On Saturday, February 19, Russia's strategic nuclear forces held exercises overseen by President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, and Washington accused Russian troops massed near Ukraine's border of advancing and being "poised to strike". Missiles that Russia tested included the Yars ICBM, the Kinzhal ballistic and hypersonic cruise missile, the Iskander K system, anti-ship missiles, and the Tsirkon hypersonic missile.

On Monday, February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine despite warnings from the West this could trigger sweeping sanctions.

Also on Monday, Ukrainian troops in the front-line trenches in the east said heavy weapons fire from Russian-backed separatists had intensified to provoke all-out conflict amid fears of Russia seeking a pretext for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Also on Monday, Israel said it conducted several simulations testing a naval model of the Iron Dome defense system against advanced threats from Iranian proxies, with the ability to intercept rockets, cruise missiles, and drones.

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