* US officials have put together 'specific sanctions packages' targeting Putin's cronies and their families
* Meanwhile Washington made its highest-profile appeal to Moscow yet at Monday's United Nations Security Council meeting in New York City, after weeks of diplomatic discussions in Europe
* Russia tried to call off the meeting via vote, but failed with only China agreeing and three countries abstaining
* Moscow's UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya accused the US of trying to 'whip up hysterics' and denounced 'the myth of Russian aggression' in searing remarks at the heated meeting, while denying troops near Ukraine
* He compared the US's warnings of a Russian invasion to former Bush Defense Secretary Colin Powell's infamous 2003 speech before the United Nations before invading Iraq
* Nebenzya also compared Ukraine's Zelensky government to 'nazis' and said the US was behind their rise
* It comes as US, UK intelligence reports indicate an 'imminent' or near-certain plot by Russia to invade Ukraine
Russia accused the United States of 'whipping up hysterics' by calling for Monday's United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss Ukraine and claimed the West wants to make 'heroes out of people who fought on the side of Hitler' in order to divide the two former Soviet states.
Across his roughly 15-minute remarks Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya issued adamant denials about Moscow's intentions while making blistering accusations about the West's true intentions.
The US called for the 15-nation meeting in New York City, which took place earlier on Monday, as the world tensely watches Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggressive military buildup on Ukraine's border and various intelligence reports indicate an incursion is all but certain.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria intercepts Israeli missiles near Damascus - state media.
Syrian Kurdish forces end mop-up operations in IS-hit jail.
Israel president on 1st visit to UAE amid regional tension.
UAE intercepts Yemen rebel missile as Israeli president visits.
UAE summons people for sharing videos of missile attack interception.
Tax 'haven' UAE to impose corporate taxes for the first time in its history.
Kuwait suspends flights after attack at Baghdad airport.
COVID: Iran’s parliament suspended amid rapid spread of Omicron.
Jordan: Critics denounce reforms ‘enlarging king’s authority’.
ASIA
North Korea releases space images of recent missile launch, its most significant test in years.
US calls for direct talks as North Korea confirms largest missile test since 2017.
Beijing locks down another TWO districts of the city under its Zero Covid policy putting thousands of people under restrictions with four days to go to Olympics.
China sees COVID-19 surge as Olympics approach.
China: Media freedom declining at 'breakneck speed' - report.
Myanmar: US imposes fresh sanctions on coup anniversary.
Indian forces kill five suspected rebels in Kashmir.
UN: Over 100 Ex-Afghan forces, officials slain since August.
New Zealand defends strict Covid quarantine after pregnant journalist ‘had to turn to Taliban’ for help.
COVID: India's economy battles widespread unemployment, inflation.
Pakistani police widen manhunt after priest shot and killed.
Asian nations welcome lunar new year -- or Year of the Tiger.
AFRICA
Burkina Faso restores constitution, names coup leader president.
African Union suspends Burkina Faso following military coup.
Weekend attacks kill dozens in north Nigeria.
Sudan security forces kill protester in crackdown on anti-coup march.
After years of war, South Sudanese still live in fear of landmines.
Congo sentences 51 to death over UN killings.
Mali's military rulers say French ambassador has 72 hours to leave the country.
Rwanda reopens land border with Uganda.
S.Africa's Zuma in fresh bid to drop graft trial prosecutor.
EUROPE
Russia and US square off at UN Security Council over Ukraine crisis.
Inside Ukraine, ordinary citizens are preparing for possible invasion by Russia.
Kremlin accuses US of stoking 'hysteria' over Ukraine, as UN Security Council meets.
EU trade commissioner says Nord Stream 2 'on pause' pending review of compliance with European laws.
UK to ramp up Russian sanctions over ‘aggression’.
More splits appear in NATO as Hungary says it doesn't want UK troops 'for now' and leader Viktor Orban travels to Moscow for one-on-one talks with Vladimir Putin.
Portugal re-elects socialist prime minister as far right gains ground.
Boris Johnson says sorry after report slams lockdown parties.
Sergio Mattarella elected to rare second term as Italian president.
Eurozone growth slowed in final 3 months of 2021 as Omicron hit.
Storm Malik sweeps through northern Europe: Strong winds kill 78-year-old woman in Denmark and man dies in Germany as homes and cars are destroyed and thousands are left without power.
18 rescued after cargo ship collides with oil tanker off Dutch coast.
AMERICAS
US to pressure Russia at UN Security Council over Ukraine as Moscow says it wants 'respectful' ties.
Biden to host Qatar ruler at White House amid gas concerns tied to Russia-Ukraine crisis.
White House wants to REPLACE Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra over his handling of the pandemic, chaos over testing and confusion over isolation policies.
Weekend-long Canada anti-vax protest riles Ottawa.
Justin Trudeau says he WON’T meet ‘Freedom Convoy’ because of their ‘hateful rhetoric’ and would rather go to a BLM rally: Covid-positive PM speaks from undisclosed location as truckers blockade US border in Alberta.
Chileans protest against Venezuelan migrants.
Mexican army: Troops attacked by pro-cartel residents.
1 in 4 Americans say violence against the government is sometimes OK.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US-allied Syria force says it foiled major ISIS comeback plot.
Woman accused of leading female ISIL unit to appear in US court.
US has taken FARC off its terrorist list, giving insight into Biden’s foreign policy.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stocks end higher, still log worst month since March 2020.
US-China trade relations in 'difficult' stage: Tai.
Top oil producers to meet amid record crude prices.
