead of Mr or Mrs in an attempt to eradicate gender in schools, a union-funded training session has said. Dr Elly Barnes, chief executive of the charity Educate and Celebrate, told teachers they should be moving towards a "gender-free model" in a 90-minute lecture organised by the National Education Union. One teacher who attended the session said: "It was propaganda for trans activists." Hayley Dixon has more on the training session on gendered terms.
Daily dose of Matt
View Matt's latest cartoon as he imagines how the prospect of an invasion might be discussed in Moscow.
Also in the news: Today's other headlines
'Partygate' inquiry | Scotland Yard will disclose the number of people who are fined for each "partygate" event under investigation and explain why the decision was taken, civil servants have been told. A question and answer sheet sent to government officials caught up in the inquiry says the Civil Service will not be told who is fined. Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith has seen a copy of the document given to government staff facing allegations of attending lockdown-breaking parties.
- 'Heated' podcast | Matt Hancock accompanied by girlfriend
- Campaign | 'Water bosses should pay for sewage poured in rivers'
- Met Police | Some officers are racist, Scotland Yard boss admits
- Struck off | PE teacher accused of sleeping with pupil at Premier Inn
- Pictured | Naomi Campbell poses with daughter for first time
Around the world: Security law to clear truck protests
Justin Trudeau has invoked emergency powers to crack down on anti-vaccine protesters who have brought swathes of the country to a standstill. With the blockades entering their third week, the Canadian prime minister's patience finally snapped as he unveiled a draconian package of measures targeting truckers who have occupied major cities and crippled trade across the US border. It was only the second time since the war that this legislation has been invoked.
Comment and analysis
- Sherelle Jacobs | Putin more dangerous than West able to admit
- Suzanne Moore | If he really loved his party, Corbyn would retire
- Janey Daley | BBC's attempt to prove it belongs exposes its vanity
- Celia Walden | Does anyone get anything done in a 'woke' workplace?
- Reader letters | Ukraine crisis casts harsh light on Europe's defence
Editor's choice
- The royal outliers | What Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie might do next
- Stoves are booming | Why Middle England is so heated about wood burners
- Who's bad? | The hardcore fans still defending Michael Jackson's legacy
Sport briefing: Genge - I saved rival from choking
England's Ellis Genge has revealed how he called for medical attention and administered emergency help for Italy forward Sebastian Negri, who was choking after being knocked unconscious during Sunday's Six Nations match in Rome. Meanwhile, England head coach Eddie Jones hopes to welcome back his heavy artillery - spearheaded by centre Manu Tuialgi - for the visit of Wales to Twickenham on February 26.
Business briefing: New front of taxman's evasion war
Just as the taxman was getting to grips with the murky world of cryptocurrencies, another digital asset burst onto the scene - offering a potential new avenue for criminals. Tom Rees explains how NFTs have created a new hiding place for offenders to launder money. Meanwhile, many employee pay rises are likely to be dwarfed by rampant inflation, which is expected to peak at 7.25pc in April. But a handful of jobs enjoyed huge increases last year, offering inflation-beating pay rises.
PS: Fantasy Fund Manager is back for another season and is free to play. You could be in with the chance to win £15,000 in prizes - enter here.
Tonight's dinner
Pollo al ajillo (Spanish garlic chicken) | A punchy, quick dish by Diana Henry to serve with potatoes. View the recipe. For more, try our Cookbook newsletter.
Travel: 9 amazing family breaks in Spain
Now that unvaccinated teenagers can enter the country with a PCR test, families can look forward to an Easter holiday on a sunny Spanish beach. After the entry requirements for young tourists were simplified, Chris Leadbeater picks the best places to visit no matter the season.
And finally... for this morning's downtime
The World of Stonehenge | With a wealth of astonishing artefacts, the British Museum's superb new show sets out to solve some of the riddles surrounding Stonehenge. Tim Stanley gives it five stars in this review, as he describes it as a thrilling attempt to explain Britain's most mysterious monument.
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