Putin Threatens Loss of Statehood; Russian Troops Near Odessa  —  The Russian leader escalated his threats as Ukrainian forces continued to resist.  Protests broke out in the first major city captured by Russia.  A limited cease-fire collapsed in a besieged city.  Israel's prime minister visits Moscow.

Brittney Griner, Star W.N.B.A. Center, Is Detained in Russia  —  WASHINGTON — Russia said on Saturday that it had detained an American basketball player in Moscow on drug charges, entangling a U.S. citizen's fate in the dangerous confrontation between Russia and the West over Ukraine.

Two GOP senators share photos of Zelenskyy during call after being asked not to by Ukraine  —  Two Republican senators are facing criticism after tweeting photos of a video call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy even though participating lawmakers were told to not share pictures on social media while it was in progress.

How the West Marshaled a Stunning Show of Unity Against Russia  —  In a few frantic days, the West threw out the playbook it used for decades against the Kremlin and isolated Russia with unparalleled sanctions and penalties.  —  LONDON — The day after Russian tanks and troops poured across …

How the Manhattan D.A.'s Investigation Into Donald Trump Unraveled  —  The criminal investigation into the former president crashed amid a disagreement about the merits of bringing a case.  The debate pitted a new district attorney against two veteran prosecutors who had pursued a case against Mr. Trump for years.

U.S. Officials Travel to Venezuela, a Russia Ally, as the West Isolates Putin  —  The trip is the highest-level visit by American officials to Caracas in years, driven by a desire to separate Russia from its remaining Latin American allies.  —  Senior U.S. officials are traveling to Venezuela …

'I Just Can't Stand By': American Veterans Join the Fight in Ukraine  —  All across the country, small groups of military veterans are hungry for what they see as a righteous fight to defend freedom against an autocratic aggressor.  —  Hector served two violent tours in Iraq as a United States Marine …

The Emptiness Inside Donald Trump's New Social Media Platform  —  Around 9:02 a.m. on Friday, an unexpected flash of purple appeared on my iPhone's lock-screen.  —  “Your wait is over!  Tap here to start using Truth Social.”  —  Tap I did, and inside the new social media platform created …

Russian demand for sanctions relief threatens Iran nuclear talks … VIENNA — Russia presented a new condition for a revival of the Iran nuclear deal on Saturday: A U.S. guarantee that the sanctions that have been imposed on Moscow for invading Ukraine won't be applied to Russian trade and investment with Iran.

U.S. and allies quietly prepare for a Ukrainian government-in-exile and a long insurgency  —  The Ukrainian military has mounted an unexpectedly fierce defense against invading Russian forces, which have been dogged by logistical problems and flagging morale.

‘We Have to Run’: Inside the Exodus of Moscow  —  Even Moscow's most determined, most outspoken, most optimistic people have decided to go: “Everything we hoped for is falling apart, all our dreams”  —  MOSCOW — In that moment, it hit me just how quickly things had gone wrong.

Stoli vodka announces rebrand  —  New York (CNN)The maker of Stolichnaya vodka announced a major rebrand Friday, in direct response to its founder's “vehement position” against the Putin regime and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  —  The vodka, famously marketed as Russian …

Russia's invasion prompts more assertive foreign policy from Japan  —  Japan this week announced it would accept refugees from Ukraine and send bulletproof vests to Kyiv — extraordinary measures taken by one of the countries least welcoming to refugees and also has a self-imposed arms exports ban because of its militaristic past.

John Bolton: Putin was ‘waiting’ for possible US withdrawal from NATO  —  Former national security adviser John Bolton said on Friday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin was “waiting” for a possible United States withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) …

Ukraine's military adapts tactics after enduring Russia's initial invasion  —  An outgunned but resilient Ukrainian military is adopting a two-prong strategy in the face of a flawed but fierce Russian assault, relying on hit-and-run tactics and the fortification of major cities …

Russia - Level 4 - Do Not Travel  —  Home Главн ая стран ица |  U.S. citizens should depart Russia immediately.  —  U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately.

Texans overwhelmingly traveled out-of-state to get abortions after ban took effect  —  The number of Texas residents who traveled out-of-state to access abortion care increased dramatically after the most restrictive abortion ban in the U.S. went into effect in the state in September.