Russian troops are on alert as a Kremlin minister said Moscow is facing a “decisive moment”.
Defence minister Andrei Belousov made the chilling comments as he attended a medal ceremony for soldiers.
He told the troops: “Today, a decisive moment has come for Russia in its confrontation with the collective West.
“The fate of our great country now depends on the actions of every person, every soldier and officer.
“We believe in you and your readiness to solve the most difficult tasks.”
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Mr Belousov did not go into details on the “decisive moment” as he awarded Gold Star medals and honorary weapons to troops he said had undertaken “heroic deeds” in the Ukraine war.
Ukrainian military intelligence reports Russia wants to declare “victory” in the war on Monday - the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion.
Russia is continuing to launch attacks on Ukraine as it begins talks with US officials over ending the conflict.
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US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia earlier this week to discuss a potential peace deal.
Ukraine was not invited to the meeting, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to reject any deal made without Kyiv’s involvement.
NATO nations have agreed to put Ukraine in the best possible position before peace talks.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to announce a new support package for Ukraine on Monday.
Sir Keir will unveil what has been described by some in Whitehall as a "triple whammy” of measures, including military aid and sanctions, according to The Telegraph.
The PM says he is prepared to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine as peacekeepers to help enforce any peace deal made to end the bloody conflict.
British troops deployed to Romania told the Daily Express earlier this week that they are prepared and willing to go to Ukraine if required.