The standoff at the Ukrainian border could continue for months. Liz Truss warns today that Russia is preparing to "test the mettle" of the West by dragging out the crisis.
In an article for The Telegraph, the Foreign Secretary cautions against being lulled into a "false sense of security" by Russia's claims that it is withdrawing troops.
Ms Truss echoes warnings from the US and Nato that there is no evidence of any pullback and that the Russian troop build-up on Ukraine's border may actually be increasing despite the Kremlin's claims to the contrary. Read her article for us.
In a new diplomatic push, Ms Truss will today begin visits to key European allies and Ukraine. Meanwhile Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to travel to Europe in the next few days for meetings with EU and Nato leaders.
In the latest episode of our Planet Normal podcast, Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, explains why the EU's response to the crisis exposes its failings.
Meanwhile, Britain is poised to double its troops in Estonia to more than 1,700 and cyber specialists from GCHQ have also been drafted in to help "toughen" Kyiv's defences.
Senior military sources said both the UK and the US were "helping harden" Ukraine against cyber attacks with options to "disrupt any Russian offensive and counter their disinformation".
Defence Correspondent Danielle Sheridan explains how it follows "denial of service" attacks, which downed the web portal of Ukraine's defence ministry and disrupted banking and terminal services.
Travel chaos and power cuts as storm batters Britain
The UK has been hit by strong winds and heavy rain, causing power cuts and travel disruption - with another storm set to move in. Storm Dudley caused disruption across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England overnight, with gusts of up to 80mph. Social media users shared images and videos of the damage, including trees ripped down at their trunk. It comes ahead of Storm Eunice, with London North East Railway warning customers with tickets for journeys between York and Leeds and London King's Cross on Friday to move them to today instead due to expected disruption and damage. View the latest travel updates and weather forecast in our article, which is free to read.
Is there now any way back for the 'Pariah Prince'?
After the Duke of York reached a multimillion pound out-of-court settlement with Virginia Roberts Giuffre - the woman who had accused him of sexual assault - his thoughts could, in his eyes, finally turn to the future. The Duke has been removed from virtually all facets of royal life, but Associate Editor Gordon Rayner examines how he is unlikely ever to give up hope of returning to the fold. Meanwhile, Victoria Ward and Josie Ensor exclusively reveal that the terms of the settlement mean Prince Andrew can no longer repeat his denial that he raped Ms Giuffre.
Daily dose of Matt
View Matt's latest cartoon as he has an alternative thought on the Queen's difficult start to the year.
Also in the news: Today's other headlines
'Indoctrination' | Teachers have been forbidden from promoting the Black Lives Matter movement to children as part of a major crackdown on politics in the classroom. School staff must also ensure that any "contentious and disputed" historic periods or topics - such as the British Empire and imperialism - are taught in a "balanced" manner, according to guidance published today by the Department for Education. It is the first time in a generation ministers have addressed the issue of impartiality in education and, Camilla Turner reports, it comes amid mounting concern in Whitehall about the politicisation of lessons.
- China | British company found to be making propaganda films
- Trial | Old Harrovian fast bowler 'attacked over alleged affair'
- Labour anti-Semitism | Lord Sugar 'extremely scared' by hate
- Scams | Patel urged to tackle text fraud as just 24 charged
- Rant | Eden Project creator hits back at Cornish people
Around the world: Xi demands Hong Kong action
Xi Jinping, the president of China, has demanded that Hong Kong take "all necessary measures" to combat a spiralling Covid-19 outbreak that has seen patients treated on beds outside overwhelmed hospitals. The daily tally of infections has risen to more than 40 times the level at the start of February, as health authorities reported a record 4,285 confirmed new cases yesterday. Patients were treated in makeshift open-air spaces outside medical centres as several operated at over 100pc capacity.
Comment and analysis
- Con Coughlin | No, Vladimir Putin hasn't humiliated the West
- Anne-Elisabeth Moutet | France losing battle against Franglais
- Andrew Roberts | Society cannot afford the woke movement
- Henry Blofeld | Without its daft traditions, cricket is stumped
- Reader letters | Rising electricity tariffs price out heat pumps
Editor's choice
- Inside the Oak Room | The secrets of the Queen's sitting room at Windsor Castle
- Best of British | Crisps, passive aggression… and other things worth preserving
- Property | The best small cities to move to... for landlords, families and downsizers
Sport briefing: Liverpool's huge step to last eight
Liverpool executed an old-fashioned European smash and grab as goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah handed them a huge advantage against Inter Milan and a 2-0 victory. Read Chief Football Correspondent Jason Burt's report from the San Siro. And Chris Bascombe explains why Harvey Elliott's coming of age could be the sub-plot to Jurgen Klopp's side's Champions League progression.
Business briefing: Smart meter risk to missile alerts
Nuclear missile early warning systems are at risk of interference from the rollout of smart meters, forcing energy bosses to halt installations across parts of Yorkshire. People living near RAF Fylingdales in the North York Moors have been refused the upgrade because smart meter signals may clash with its ballistic missiles radar equipment. Meanwhile, Sir Nick Clegg has been promoted to the top table at Meta, as Mark Zuckerberg hands over responsibility for regulatory headaches.
Tonight's dinner
Chicken with mushrooms, pumpkin, rice and sage butter | An easy one-pot supper by Diana Henry. View the recipe. For more, try our Cookbook newsletter.
Travel: 10 holiday destinations for March sun
March is a tricky month for heat-seekers. Most of Europe is a touch too chilly for a proper beach break, but there are plenty of fine options if you are willing to go medium or long-haul. Chris Leadbeater picks 10 sultry shortcuts to the sun just before Easter, sorted by temperature range
And finally... for this morning's downtime
The problem of 'blinding' car headlights | The adoption of LED lighting and tall SUVs have been blamed, but what is the truth behind nine out of 10 drivers complaining of being dazzled by other vehicles? James Foxall explains what you can do about it.
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