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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

Israeli PM meets Putin in Moscow, then speaks with Zelenskiy by phone … Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Saturday to discuss the war in Ukraine and later spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Bennett's spokesperson said.

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 …

Durham asks court to deny Sussmann motion to dismiss, arguing false statement ‘capable of influencing’ FBI  —  Sussmann has pleaded not guilty to making false statement  —  Fox News Flash top headlines for March 5  —  Special Counsel John Durham argues Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann …