There is a sizeable escalation. You didn't count unprecedented deployment in Belarus as well (Russia's marionette right now), and all the diplomatic ultimatums.
Yes, there were deployments previously, but never this size.
Yes, there were deployments previously, but never this size.
Anyway my point is that the initial clamour of "imminent invasion" was unwarranted based on the evidence at the time based on historical troop movement at the border. Therefore there must be another reason underlying the media's outcry which is beyond my ken.