The Lead with Jake Tapper

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

President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met at the White House Monday where they held a joint press conference. Biden vowed to stop the Nord Stream 2, an undersea pipeline set to deliver gas from Russia to Germany, if Russia invades Ukraine. Chancellor Scholz joins Jake Tapper for an exclusive one-on-one interview. 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 former President Donald Trump, saying he was wrong and had no right to overturn the 2020 election. Pence continued to say nothing could be more “un-American” than for one person to decide the outcome of an election. The Republican National Committee censures the two Republican members of Congress on the January 6th committee. We discuss the Republican civil war over that dark day. 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 wake of two police officers gunned down in New York City, President Biden says defunding the police is not the answer. One of his top advisers joins to discuss the future of policing in America. New details on how the top ISIS leader was killed during a U.S. raid. CNN is on the ground with a look at how the facts line up with what the Pentagon is claiming. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A former NFL head coach is suing the league for discrimination using a text message mix-up as proof. He is also alleging his boss offered him big bucks to lose games. Former NFL wide receiver Donté Stallworth joins to discuss the discrimination lawsuit. Plus, the Pentagon deploys 3,000 United States military troops in Eastern Europe as Russia is seen expanding its military presence in the region. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pfizer is requesting emergency use authorization for its Covid-19 vaccine for children under 5 years of age. Vaccination rates for currently eligible recipients are the lowest among the age group of 5-11 years of age. Tom Brady, who many consider the greatest NFL quarterback of all time, has officially announced his retirement. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From mask mandates to vaccine requirements, new calls today to consider changing all the rules as the United States nears what could be the endemic phase of Covid-19. We’ll explore the metrics that experts want to use moving forward. With just four days until the Winter Olympics begin, Beijing is trying to distract the international area away from some of its controversies. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More officers were killed last year while working than any other year since 1995, excluding the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The San Francisco Police Chief joins to contextualize the surge in homicides targeting police and what it will take to keep cities safe. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley says if Russia invades Ukraine it will be horrific. Gen. Milley further believes an invasion would result in a “significant” amount of causalities. 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’s made one decision when it comes to naming a replacement for retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Today at the White House, Biden confirmed the nominee will be the first Black woman on the high court. Russia added even more forces near its border with Ukraine as President Biden tried to ease tensions by phone. Meanwhile, Ukraine's foreign minister says Russia has not assembled enough troops for a full-scale invasion. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer plans to announce he will soon retire, leaving President Biden with the opportunity to nominate a replacement. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he is looking to follow a fast timeframe to confirm Biden's nominee. Scientists are working to develop a universal Covid-19 vaccine according to Dr. Fauci. Is this idea of a universal coronavirus vaccine realistic? 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 is willing to order sanctions directly on Vladimir Putin if Russia enters the Ukraine. CNN teams are witnessing more military arrive in Ukraine as the White House characterizes an invasion as "imminent." While we have boosters and vaccines, some companies are working on a fourth shot aimed just at the Omicron variant. Pfizer and BioNTech have begun a clinical trial for their Omicron-specific Covid-19 vaccine candidate. 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 spoke with key U.S. allies to discuss Russia’s possible invasion of Ukraine as the Pentagon announced that as many as 8,500 U.S. troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe. If necessary, the troops would join NATO forces. New signs suggest the worst of the Omicron wave could be over while the fight over how schools should respond is heating up. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed into action a ban on mask mandates in schools. Seven Virginia school boards have already filed a lawsuit challenging the ban. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Russia continues to make provocative moves near Ukraine’s border, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with top Russian officials in the latest rounds of diplomatic talks. Blinken said the meeting was “not a negotiation” as he expressed a deeper understanding of Russia’s concerns and their position. There are new tensions inside the White House over a proposal to vaccinate migrants at the United States border with Mexico. Some officials see this as a way to address public health concerns while critics worry the policy would encourage more people to come to 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

