Putin's ‘surreal’ version of Ukrainian history alarms experts  —  Putin deploys Russian troops into eastern Ukraine  —  Even seasoned Kremlinologists were alarmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's belligerent tone as he offered a monologue on why Ukraine has no right to exist.

Full Interview: President Trump with C&B from Mar-a-Lago  —  CLAY: We are live from the majestic Mar-a-Lago estate with 45 himself, President Donald Trump, and I'll bring you right in, sir, 'cause I know our audience loves to hear from you.  Buck and I have been walking around this estate.

Biden interviews at least two Supreme Court contenders as announcement nears … President Biden is in the final stages of making his first nomination to the Supreme Court — having completed interviews with at least two leading contenders — and West Wing officials have begun advising outside allies …

Only one former secretary of state is praising Putin and criticizing Biden in Ukraine crisis  —  During a moment of peril in Europe, Pompeo is taking to cable news and social media to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin and chastise the Biden administration.

The Culture War Has Democrats Facing Electoral Demise in Rural America.  Can They Stop the Bleeding?  —  New survey of rural voters shows what's driving the party's increasingly barren showings, and potential avenues for recovery  — 65% of rural voters view the Democratic Party unfavorably — including 48% who do so strongly.

US House candidate sorry for intoxication during sleepover  —  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A U.S. House candidate in Oklahoma has apologized after reports that she became intoxicated at a Valentine's Day weekend sleepover for middle-school-aged girls, berated several of the children and vomited in a hamper.

Reality Is a Tank  —  Vladimir Putin has been clear-eyed about the world.  We're the ones who lost touch with reality.  —  1. Putin Is Winning  —  There's a lot of “OMG Putin is a madman how could he do this!” today.  Here is the single most daft expression I've seen from a serious person:

Rick Scott pushes own GOP agenda as McConnell holds off  —  Senate Republican leaders have no plans to release an alternative agenda as they try to win back the majority this fall.  So Rick Scott is pursuing his own plan.  —  The Florida Republican senator is devising a conservative blueprint …

United States v. Donald Trump  —  A “Model Prosecution Memo” on the Conspiracy to Pressure Vice President Pence  —  The following memorandum is a model “prosecution memo” analyzing potential charges against former President Donald Trump for his efforts to pressure Mike Pence to abuse …

All 3 defendants convicted of hate crimes in Arbery killing  —  BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — The three men convicted of murder in Ahmaud Arbery's fatal shooting were found guilty of federal hate crimes and other lesser charges Tuesday for violating Arbery's civil rights and targeting him because he was Black.

Ottawa convoy protest organizer Tamara Lich denied bail  —  Judge was not convinced she would go home and follow conditions  —  Tamara Lich, a major organizer of the so-called Freedom Convoy, was denied bail Tuesday morning in Ottawa.  —  Lich, the Alberta woman behind a now-halted GoFundMe campaign …

Russia-Ukraine live updates: Biden announces sanctions on Russia after moves against Ukraine  —  The Kremlin said Russia has recognized rebel-held regions within borders that the separatists originally proclaimed in 2014, sparking fears of a wider invasion.  Germany announced it is halting authorization …

It's time to admit it: Mitt Romney was right about Russia  —  A decade ago, Mitt Romney went on CNN and made a statement that was widely perceived as a major mistake.  —  “Russia, this is, without question, our number one geopolitical foe,” Romney, who would be the Republican presidential nominee …