Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights: The US on Thursday told the UN Security Council that its information indicates clearly that over 150,000 Russian forces amassed around Ukraine's borders are preparing to launch an attack against Ukraine in the coming days. As we meet today, the most immediate threat to peace and security is Russia's looming aggression against Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Thursday. Blinken, who arrived in New York to address the Security Council before heading for the Munich Security Conference, said over the past months, without provocation or justification, Russia has amassed more than 150,000 troops around Ukraine's borders. Russia says it's drawing down those forces. We do not see that happening on the ground. Our information indicates clearly that these forces including ground troops, aircraft and ships are preparing to launch an attack against Ukraine in the coming days, he said.

Saudi’s refusal to pump up oil output, while adding to Russia’s forex kitty, will further fuel US inflation and put a question mark over European sanctions on Russia in view of the Ukraine crisis.

Kremlin has repeatedly denied it has plans to attack Ukraine but demanded that NATO never admit Ukraine and other ex-Soviet nations as members and the military alliance roll back troop deployments in former Soviet bloc nations.

Kyiv and the rebels blamed each other for the escalation after artillery and mortar attacks on Thursday, prompting fears that Russia, which has massed over 100,000 troops near Ukrane's borders, could get involved.