President Biden has been clarifying some of his comments after his nearly two hour news conference. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki joins to answer some of the lingering questions. The State Department has approved the transfer of United States weapons from allies to Ukraine in order for Ukraine to defend itself from a Russian invasion. Armed Services Committee member Senator Joni Ernst joins to answer what more Biden can do to discourage Russia from invading. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5G was supposed to roll out across the country but several airlines say 5G interferes with the technology planes use to land in bad weather. Now, Verizon and AT&T are delaying the activation of 5G towers near some airport runways. The White House website to request free at-home Covid-19 tests is live as the Omicron variant continues to blaze across America. COVIDtests.gov will allow Americans to receive four tests per household. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the U.S. averaging over 776,00 new Covid cases per day, the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy warns the Omicron wave has not yet peaked. Dr. Peter Hotez, from the Texas Children's Hospital, joins to discuss early results from an Israeli study that shows a fourth dose of the Covid vaccine can increase antibodies. The FBI confirms it is investigating the hostage stand-off in which a 44-year-old British national took a rabbi and three others hostage at a Dallas area synagogue on Saturday as a terrorism related incident. Plus, Virginia Governor Youngkin’s first actions in office include repealing the school mask mandate, but several large school districts are already pushing back on his executive order. Hosted by Poppy Harlow in for Jake Tapper. 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 group of Russian operatives inside Ukraine and according to a U.S. intelligence official, those operatives are looking to create a false pretense for Vladimir Putin to give the orders for Russians to invade. National security adviser Jake Sullivan joins to discuss this awful development for President Biden. In a sign of how overwhelming the Omicron variant is, two of the country's largest pharmacy chains are shutting down some stores because so many of their employees are out sick. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Department of Justice has filed the most serious charges yet related to the January 6th attack on the Capitol. The DOJ has arrested and charged the head of the far-right Oath Keepers with seditious conspiracy to use force to undermine the election and he is not alone. The United States Supreme Court has blocked the Biden administration's nationwide vaccine and testing mandate for big businesses this afternoon. However, the court did allow a vaccine mandate for certain health care workers to go into effect nationwide. 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 may be turning a corner in the pandemic as coronavirus cases could be peaking in parts of the country. Today, Dr. Anthony Fauci and the acting FDA commissioner said Omicron is so efficient at spreading that almost everyone in the United States will at least be exposed to it. The January 6th select committee is asking top House Republican Kevin McCarthy if he would like to voluntarily cooperate. Rep. Adam Kinzinger joins to give updates on if McCarthy will provide information to the investigation. 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 delivered a major speech on voting rights while in Atlanta on Tuesday, expressing his frustration at Republicans who blocked voting rights legislation. Rep. Cori Bush joins to discuss Biden’s speech and if congress can pass election reform. CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky and NIH director Dr. Anthony Fauci testified in the Senate today about the Biden administration's pandemic response as Covid-19 hospitalizations in the US reach a new record high. 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 hospitals are reaching capacity as the Omicron variant continues to surge across the nation. Some hospitals have even started to staff their facilities with the US military’s National Guard. At least 8 kids are among the 17 killed with dozens more injured after a major fire impacted a Bronx apartment building. The blaze was caused by a malfunctioning electric space heater, the fire commissioner said. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court's conservative majority on Friday appeared ready to reject a vaccine or testing requirement aimed at large businesses. Yet, in a separate challenge, some justices seemed more open to a vaccine mandate aimed at certain health care workers. Fewer jobs were added in December than in any other month in 2021. Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins to discuss the 3.9% unemployment rate and some good news about much Americans are taking home. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One year ago today, five people lost their lives during or immediately after the Capitol riot and the very democracy of the United States was attacked and shaken. Today, we look back on the events before, during, and after the insurrection to examine the state of far-right extremism in America. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Backlash is growing as the CDC updates its isolation guidance causing only more bewilderment again. Why does this make it so much harder for businesses and schools to open? On the eve of the insurrection anniversary, the January 6th House select committee turns its attention to Trump’s former press secretary Stephanie Grisham. On the afternoon of January 6th, Grisham became the first Trump administration official to resign as a result of the insurrection. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thousands are stuck and stranded on a busy Virginia interstate and some are with babies and dogs, no food or water, and are quickly running out of gas if they haven’t already. How did this happen? The January 6th committee has released new text messages from Sean Hannity about the insurrection. The messages reveal Hannity was concerned about Trump’s strategy and conduct before, during, and after the attack on the Capitol. The committee has asked Hannity for his voluntary cooperation with their investigation. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices