Anderson Cooper 360

At least 50 people, including five children, were killed and nearly 100 more were injured at an eastern Ukraine train station after Russian forces carried out a missile strike. Nate Mook is the CEO of World Central Kitchen and was close to the scene of the attack where he was helping feed evacuees in Kramatorsk. He joins AC360 and describes the scene of missile strike “catastrophic” and says it was a “direct attack on innocent civilians.” Plus, two days after the 2020 election Donald Trump Jr. texted then-chief of staff Mark Meadows ideas for overturning the results before it was called. CNN Congressional Correspondent Ryan Nobles tells Anderson Cooper what else was in the text message from the former President’s eldest son. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

German’s foreign intelligence service told a parliamentary committee that it had intercepted transmissions from Russian troops talking about shooting Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, a source with knowledge of the meeting said. That may be evidence of the Russians committing war crimes, something Moscow has denied. CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward brings AC360 to Chernihiv, Ukraine, which has been completely cut off from the rest of the country with no food and very little water. Plus, in a historic 53-47 vote, the Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court making her the first Black woman to sit on the highest court in the country. Anita Hill is a professor of social policy, law and women’s studies at Brandeis University and testified more than 30 years ago before the Senate Judiciary Committee about allegations of sexual harassment she made against then Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. She tells Anderson Cooper how important Jackson’s confirmation is both politically and culturally. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden says “major war crimes” are being discovered in Ukraine as Russian forces retreat from areas around Kyiv. The White House announced new sanctions on Russia’s largest financial institutions and individuals with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including his two adult daughters. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer tells Anderson Cooper if he thinks the new sanctions will impact Putin’s ability to wage war. Plus, Polish President Duda says it’s “hard to deny” genocide in Ukraine after images came to light from cities like Bucha showing civilians brutally killed. CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash brings AC360 an exclusive interview with President Duda where he talks about how his country will continue to support Ukraine. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a graphic account of the situation in his country in his remarks to the UN Security Council saying Russians killed civilians in Bucha for “pleasure” and “there is not a single crime they would not commit there.” Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel joins AC360 to discuss if he thinks the U.S. level of involvement on the ground should change. Plus, Chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen crew were one of the first humanitarian efforts inside Bucha. He tells Anderson Cooper about delivering meals to residents and how appreciative they were. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine wants to “show the world” what happened in Bucha and his country “will not pause” until it finds those who are responsible. Shocking images show civilian bodies with gunshot wounds to their heads and hands tied. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby tells Anderson Cooper whether the images of the brutal attacks on the Ukrainian citizens changes the U.S. position on the war. Plus, Russia claims Ukrainians faked a video from Bucha showing bodies in the streets but satellite images show the bodies had been there for weeks while the town was under Russian control. David Remnick is an editor for The New Yorker and won a Pulitzer Prize for his book on the Soviet Union. He joins AC360 to discuss what Russian President Vladimir Putin could be thinking. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russia is accusing Ukraine of orchestrating an attack on a fuel depot inside Russian territory but CNN is unable to verify Russian claims that the fire was caused by an air strike from Ukrainian helicopters. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has neither confirmed nor denied the attack. Retired Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard joins AC360 to discuss who he thinks is responsible for the attack. Plus, buses rescue nearly 800 people originally from the besieged city of Mariupol. CNN Senior International Correspondent Ivan Watson tells AC360 what the evacuees can expect. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden says there’s some indication Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be “self-isolated” and has either fired some advisers or put them under house arrest. Biden did add he didn’t want to put “too much stock in that” because they “don’t have that much hard evidence.” Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor joins AC360 to discuss why he thinks Putin is "divorced from reality." Plus, CNN Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour tells AC360 about what’s happening in the fight for Kyiv. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russian forces continue to conduct full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine just a day after Moscow said it would “drastically reduce” its military assault. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said negotiations with Russia are “only words, without anything concrete.” Lesia Vasylenko is a Ukrainian Member of Parliament. She joins AC360 to explain why she doesn’t believe anything Russian President Vladimir Putin says. Plus, U.S. senators received a classified briefing about the war in Ukraine. Independent Sen. Angus King was in the briefing and he shares with Anderson Cooper why he believes this is a “crucial period that we’re moving into now.” To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A U.S. official says “no one should be fooled by Russia’s announcements” that they are scaling back their military operations in Ukraine and should brace for more aggression instead. CNN’s Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour is in Kyiv and joins AC360 to give an update on what she’s seeing and hearing in the capital city. Plus, Anderson Cooper checks in with Olena Gnes, who’s been hiding in a Kyiv shelter with her three kids while her husband fights the Russian forces. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden refused to walk back his comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin saying he was “expressing my outrage” but not making a policy change. Over the weekend, Biden said Putin “cannot remain in power” which caught American and international officials off-guard. Washington Post Columnist Max Boot joins AC360 to discuss the President’s comments. Plus, photojournalist Juan Arredondo was injured in an attack that also killed award-winning American documentarian Brent Renaud. In an exclusive interview, Arredondo tells Anderson Cooper about the terrifying moments when he realized he got shot and how he found out that he lost his friend. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian forces have retaken towns and defensive positions on Kyiv’s eastern outskirts. A U.S. defense officials tells CNN Russian forces have stopped “any interests in terms of ground movements” towards the capital city. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling is a former Army Commanding General for Europe and the Seventh Army. He joins Anderson Cooper to discuss the Ukrainian’s territory gains and the Russian military strategy. Plus, CNN’s Senior International Correspondent Ivan Watson visited a children’s ward hospital in Zaporizhzhia. He tells AC360 the story of a little girl who was shot in the face by a Russian soldier while trying to flee her home with her family.Guests: Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.), Ivan Watson.Airdate: March 25, 2022 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian forces appear to have retaken territory east of Kyiv as intense combat continues north of the capital in Irpin. Mariupol has been one of the most devastated cities with videos showing deserted, debris-filled streets, blown-out cars and destroyed buildings. Yuliia Karpenko and her family finally decided to flee after their apartment building was hit. She tells Anderson Cooper her home "has burned down so badly" and there's "nothing left." Plus, Ukraine tells the U.S. it needs 500 Javelin anti-tank missiles and 500 Stringer anti-aircraft missiles per day. Retired Gen. David Petraeus is the former Head of U.S. Central Command and was the director of the CIA under President Obama. He joins AC360 to discuss how Ukraine can keep control of their land and says they are "fighting to the last soldier."Guests: Yuliia Karpenko Gen. David Petraeus (Ret.) Airdate: March 24, 2022 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A senior U.S. defense official says Ukrainians have managed to push back Russian forces about 34 miles away from Kyiv’s city center even though Russian forces appear to be “digging in” and “establishing defensive positions.” CNN Senior International Correspondent Sam Kiley tells Anderson Cooper what it’s been like in Kyiv in recent hours and says, “things are going relatively well for the Ukrainians at the moment.” Plus, the U.S. government has formally declared Russia’s military has committed war crimes in Ukraine. It remains to be seen, however, whether there will be any accountability for those accused of carrying out the alleged crimes, and whether Russian President Vladimir Putin himself will be forced to bear any responsibility. David Remnick is an editor for The New Yorker and won a Pulitzer Prize for his book on the Soviet Union. He joins AC360 to discuss Putin’s inner circle and his decision-making process. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an update on talks with Russia and said the “difficult negotiations” continue and added that the southern port city of Mariupol is “just ruins like Armageddon.” Ukrainian Member of Parliament Lesia Vasylenko tells Anderson Cooper whether she thinks there's any room for compromise and why giving up land would be "putting the world at risk." Plus, Democratic Senate Judiciary Committee member Amy Klobuchar joins AC360 to discuss day two of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the city of Mariupol is “reduced to ashes,” but the city will “survive.” One Ukrainian officer inside the city said “bombs are falling every 10 minutes.” CNN Senior International Correspondent Ivan Watson introduces AC360 to a few residents who were able to escape. Plus, Anderson Cooper speaks to Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine about the bravery of the women she’s encountered while reporting from the front lines of the war. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A senior U.S. defense official tells CNN that Russian forces have launched “more than 1,080 missiles” since the beginning of their invasion. Ukraine’s military says six missiles were fired at Lviv, the western city near Poland’s border that has been relatively untouched. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling tells AC360 this is likely to become a battle of the “will of the two sides” and how much damage they can sustain until they give up. Plus, the mayor of Melitopol was detained by armed men in the Russian-occupied city on March 11. Mayor Ivan Fedorov joins AC360 days after being rescued by the Ukrainian government to discuss his abduction and says if Ukraine doesn’t win this war, Russia will attack Europe and the rest of the world. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian officials say survivors are beginning to emerge from the bombed Mariupol theater where hundreds of people were believed to be sheltering. UK intelligence suggests that Russia’s invasion has largely stalled and forces are resorting to older, less precise weapons which could lead to more civilian causalities. James Clapper is a retired Air Force Lieutenant General and the former Director of National Intelligence. He joins AC360 to discuss where the Russians stand militarily and what they could be planning. Plus, Russian shelling hit a Kharkiv market, one of the largest in the world, and set off a series of fires. VICE News Correspondent just returned from Ukraine’s second largest city. She tells Anderson Cooper about the devastation and level of destruction she witnessed. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Mariupol City Council says a theater where hundreds were believed to be sheltering was bombed and sustained heavy damage. The bomb shelter’s entrance is blocked by rubble and the fate of those inside is still “unknown.” CNN International Security Editor Nick Paton Walsh joins AC360 to give an update on the bombing and says the intense shelling has made it hard for rescuers to help any survivors. Plus, President Biden said he thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “war criminal.” In an exclusive interview, Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, tells Anderson Cooper that he has come to Ukraine to investigate any alleged Russia war crimes. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN’s Anderson Cooper is on the ground in Ukraine with International Security Editor Nick Paton Walsh. They discuss the struggles of covering a war when one side is deliberately lying about the reality on the ground and his approach to talking to people experiencing the worst moments of their lives. To hear future episodes of Tug of War, find it and listen wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An attack near Kyiv left two members of a Fox News crew dead and a correspondent severely injured. Longtime war photojournalist Pierre Zakrzewski and Oleksandra "Sasha" Kuvshynova, an Ukrainian journalist who was working as a consultant for the network, were killed. Correspondent Benjamin Hall was seriously inured and is still in the hospital. CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward was a friend of Zakrewski and has been reporting from Kyiv since the Russians invaded Ukraine. She joins AC360 to remember Zarkrzewski and talk about the "tremendous joy" in his heart. Plus, President Biden is expected to unveil a new package of military assistance for Ukraine, including antitank missiles as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address U.S. members of Congress Wednesday. Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger tells Anderson Cooper why he commends what the Biden administration has done for Ukraine so far but says "there's a lot more to do." To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the airspace over Ukraine remains “contested” and warned that it “appears as if the Russians are broadening their target set.” A senior U.S. defense official tells CNN that Russian forces haven’t encircled Kyiv yet but they’re trying. Marie Yovanovitch is a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. She joins AC360 to discuss whether she thinks the U.S. is doing enough to help Ukraine. Plus, Los Angeles Times photojournalist and foreign correspondent Marcus Yam has been bringing the horror and tragedy of the war to the world through his photos. He tells Anderson Cooper how tense things are on the outskirts of Kyiv and what he’s been seeing. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russian airstrikes hit a large military base near the Poland border, killing 35 people and leaving more than 130 in the hospital. Retired Gen. Wesley Clark tells Anderson Cooper why Russia would be targeting that military base. Plus, Russian Pro-Democracy Leader Garry Kasparov joins AC360 to discuss if he thinks Russia President Vladimir Putin wants a conflict with NATO.Airdate: March 13, 2022Guests: Gen. Wesley Clark (Ret.) & Garry Kasparov To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Repeated shelling was heard early Saturday in Ukraine’s capital. This comes as Russia intensifies and broadens the war, hitting cities in the western Ukraine, closer to NATO territory. Many of these places that have suffered repeated attacks are without power and water. If that didn't make rescue efforts complicated enough, CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward talked with a woman, who lives in America, and was desperate to find her mother, who lived just outside Kyiv. She tells Anderson the story. And former Defense Secretary William Cohen joins Anderson to talk about U.S. and NATO efforts at supporting Ukraine. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mariupol’s mayor says civilians continue to be targeted just days after the Russians bombed a maternity hospital that killed at least three people, including a child. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack "proof of a genocide.” CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward is in Kyiv and gives AC360 an update on the evacuation efforts and how far Russian forces are from the city center. Plus, the White House is warning Russia may use chemical weapons in Ukraine. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. He tells Anderson Cooper the United States “should be focused on helping the Ukrainians but staying out of direct conflict with Russia.” To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mariupol authorities have accused the Russians of bombing a children’s and maternity hospital where President Volodymyr Zelensky said after the attack that kids were trapped in the rubble. Retired Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmett tells Anderson Cooper what he thinks the Ukrainians need the most to fight back against the Russian attacks. Plus, ITV’s Dan Rivers brings AC360 the horrors of the siege of Kharkiv through one of its resident’s eyes. Anastasia Paraskevova shows the world how the constant fear and uncertainty forced her and her family to flee their home. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UK House of Commons saying “we will not give up” and “we will fight until the end” as at least 21 civilians, including two children, were killed in a Russian airstrike in the Ukrainian city of Sumy. CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward joins AC360 to give an update on the evacuation efforts in some of the Kyiv suburbs as many remain without food, power and heat. Plus, Lynsey Addario is a photojournalist for The New York Times and has been showing the world what is happening to innocent civilians. She tells Anderson Cooper what she’s been seeing and how important it is to trust your instincts. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Zelensky told the world he’s “not afraid of anyone” as the Russian onslaught continues and more civilians are being killed. Ukraine has yet to agree to a Russia proposed ceasefire in five cities that would begin Tuesday at 10 a.m Moscow time. CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward joins AC360 from Kyiv where Ukrainians are crowding the train station to leave their city and in some cases, their families behind. Plus, Anderson Cooper checks in again with Olena Gnes, who’s been in a Kyiv shelter for nearly two weeks with her three children while her husband is fighting the Russian forces. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A senior defense official tells CNN that Russia has fired a total of 600 missiles since its invasion of Ukraine began and has 95% of its amassed firepower in the country. Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger tells Anderson Cooper why he supports the idea of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, something the U.S. is currently opposed to despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s pleas for one. Plus, an independent monitoring group says Russia has detained at least 4,640 people during protests today. Steve Hall is the former CIA Chief of Russia Operations. He joins AC360 to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s history of suppressing public dissent and what his next move could be.Airdate: March 6, 2022Guests: Rep. Adam Kinzinger & Steve Hall To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. and NATO officials warn Russia now appears poised to “bombard cities into submission” which could inflict significant civilian casualties. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling tells AC360 this isn’t only an attempt at “killing the civilian population” but also an attempt to just “eliminate the Ukrainian culture.” Plus, Anderson Cooper checks in again with Olena Gnes, who’s been in a Kyiv shelter for eight days with her three children while her husband is fighting the Russian forces. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s a fire at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and at one point the country’s foreign minister said the Russian army is “firing from all sides.” Fighting has now stopped, and background radiation levels are currently normal, according to plant spokesman Andrii Tuz. Graham Allison is a nuclear policy expert and a professor at Harvard Kennedy School. He joins AC360 to discuss how worried Ukrainians and the world should be. Plus, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war in Ukraine is “going according to plan” as France gave a chilling warning that the “worst is yet to come.” Retired Gen. Wesley Clark is the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander. He tells Anderson Cooper what he thinks the Russian strategy could be. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. officials warn that Russia’s strategy in its war on Ukraine will start to target civilians and seek a “slow annihilation” of Ukraine’s army. Ukrainian forces have been able to hold their ground while maintaining control of Kyiv and other major cities except the city of Kherson, which appears to have fallen to the Russians. Retired Gen. David Petraeus is the former Head of U.S. Central Command and was the CIA Director under President Obama. He joins AC360 to discuss the Russian military strategy and how he thinks they’ll try to take control of Kyiv. Plus, Olena Gnes has been hiding in a shelter with her three children for six days while her husband is out fighting the Russian forces. She tells Anderson Cooper about returning to her home for an hour to get more clothes and to shower and how afraid her children were to leave the shelter. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Concern mounts across Ukraine as Russia continues its increasingly aggressive bombing campaign after a large explosion destroyed a government building in central Kharkiv. In a CNN exclusive interview, CNN Senior International Correspondent Matthew Chance spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He asked Zelensky whether he's concerned if Russia will double down on its military operations, and tells Anderson Cooper about the toll this war has taken on the Ukrainian president. Plus, in this special edition of AC360, CNN's Jake Tapper examines the priorities of President Biden's first State of the Union address. He sits down with CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash, CNN Senior Political Correspondent Abby Phillip, and CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. officials fear the worst is yet to come in the capital of Ukraine as they warn Russian President Vladimir Putin could increase the intensity of the attack. CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward is in Kyiv and tells AC360 what she’s been seeing and hearing. Plus, according to satellite images, the Russian convoy near Kyiv is more than 40 miles long. People in the capital city have been taking shelter for days. Olena Gnes is a mom to three children and has been hiding in a makeshift bomb shelter since last Thursday without her husband who is volunteering to fight the Russians. She tells Anderson Cooper how she’s explaining what is happening to her kids and why she decided to stay in Ukraine. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explosions are seen and heard in Kyiv and clashes are underway in an eastern suburb of the Ukrainian capital. This comes as the President of Ukraine confirms Russian forces are closing in on the city and warns “the fate of Ukraine is being decided right now.” Anderson talks with CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward who is on the ground in Kyiv. And, as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, the White House announced the U.S. will personally sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Democratic Congressman Jason Crow joins AC360 to give his take on the latest round of sanctions. