The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown

In a special edition of The Situation Room, our correspondents are on the front lines and other key locations for CNN's continuing live coverage of Russia's war against Ukraine. We report on dramatic new examples of Ukrainians fighting back, including a video of a Russian helicopter being shot down in Northern Kyiv and protesters in Eastern Ukraine braving gunfire by Kremlin forces to stand up against Putin's aggression.Plus, Putin says sanctions on Russia are the equivalent to a "Declaration of war", waves of Ukrainian refugees cross the border into Poland, and President Zelensky asks U.S. lawmakers for a no-fly zone and a ban on 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

Russia attacks and seizes the largest nuclear power plant in Europe triggering fears that the war in Ukraine could unleash a nuclear catastrophe. Ukraine’s president is calling it an act of nuclear terror. The U.S. embassy in Kyiv is calling it a war crime. The U.S. says Russia is using increasingly brutal methods in Ukraine. CNN is bringing you live continuing war coverage with our correspondents around 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

The first major Ukrainian city appears to have fallen. The mayor of Kherson is now indicating that the Russians have taken control of the city as Kremlin forces roll through the streets. Also breaking, the Ukrainian capital is battered by airstrikes but is still holding the line against Russian invaders as a new explosion echoes on this seventh night of war. 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 intensifies its bombing campaign on the Ukrainian capital, new explosions were heard just a while ago. Kyiv is bracing now for a major assault as a Russian convoy regroups just outside the city and civilians are being targeted for attack right in the heart of Ukraine. 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 warning Russia could intensify its attack on Kyiv soon as forces are being slowed but not stopped by Ukrainian fighters. A miles-long Russian military convoy is on the move outside of the Ukrainian capitol tonight. This as Vladimir Putin is raising fears of a more dangerous war by putting his nuclear forces on high alert. We’ll go live to our correspondents who are on the front lines of this conflict. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight's episode went live just moments after air raid sirens blared in Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying, "This night will be very difficult, and the enemy will use all available forces to break the resistance of Ukrainians. We have to stand ground. The fate of Ukraine is being decided." To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russia's deadly war on Ukraine sends thousands fleeing the assault that has shattered peace in Europe and triggered a very dangerous global crisis. President Biden, saying Vladimir Putin chose this war in a sinister act of naked aggression, orders new sanctions he promises will be devastating for Russia. CNN's correspondents are near the front line and bring you the latest developments in this edition of The Situation Room. 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 bracing for a full scale invasion by Russia based on the most ominous warning from the United States. Tonight the Pentagon says Russian troops are ready to go and an attack could happen at any time. A state of emergency just went into effect in Ukraine as darkness falls and conditions may be right for Vladimir Putins troops to make their move. CNN is on the scene in Ukraine, in Russia, and in Washington for our special coverage of this global crisis. 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 condemns Vladimir Putin’s military moves in Ukraine saying he’s beginning an invasion. Tonight, the President of the United States is hitting Russia with tough new sanctions and moving more U.S. troops and military equipment into Europe warning that Putin is poised to go much further and launch what the President is calling a massive military attack. CNN is covering the crisis from every angle with our correspondents in Ukraine, Russia, and here in 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

The United States is preparing sanctions in response to a major new provocation by Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader just recognized separatist areas of Ukraine as independent, escalating fears of an imminent war. The U.S. is warning that Russia could launch an extremely violent invasion in the coming hours amid new information that Kremlin forces have a kill list of Ukrainians to target if they attack. CNN is on the scene in Russia and Ukraine. 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 now says he’s convinced Vladimir Putin has decided to invade Ukraine in the coming days. The U.S. revealing about half of Russian forces massed on the border are now in an attack position. Plus, the National Archives confirms it found classified documents and boxes of records former President Donald Trump took with him to Mar-a-Lago. The Justice Department has been alerted. Might Trump be prosecuted? 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 all signs point to an invasion of Ukraine within the nexts several days. CNN is on the scene of an attack that Moscow might use as a pretext to invade. A judge has order Donald Trump to testify under oath along with his daughter Ivanka and son Donald Jr. The New York Attorney General says the Trumps have 21 days answer questions about their business practices. 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 expressing profound concern that Russia is moving more forces into fighting positions instead of withdrawing as the Kremlin claims. U.S. officials are watching a bridge being built miles from Ukraine, a potential sign that Vladimir Putin may soon launch an invasion. A new blow to former President Trump as his White House visitor logs will soon be turned over to the January 6th select committee, including records from the day of the insurrection. President Biden is rejecting Trump’s attempts to keep the logs secret. 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 lays out the dire stakes if Russia attacks Ukraine declaring that the U.S. is ready no matter what happens as 150,000 Russian troops are now massed at the border. The President is urging Vladimir Putin to give diplomacy a chance. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Intelligence Committee joins to discuss diplomatic strategies to circumvent 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 Pentagon said Russia could invade Ukraine with little to no warning after another build up of its troops at the border. The U.S. is closing its embassy in Kyiv after growing concerns that an attack might happen this week. Dr. Anthony Fauci joins to answer questions about the new delay in authorizing Covid-19 vaccines for younger children. Many parents are increasingly frustrated as their kids remain unprotected. 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 issues its most dire warning yet about the threat of a Russian attack on Ukraine, saying an invasion could happen anytime including during the Olympics. New information reveals just how Vladimir Putin might launch a deadly war. The FDA just postponed a critical meeting on the Pfizer vaccine for children under age 5. We will tell you what is behind the delay and what it could mean for the bigger push to move beyond the pandemic. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new report out tonight reveals some of the documents former President Trump took from the White House to Mar-a-Lago were clearly marked as classified and some were even labeled top secret. A historic jump in inflation has occurred with prices surging at the fastest pace in nearly forty years. We break down the impact on consumers and President Biden as his poll numbers are sliding. 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 is now asking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate former President Trump’s handling of White House records after revelations that he ripped some official government documents and took others with him to Mar-a-Lago. Illinois just joined New York and Rhode Island as yet the latest states to announce an end to their mask mandates. But, the CDC says it’s too soon to change its mask guidelines, leaving many Americans confused. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Senate and the House Republican leaders are at odds riots now over the RNC’s censure resolution that’s clearly dividing the Republican Party. Mitch McConnell just rejected a description of January 6th as legitimate political discourse while Kevin McCarthy is defending it. Plus, the Biden administration is facing new pressure to update its Covid-19 guidance and clear up the confusion as more states are preparing to lift their mask mandates. 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 delivers a new warning to Vladimir Putin saying it would be a gigantic mistake if Russia invades Ukraine. The Pentagon revealing that the Kremlin now has well over 100,000 forces massed on the border. School mask mandates are being lifted now in New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut as Covid-19 cases fall to the lowest level since December. Vaccination rates in New Jersey and Delaware are above average for the United States according to the CDC. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Pence publicly and directly defied Donald Trump as he declared the former president was wrong to say that the vice president has the right to overturn the presidential election. Plus, Russia and China team up for a show of unity against the West. During a meeting at the Beijing Olympics, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping issued a call for NATO to halt expansion. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look inside the risky U.S. Special Operations Forces raid that left the leader of ISIS dead. The Biden administration shares details as President Biden sends a message to other top terrorists. A huge winter storm has dumped snow, ice, and sleet across the United States, leaving hundreds without power and thousands of flights cancelled. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3,000 troops are preparing to deploy in Europe as President Biden escalates the response to the threat in Ukraine. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the forces were not permanent and would not fight in Ukraine. Plus, the fired coach of the Miami Dolphins is accusing the league of racist hiring practices. He also alleging his boss offered him money to intentionally lose games. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vladimir Putin breaks his silence on the Ukraine standoff, accusing the United States of trying to draw Russia into an armed conflict. The Pentagon is renewing their warning that an invasion could be imminent. Pfizer has just issued a request for an emergency use authorization of its Covid-19 vaccine for kids under the age of 5. FDA advisers will meet in two weeks to consider the request. 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 has received Russia’s response on Ukraine as the two countries have been brawling over the crisis over at the United Nations. The Pentagon is warning Moscow has positioned more troops for a potential invasion. The former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence has now testified to the January 6th select committee. This as Donald Trump publicly admits for the first time he wanted Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election. 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 will move United States troops in NATO allied countries in Eastern Europe in the near term. The Pentagon warns Russia now has the capability to attack Ukraine with potentially horrific consequences. The January 6th select committee has issued subpoenas for 14 Republicans who served on bogus slates of Trump electors in 2020 as part of the Trump campaign’s scheme to subvert the Electoral College. Rep. Adam Schiff joins to answer what these witnesses could reveal. 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 warning Ukraine’s leader to prepare for an invasion as they clash over the risk that Russia will attack. The Pentagon revealed that Moscow’s military build up on the Ukraine border has increased over the past 24 hours. President Biden renewed his vow to nominate the first black woman to the United States Supreme Court and he expects to reveal his nominee by the end of February. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A shake-up at the United States Supreme Court as Justice Stephen Breyer decides to retire. President Biden is now poised to make his first high court nomination. A new study finds Moderna’s booster shot remains durable after six months, even against the Omicron variant but with a lower level of antibody protection. Currently, Omicron accounts for 99.9% of U.S. Covid-19 infections, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 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 reveals the United States may move some troops soon as the White House says a Russian invasion of Ukraine is imminent. We’re learning that Ukrainian officials have a different take on the urgency of the threat. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she is running for reelection to congress. We are going to break down what that means for her political future and for the Democratic party. 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 and European leaders are in total unanimity after urgent talks on the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Pentagon has thousands of U.S. troops on alert as the crisis intensifies. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby joins to examine the threat of conflict. With nationwide attention on crime, New York City’s mayor unveils an ambitious plan to crack down on gun violence. The plan comes after another weekend of senseless shootings, including the killing of a rookie NYPD officer. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned top Russian officials of a “swift” and “severe” response should Russia invade Ukraine. Also, new CDC studies confirm boosters shots provide the best protection against Omicron but the agency still will not commit to changing the definition of “fully vaccinated” to include a third shot. Dr. Anthony Fauci joins to answer why. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The January 6th committee continues to close in on President Trump’s inner circle as they now seek information directly from Ivanka Trump. This, as the investigation of Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the United States presidential election heats up in Georgia with a new request for a special grand jury. Officials in Ukraine are dissecting President Biden’s latest warning that Russia would pay a heavy price if it were to invade Ukraine. President Biden clarified his stance after remarking that a “minor incursion” would elicit a lesser response than 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

The United States Supreme Court has just rejected former President Trump’s request to block the release of his White House records, clearing the way for the documents to be handed over to the January 6th committee. Over 700 documents will be transferred to Congress which could illuminate what happened in the moments leading up to the insurrection. President Biden held a news conference on Wednesday in which he spoke on and off for approximately 112 minutes. During the event, Biden addressed the issues he is confronting including challenges facing Build Back Better, the state of the pandemic, and the future of economy. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The looming threat of Russian aggression is setting off alarm bells inside the White House. The Biden administration is now weighing additional military support for Ukraine to ward off an invasion. A British official tells CNN that the Texas synagogue gunman was on the Security Service’s radar in 2020 but was not deemed a threat. Tonight, the rabbi who survived the terrifying standoff joins Wolf to discuss the ordeal. 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 Omicron wave still on the rise in the U.S., experts warn the surge won't peak any time soon. That, as the CDC struggles to give Americans clear Covid guidance, with Dr. Walensky admitting to the Wall Street Journal that she hasn't conveyed the “uncertainty” around the pandemic. Plus, new details are emerging about the hostage stand-off inside a Texas synagogue that terrorized worshipers for nearly 11 hours. And, on this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the late civil rights leader's family is urging Congress to pass President Biden's voting rights bill. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The most high-profile defendant in the January 6th investigation plead not guilty to a rare and serious charge of seditious conspiracy. Although difficult to prove in court, seditious conspiracy charges reaffirm the argument the attack on the Capitol was an insurrection. The CDC just released a highly anticipated update on its mask policies as nearly 800,000 new daily cases emerge due to the Omicron variant. Related, Americans will be able to request tests at COVIDTests.gov beginning on January 19th according to a Biden administration official. 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 facing significant new defeats after voting rights legislation appears doomed in the Senate and the Supreme Court blocked his vaccine mandate for big businesses. United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy joins to give his reaction. The leader of the far right group the Oath Keepers has been arrested and accused of seditious conspiracy along with ten other defendants. Seditious conspiracy charges carry the same possible consequence as an obstruction charge. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A shift in the response to the Omicron explosion here in the United States as health officials double down on the message that most Americans will be exposed. This as the pandemic economy takes another hit with inflation soaring to a four-decade high. The select committee is now asking top House Republican Kevin McCarthy to cooperate voluntarily and turn over information. Sources also tell CNN that former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday appeared before the committee. 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 tired of being quiet about the threat to voting rights in America during a speech in Atlanta today. Domestic policy adviser to the White House Susan Rice joins to answer if Biden can pass election reforms amidst concerns from the Democratic Party. Dr. Anthony Fauci says the surging Omicron variant will eventually find just about everyone. The acting FDA director agrees, suggesting the United States should focus less on stopping the virus and more on keeping essential services running. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anger and confusion are growing as America’s schools struggle with reopening plans due to the Omicron crisis. Chicago is cancelling class for more than 300,000 students for a fourth day as the president of the Chicago Teachers Union calls into question the mayor’s plans. Investigations are underway for one of the deadliest home fires in decades. A faulty space heater sparked an inferno in a New York City apartment building that killed 17 people, including 8 children. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is under fire as frustrations grow over her decisions and messaging while Omicron cases keep surging. It’s another headache for President Biden, as a disappointing report on jobs growth adds to concerns about the United States economy. Also, the three white men who chased and murdered black jogger Ahmaud Arbery were sentenced to life in prison, with two of them having no chance of parole. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Across the United States, Americans mark one year since the deadly insurrection with the wound still deep and democracy still in danger. President Biden seized the moment, directly blaming former President Trump for spinning a web of lies and holding “a dagger at the throat of democracy.” Further, Homeland Security is warning of a spike in extremist threats over the last 48 hours with lawmakers among the targets again. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the eve of the January 6th commemorations, the United States Attorney General is vowing to hold everyone behind the riot accountable no matter how long it takes. House January 6th select committee member Rep. Jamie Raskin joins to provide updates on the investigation. CDC advisers have just endorsed booster shots for Americans as young as 12. This as the CDC provides confusing updates on isolation guidance. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The January 6th committee releases texts between Fox News host Sean Hannity and the Trump White House around the time of the Capitol attack. This as the committee chairman reveals to CNN that he also wants to hear directly from the former Vice President, Mike Pence. The CDC just updated its controversial coronavirus isolation guidelines. We’ll break down the new recommendations and whether they clear up the confusion so many Americans are feeling right now. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Omicron in overdrive, the average number of cases is soaring above 400,000. States, cities, and schools are struggle to move forward despite major disruptions to workplaces, travel, and daily life. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joins to discuss the major pandemic challenges New York City is facing. As cases among children here in the United States explode, the FDA is scrambling to give greater coronavirus protection to younger Americans, including by expanding booster eligibility from ages 12 to 15. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beloved across Betty White has died just shy of her 100th birthday. We’ll look back at her remarkable life, her iconic roles, and how she became a pop culture phenomenon late in life. COVID-19 cases soar to another unprecedented level amid fears that New Year’s Eve celebrations could become super spreader events. Experts are warning the Omicron variant’s assault on this country may not ease up for weeks. 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 has just set another alarming pandemic record with hospital admissions for children soaring to a new high as cases explode nationwide. The FDA is expected to green light COVID-19 booster shots for 12 to 15-year-olds soon. As the United States nears one year since the Capitol attack, the January 6th committee is asking the Supreme Court to not thwart 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

A jury has just found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty on five counts related to her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse of young girls. Maxwell now faces up to 65 years in prison. Public schools in the nation’s capital are taking a dramatic step to stop the rapid spread of coronavirus. Washington, D.C. is requiring a negative Covid-19 test for students and staff returning to school next week. 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 has just shattered a pandemic record for COVID-19 cases. As the Omicron variant sweeps the nation, the number of children hospitalized is skyrocketing as well. The January 6th committee is standing down after the Biden administration convinced the panel to scale back its pursuits. The change to the investigation will mean the committee will not be receiving hundreds of pages of National Security Council records. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The CDC just updated its guidelines for people who get Covid-19 or are exposed to it, shortening quarantine times for many Americas as the Omicron variant surges across the country. Dr. Anthony Fauci joins to explain the new changes. This comes during a perilous week in the pandemic with new cases exploding, tests in short supply and high demand, and any more flights being cancelled. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices