US officials say Russia is planning to fabricate a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine

It’s believed Russia had a a fake video in the works showing an attack by Ukrainians on Russian territory.

One option is said to include staged graphic images of an explosion showing numerous casualties.

Officials would not release any direct evidence of the Russian plan or specify how they learned of it, saying to do so would compromise their sources and methods.

The US and Nato are concerned at the massing of Russian forces near Ukraine.

Russia denies planning to invade, saying the troops are there for drills.

They currently number about 100,000.

The European Union is responding to Russia’s request for security guarantees

A joint response is being written after many of the EU’s member countries received correspondence from Russia earlier this week.

European Commission president Ursula Von De Leyen says the EU is presenting a united front.

This comes as Russia has amassed around 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine, denying any plans to invade.

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin, whose country shares a border with Russia, raised concerns about the growing aggressiveness and called for peace.

Russia and France phone calls

Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Macron have wrapped their third phone call for the week

In their phone call, the leaders discussed the crisis in Ukraine and Moscow’s security proposals to the West

Putin told Macron Kyiv’s actions are “provocative” and the chat focused on Russia’s “security guarantees” over Ukraine

The leaders have agreed to continue personal contact, keeping diplomatic lines open.