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine President Zelensky says he believes Russian sabotage groups have entered the capital of Kyiv and that they’ve marked him as “target number one” and his family as “target number two.” CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward tells Anderson Cooper whether or not Zelensky plans to stay in Kyiv. Plus, President Biden announced new “strong” sanctions on Russia and said Putin “has committed an assault on the very principles that uphold global peace.” David Remnick is an editor for The New Yorker and the author of "Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire.” He joins AC360 to discuss why Putin wants Ukraine. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine is on high alert after the U.S. warned an attack could be “imminent.” Several Ukraine airports closed as Ukrainian President Zelensky said the “trigger” for Russian invasion could happen at “any minute.” William Cohen served as the Secretary of Defense during the Clinton administration. He tells Anderson Cooper how far he thinks the Biden administration should go with sanctions against Russia. Plus, President Zelensky said he tried to call Russian President Putin but was unsuccessful. Steve Hall is the former CIA Chief of Russia. He joins AC360 to discuss what Putin’s rationale could be for invading Ukraine.Airdate: February 23, 2022Guests: William Cohen and Steve Hall. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden announced new sanctions to punish Moscow and described what is currently happening in Ukraine as “the beginning of a Russian invasion.” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also canceled his meeting with Russia's foreign minister. CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward is in Kyiv, Ukraine. She tells AC360 Ukraine’s first choice is diplomacy but if that doesn’t work they plan to “fight for every inch” of their land. Plus, Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell blamed the Biden administration’s “weakness” for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Maggie Haberman is the Washington correspondent for The New York Times. She joins AC360 to discuss McConnell’s comments and the Republican party’s view of Putin. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into two separatist pro-Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine after recognizing their independence. The U.S. expects Russian troops to move into the Donbas region as soon as Monday evening or Tuesday for what Putin called a “peacekeeping” mission. Gen. Wesley Clark (Ret.) is the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander. He tells AC360 what he thinks will happen over the next several hours and days. Plus, the jury in the federal hate crimes trial of the three men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery wrapped up its first day of deliberations. Keisha Lance Bottoms is the former mayor of Atlanta and is a CNN Political Commentator. She joins AC360 to discuss the trial and whether she thinks the prosecution did enough to prove their case. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden said he’s “convinced” Russian President Putin has decided to invade Ukraine and believes Russian forces could attack “in the coming week” or sooner. Fiona Hill is the former Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs on the National Security Council. She joins AC360 to discuss Biden’s comments and says the President sounds “pretty confident” Putin has made up his mind. Plus, the National Archives confirmed they’re talking to the Department of Justice since classified records were found in boxes at Mar-a-Lago after former President Trump had left office. Maggie Haberman is a Washington Correspondent for The New York Times and a CNN Political Analyst. She tells AC360 “there’s a lot of unanswered questions” surrounding the boxes and the documents in them. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden says he believes the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is “very high” and could happen “within the next several days.” CNN’s Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward traveled to the Donbas Region of Ukraine. She joins AC360 to discuss why there was a sense of “angst and nervousness” when she was talking to people on the ground. Plus, a judge ruled that former President Trump and his two children, Ivanka and Donald Jr., must sit for depositions in the New York attorney general’s civil investigation of their business practices. Preet Bharara is a former U.S. attorney and a CNN Senior Legal Analyst. He tells AC360 whether he thinks the Trumps would win an appeal. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. says Russia has added 7,000 troops along the Ukraine border, directly contradicting Moscow’s claims they’ve been pulling back its forces. Gen. Wesley Clark (Ret.) is a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander. He tells AC360 he “absolutely” thinks the addition of troops increases the likelihood of a Russian invasion. Plus, a six-year-old girl, who has been missing since 2019, was found hidden underneath a wooden staircase with her noncustodial mother. At age 14, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her home and found nine months later. She’s now a child safety activist. She joins AC360 to discuss her own experience after being found and how important it is to never give up hope. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden warned that if Russia invades Ukraine the human costs will be “immense” over a “war without cause or reason.” Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) is a former U.S. Army Commanding General for Europe and the Seventh Army. He tells AC360 why he isn’t convinced Putin is going to launch a “large scale” attack on Ukraine. Plus, the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol issued subpoenas to six more people, further digging into illegitimate electors from key swing states that former President Trump lost. Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs joins AC360 to discuss the subpoenas and why it’s so important to have people at every level who are “going to continue to uphold the will of the voters.” To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. is closing its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine as officials have warned Russia is “clearly advancing their ability to invade” and could launch an invasion as soon as this week. Steven Pifer is a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. He tells AC360 he takes the embassy closing as the U.S.’s assessment that there’s a “real possibility the Russian military may go into Ukraine.” Plus, former President Trump’s long-time accounting firm informed the Trump Organization that nearly 10 years’ financial statements are unreliable and they would no longer be their accountants. Conservative lawyer George Conway joins AC360 to explain why he says this is “worse for him than getting impeached twice.” To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden plans to speak with Russia President Putin tomorrow as the U.S. is warning that Russia could invade Ukraine “at any time.” National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is urging Americans in Ukraine to leave in the “next 24 to 48 hours.” Steve Hall is the former CIA Chief of Russia Operations. He joins AC360 to discuss what type of intelligence the U.S. may have received to make the officials send out that type of warning. Plus, a Canadian judge has issued an injunction that allows police to end the ongoing blockade at the busiest international crossing in North America where protesters have been objecting to Covid-19 restrictions. Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson tells AC360 whether the U.S. should be worried about copycat protests. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anderson reveals some big news: He, along with his best friend and former partner Benjamin, welcomed Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper to the world. Sebastian joins big brother Wyatt, who is turning two in April. The AC360 team sends a big congratulations to Anderson and his entire family! To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The National Archives has asked the Department of Justice to investigate former President Trump’s handling of White House documents. The New York Times is reporting the Archives found possible classified material in some of the boxes returned to them by the former President. Rep. Adam Schiff is a member of House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He tells AC360 the DOJ should look at the allegations “very seriously and investigate them” if there were classified materials in the boxes. Plus, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she’s lifting the statewide mask-or-vaccine mandate for indoor businesses starting tomorrow as many other states have made similar announcements. CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins AC360 to discuss the growing list of states getting rid of mandatory masking and whether he thinks it’s too soon. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The two Republican leaders in Congress are at odds over the Republican National Committee’s resolution that formally censured Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for serving on the House committee that’s investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said the committee shouldn’t be "singling out members of our party who may have different views from the majority.” Mike Shields is a former RNC chief of staff. He joins AC360 to discuss Sen. McConnell’s comments. Plus, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says now is “not the moment” to drop mask mandates in schools as some states, including Connecticut and New Jersey, have announced they won’t require students and teachers to wear masks in just weeks or next month. Dr. Richard Besser is the former acting CDC director. He tells AC360 it’s a tricky balancing act between keeping kids safe and getting some sense of normalcy back. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden said it would be a “gigantic mistake” for Russian President Vladimir Putin “to move on Ukraine.” During a meeting at the White House, Biden and the German chancellor said both nations and NATO allies continue to pursue “diplomatic resolutions” with Russia. Jill Dougherty is the former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief and is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She tells AC360 what she thinks Putin’s next move will be. Plus, a number of states have set timelines for ending their school mask mandates as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to decrease. Dr. Leana Wen is an emergency room physician and the former Baltimore Health Commissioner. She joins AC360 to discuss whether she thinks now is the right time to relax restrictions. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Vice President Mike Pence called out his former boss by name on Friday, saying that "President (Donald) Trump is wrong" in claiming that Pence had the right to overturn the 2020 election on January 6, 2021. George Conway joins Anderson to discuss what Pence said and the future of the Republican party. And just four months after its debut, Wordle may be the hottest online game of 2022. It is so popular that The New York Times announced this week it bought Wordle from its creator, for an undisclosed price of at least a million dollars.Among those now devoted to the five-letter, six-attempt mystery: Monica Lewinsky. Anderson speaks with the Vanity Fair Contributing Editor and Producer who writes about her fascination with the game, in a new piece for the magazine, titled: "Why Wordle Is Our New Favorite Thing to Do in Bed in the Morning." To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden traveled to New York City to talk about his administration’s efforts to combat gun violence. The visit came less than two weeks after two NYPD officers were fatally shot on the job. The President met with local, state and federal authorities including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a retired NYPD police captain. He joins AC360 to discuss his meeting with Biden and says “we need the federal government to stop the flow of guns into our cities across America.” Plus, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is suing the NFL and its 32 teams, accusing them of racial discrimination. NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tells Anderson Cooper why he thinks there’s such a lack of diversity in management and head coaching positions in the NFL. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices