U.S. sounds alarm on Ukraine

Between the lines: Multiple sources who’ve seen the classified intelligence told Axios that some of Vladimir Putin’s covert actions make them think he’s more serious about an invasion than he was when he menaced Ukraine in April with a large-scale troop build-up.

The White House is still trying to head off an invasion through diplomacy. President Biden’s aides intensified rhetoric this week to counter what they call a Russian disinformation campaign to question the existence of evidence.

Ahead of a video call between Biden and Putin on Tuesday, the administration is holding intense conversations with allies and Russia and preparing a menu of possible responses, including heavy sanctions.