The Lead with Jake Tapper

Missile strikes have killed at least seven in Ukraine’s western city of Lviv. CNN is on the ground as new video may show one of Russia’s weapons in action. Plus, more of Jake’s exclusive interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who pushes back on concerns that his troops would require months of training to use advanced weapons systems. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an exclusive CNN interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sits down with Jake Tapper to warn the world that Russia could eventually use nuclear weapons. Ukrainian officials estimate about 2,500 to 3,000 Ukrainian troops have already died in the war, compared to Zelensky’s estimates that Russia's military casualties are between 19,000 to 20,000. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine says its last two remaining units in Mariupol have now merged to bolster resistance in the heavily besieged city. Plus, the US and EU have pledged a combined $1.3 billion more in military aid for Ukraine as Russia prepares to launch an eastern offensive. Also, a key Russian warship has sunk, according to a Russian defense ministry statement reported by the state news agency. Ukraine says it hit the vessel, while Russia says it was a fire. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hours after President Biden first used the word “genocide” to describe Russian atrocities in Ukraine, a new report finds clear patterns of violations of international humanitarian law by Russian forces. Experts from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe say they have found credible evidence of rights being violated. The former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues joins to answer if Russia’s actions can be characterized as a genocide. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police say a suspect is still on the loose after a terrifying gun and smoke bomb attack on the New York City subway this morning. At least 29 people were injured in the attack, 10 of whom were shot. Also, civilians are rushing to leave eastern Ukraine as clearer signs emerge which suggest that Russia is ramping up its preparations for a full scale attack on the eastern portion of the country. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attacks intensify on the eastern part of Ukraine as President Zelensky makes a grim assessment about the future of Mariupol. With the civilian death toll rising, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine joins to discuss the growing number of war crime cases. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World leaders are speaking out against a Russian missile strike on a train station full of Ukrainian families who were trying to flee the horrors of Putin’s war. This as the U.S. and Polish military show their strength less than 100 miles from the Ukrainian border in a military ramp up. We are live from Lviv, Ukraine with the latest news. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a 53-47 vote, the Senate has confirmed Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson in a historic vote that paves the way for her to become the first Black woman to serve on the highest court in the nation. Jackson will be sworn in after Justice Stephen Breyer retires sometime this summer. Plus, we are live from Lviv, Ukraine as relentless attacks and Russian bombardment continue as the war rages on. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States government announced new sanctions on select Russian individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin's daughters, and financial institutions in a direct response to the atrocities happening in Ukrainian cities such as Bucha and Borodianka. President Biden said in a speech that "responsible nations have to come together to hold these perpetrators accountable." Jake presses White House Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economics Daleep Singh on the sanctions and asks why these sanctions weren't imposed sooner. And, more shocking scenes of Russia's brutality emerge from across 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 addressed the United Nations Security Council, describing the death and devastation in Ukraine in graphic detail and confronting the reality that the U.N. and individual member countries have not stopped Putin or Russian troops who continue their attack. This as scenes from more towns across the country, such as Borodianka, show the utter destruction Russian forces leave as they move through residential areas. And, as the war continues, the United Nations says more than 4 million Ukrainians have fled the country and at least 7 million are internally displaced. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the town of Bucha, near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, bodies of civilians have been found lying strewn across the street and in mass graves. Mayor of Bucha Anatoliy Fedoruk estimates as many as 300 people were buried in the town. President Zelensky visited Bucha and said that it is "very difficult to negotiate with Russia" after this, while Russia denies its responsibility for these atrocities and says the images of bodies are fake. CNN correspondents bring reports from Bucha and from across Ukraine, and Jake Tapper is live from Lviv. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Kremlin is pointing fingers, accusing Ukraine of hitting a Russian oil depot. But, is Ukraine actually to blame or is this a Russian ruse? Also, there is panic is Russia as sanctions set in. Quality of life is deteriorating as the average Russian scrambles to buy what he or she can. World leaders are also pressuring Putin to try to end his deadly, ruthless invasion. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Putin’s troops may be losing one battle, but are they winning the war? NATO and the Biden administration point to small victories for Ukraine amidst blunders by Russia. But, Putin continues to pulverize south and east Ukraine. So, are we headed to some sort of stalemate ending with two different countries, an occupied Ukraine and a free Ukraine? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russian bombs rain down upon civilian parts of Ukraine after the Kremlin claimed its attacks would stop. CNN’s on the ground where one missile struck. Also, President Biden’s hour long call to Ukraine’s president with a new offer of assistance. Meanwhile, Biden’s also confronted with a protest right outside the White House and new calls for action from the parents of an American Marine detained in Russia. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House is adding skepticism to Russia’s so-called strategy shift which claims forces will retreat from the capital city Kyiv. Ahead, a member of Ukraine’s parliament helps push back Putin’s army as a member of the Ukrainian resistance. Plus, as refugees flee Ukraine, medical foot soldiers move in to offer their expertise in hard hit areas of Russia’s invasion. Also, the January 6th investigation committee wraps up its investigation, zeroing in on a suspicious seven hour gap in Trump call logs as rioters stormed the capital. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just moments ago President Biden insisted that the U.S. is not pushing for regime change in Russia even though he does not that Vladimir Putin should remain in charge. How much weight will his words carry? Rep. Michael McCaul of the Foreign Affairs Committee joins to discuss. Plus, a federal judge says former President Trump and one of his lawyers likely committed a crime by trying stop the election process on January 6th, 2021. Who decides if Trump will actually face charges? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN visits a children’s hospital in Ukraine and meets an 11-year-old girl shot in the face by Russian soldiers while trying to escape Putin’s war. Plus, an exclusive interview with the woman who was in charge of protecting America from cyberattacks. Why the threat from Russia is unprecedented. 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 NATO has never been more united and that Putin was betting on the exact opposite. This as he warns there will be a response if Russia uses chemical weapons. Plus, with all eyes on Russia and Ukraine, North Korea's Kim Jong-un just tested a missile that could reach the United States. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A theater sheltering innocent civilians and a children’s hospital are some of the targets of Russian strikes turning Ukrainian neighborhoods into dust. Also, President Biden is about to land in Brussels for what could be some of the most important meetings of his presidency. Plus, a handful of senators are going all in to attack Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, accusing her of being soft on crime as she tries to land a seat on the Supreme Court. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no new episode of the The Lead showcast. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reports of bombs dropping every ten minutes in one strategic Ukrainian city with an arts school bombed and hundreds possibly trapped. Now, the U.S. warns Russian forces could get even more desperate. Also, there could be history on the hill as the confirmation hearing begins for the first African American woman nominated to the Supreme Court. Plus, a Boeing 737 crashes into the mountains in China with 132 people on board and nobody yet knows why it crashed. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Smoke fills the sky from Russian attacks in Lviv, 43 miles from the western border of Ukraine. These Russian strikes close to Poland continue to intensify. Then, President Biden walks a diplomatic tight rope as he talks to the president of China to persuade him not to send military and financial aid to Russia. Plus, for one Ukrainian fighting to save his country, it isn’t dying that scares him, it’s losing his country to the Russians. CNN talks with members of the Ukrainian military. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giant letters painted outside of the theater said in Russian, “children.” They said it twice. But, that did not stop the Russian military from targeting the building which sheltered more than a thousand people. Now, survivors are emerging from the rubble. Plus, it’s spreading in Europe and Asia with the Omicron subvariant here in the United States. Did the government lift all the pandemic restrictions too soon? We speak with one of the nation’s top doctors. 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 sending more military equipment and millions of dollars in aid after President Zelensky made an emotional appeal to congress. But, it’s still a "no" on a no-fly zone. Also, buying a house or getting a car loan is about to get more expensive as the federal reserve does something it has not done in four years. Plus, a college campus is in shock after nine people are killed in a crash on the way home from a golf tournament. Details are emerging about the victims. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyiv is now in a mandatory curfew as Russia’s unrelenting siege targets more innocent civilians and a city official in Mariupol says the Russian military is taking hostages inside a hospital. Plus, we now know what happened to that brave woman who snuck onto Russian state television to protest 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

