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US Secretary of State Blinken believes Russia will invade Ukraine before the night is over

• Blinken speaking with US media (NBC)

G7 leaders will meet Thursday 24 February 2022 on Ukraine - Russia

• A virtual meeting

UN Security Council to hold emergency session on Ukraine Wednesday night

• Request made earlier from Ukraine

Ukraine capital Kyiv has declared a State of Emergency

• The signs of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine are steadily mounting

Russia has closed all of northeast Ukraine border region to civil aircraft

• Issued a NOTAM. Also, sources indicating the Russian offensive will begin at 4am Local time.

Ukraine's president Zelensky says Putin did not respond to phone call request today

Senior EU official cautions Russia to refrain from further escalation

• Josep Borrell Fontelles is High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the EU Commission

Ukraine - Dnipro International Airport will be closed until 7am

• The airport is in eastern Ukraine, closed to arrival and departures until 7am local time Thursday.

Ukraine has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council

• Has requested another UNSC meeting

Unconfirmed reports that all Russian armed forces have all been put on high alert

• Reports also that all FSB (Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation - the main successor to the KGB) members recalled to their posts.

Two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine ask Putin for help to repel Ukraine aggression

• Russian media with the info, laying further groundwork for a Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine foreign min warns on false flag attack in Crimean chemical plant

• Says it might be a staged provocation

Biden directs admin to impose sanctions on Nord Stream 2

• More US sanctions

DPR leader says Ukraine may launch offensive at any minute

• Adds that he reserves the right to ask Russia for help

EU ambassadors reportedly approve sanctions on Russia

• Reuters reports, citing an EU diplomat on the matter