Russian shelling continues to pummel Ukrainian citizens, cities, and towns. Two U.S. officials tell CNN that Russia asked China for military and economic help in their invasion. This as the U.S. national security adviser meets with a top Chinese diplomat. Former Deputy Secretary General of NATO Rose Gottemoeller joins to discuss Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling. Plus, she opened her home to a Ukrainian girl for a student exchange program. Now, 20 years later, she’s opening her home again to save the woman, now grown, and her children who are fleeing Putin’s war. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Ukrainian city has fallen to Russian troops as U.S officials say Russians are making advances. This as fears grow around the world that Putin may be planning to use chemical weapons. Then, we talk to one mother about how the pain at the pump is much worse for some families. Plus, former Trump Attorney General Bill Barr joins to sound the alarm about his former boss’s temperament. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mass graves are emerging in Ukraine as Putin continues his bloody assault. New and intense video shows what officials claim are Russian tanks being taken out by the Ukrainian military. Yet, in another Ukrainian city, so many people are being slaughtered by the Russians they are using trenches to bury them. Also, 1982 was the last time prices in the U.S. jumped this much. The cost of basic necessities such as food, housing, and fuel are driving this spike for the American people. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine says Russia bombed a children’s hospital leaving a catastrophic scene in the wreck of a horrific air strike. Rep. David Cicilline of the House Foreign Affairs Committee answers if he thinks the U.S. should participate in a no-fly zone. Also, with fuel prices in the U.S. soaring above $4 a gallon, is any relief in sight? Colorado Governor Jared Polis joins to analyze the cost of gas as Biden bans Russian oil. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After days of targeting towns, shelling homes, and slaughtering civilians, the Russian government is now proposing a new cease-fire. This as Putin claimed it would take only days to complete his “operation in Ukraine.” But, almost two weeks in, the 40-mile long Russian convoy hasn’t really moved. Plus, between 2,000 and 4,000 Russian soldiers have been killed. So, where does the invasion stand? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The horror of war is on full display for the whole world, with innocent Ukrainians running for their lives amid more evidence Russia is indiscriminately targeting civilians, many of whom are trapped. Plus, Putin's invasion is having a ripple effect on American wallets, with gas prices just a few cents away from hitting an all-time high. 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. ambassador to the United Nations today said the world narrowly avoided a nuclear catastrophe. Video shows Russian forces fired upon Europe’s largest nuclear power plant as they moved to capture it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian tanks also fired on the plant, potentially putting millions of live in danger. Foreign Affairs Committee member Rep. Adam Kinzinger joins to discuss Secretary of State Blinken’s warning that a no-fly zone could lead to a full-fledged war. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States is trying to ramp up the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin by slapping a new set of sanctions on a new group of Russian elites. The goal is to maximize the impact on Putin and Russia while minimizing the harm to the U.S. and our allies around the world. President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili joins to layout Putin's new plans and answer if Georgia could be the next country he invades. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pentagon said the Russian push toward Kyiv and the Russian military’s massive 40-mile long military convoy are currently stalled due to a combination of logistical issues and unexpected resistance from the Ukrainian people. But, the Pentagon press secretary John Kirby also said the U.S. does believe that Russian forces are currently regrouping. Senator Bob Menendez joins to answer if he thinks Biden will extend humanitarian relief for Ukraine and if Russia will ultimately prevail. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A series of explosions were just heard around the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. This latest attack comes as Volodymyr Zelensky sends a message to the world and the United States in an interview with CNN from a bunker in Kyiv. The Ukrainian president says the war is about more than bombing and missiles. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explosions rocked Kyiv, Ukraine this afternoon. Air raid sirens are becoming a familiar sound in Kyiv just as the Biden administration warns the Russian military could take a “more aggressive approach” to capturing that capital city. Mark Esper, former Defense Secretary under President Trump, joins to answer if he thinks Kyiv will fall to the Russian military. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite courageous efforts by Ukrainians to defend their country, CNN sources familiar with the latest US intelligence say Kyiv could fall under Russian control within the next few days. That grim assessment comes as the White House plans to join its allies in imposing sanctions on Vladimir Putin. CNN correspondents in Ukraine's capital city report from the scene, with one describing the situation as "eerie." To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jake Tapper and a team of CNN journalists spread out across Ukraine provide in-depth coverage of the unprovoked and violent Russian invasion. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the United States warns Ukraine that a full-scale Russian invasion is "imminent," CNN obtains new videos that show a further build-up of Russian troops and tanks, and the Pentagon says 80% of Russian forces are at a forward position ready to go, adding that Vladimir Putin has two dozen warships and special forces prepared to attack. And Russian state media reports that, according to a spokesman for the Kremlin, the heads of the pro-Russian separatist regions have allegedly asked Putin for "help repelling the aggression of Ukrainian-armed 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 punishes Vladimir Putin with economic sanctions and Biden is warning there is worse to come if Putin takes even more of Ukraine. Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper joins to answer if Biden’s sanctions will stop Putin from annexing the entire Donbas. Plus, gas prices are already soaring. Now, the Russia and Ukraine crisis could send even more prices surging. 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 just ordered Russian troops into two separatist pro-Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine. This afternoon Putin signed documents officially recognizing two parts of Ukraine as independent territories. Then, health officials are discussing the timing of a possible fourth dose of the vaccine. Will a Covid-19 booster be the new flu shot? 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 is expected to make remarks this hour as the State Department says Russia is already carrying out false flag operations and a source calls the outlook bleak. Plus, the news a lot of parents do not want to hear as new clues emerge for why vaccines for children under 5 have been delayed and what scientists need to know moving forward. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America’s top diplomat today laid out how Russia could lie to try to justify going into Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it might be a mass grave or a fake chemical attack or a staged drone strike. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor joins to discuss the looming threat of war. Also, two teenagers, one white, one black, got into a fight in a New Jersey mall. Why was only the black teenager thrown to the ground and handcuffed by police? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Russian government claims it is starting a troop drawdown. But, does one quick Russian government video constitute sufficient proof? What the White House is now saying about Vladimir Putin’s plans to possibly invade Ukraine. Plus, CDC guidance on masking is coming soon. But, is it too little loo late as states and cities are continuing to pursue their own policies? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An American first for an American problem after a gun maker is held legally liable for the Sandy Hook massacre where 26 first-graders and six adults were gunned down. Plus, moments ago, President Biden saying there is plenty of room for diplomacy but if Russia invades Ukraine, all options are on the table. Our experts are standing by. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since Russia is an energy superpower, gas prices could continue to rise if an invasion occurs leaving American consumers in the middle of this potential conflict. Plus, the U.S. is temporarily shutting down its embassy in Ukraine as the White House is getting briefed on an attack that could happen any day now. A new study suggests Western California is experiencing its worst drought in at lest 1,200 years. The state is trying new ways to combat this climate crisis. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House says we are now in an urgent situation with the possible Russian invasion of Ukraine imminent. The Biden administration is telling people to leave immediately saying Russia could launch an invasion in Ukraine at any moment. Canadian lawmakers are trying to get things moving across the border as U.S. auto makers are being forced to use charter planes to get much needed parts to their American plants. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trucker protests blocking several border crossings in Canada could be popping up in the U.S. in just a couple of days. What might this mean for the American economy? The committee investigating the January 6th attack on the Capitol says there’s a gap in Donald Trump’s phone records as the violence unfolded. What might Trump be hiding? 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 denounced Florida Republicans for advancing a bill, which opponents call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, that bans certain discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. Are Democrats following the science or the polling? More and more blue states are lining up to ditch mask mandates as the CDC suggests it may be 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

More and more Democratic states are getting rid of school mask mandates as the United States waits for guidance from the White House and the CDC. But, it might be too soon to start throwing those masks out. Is Vladimir Putin’s mind in the gutter? The Russian autocrat made a seemingly sexual joke about the Ukrainian president on Tuesday. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices