Under pressure

The Ukrainian soldiers who told off a Russian warship may still be alive. It's Monday's news. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

The Short List   Monday, February 28 Under pressure The Ukrainian soldiers who told off a Russian warship may still be alive. It's Monday's news. Pressure builds against Russia as its forces edge closer to Ukraine's capital city. A climate change report from a U.N. panel outlines a grim future for the planet. And turns out RV life is not for everyone. 👋 It's Laura. It's Monday, which means I've got Monday's news – just for you! But first, cheater cheater, pumpkin eater! 🤓 The "MSAT" test by the artist collective MSCHF offers a cash prize for the best score on its SAT-inspired online test. And cheating is allowed. The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here or text messages here. Support for Ukraine builds as Russia edges closer to Kyiv Countries tightened the vise around Russia's economy on Monday,  announcing new sanctions on its central bank and individuals, and Switzerland has broken its neutral stance to join the European Union in its actions. The moves came as Ukrainian and Russian delegations met at the Belarusian border for their first direct talks since Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office said it would demand an immediate cease-fire. In response to Russia's invasion, the U.N. was meeting in two separate forums: The General Assembly gathered for only its 11th emergency meeting, and the 15-member Security Council came together again to discuss the crisis. Battered by global sanctions, Russia's Central Bank dramatically increased interest rates to try to slow the ruble's plunge. Russia's conventional military assault on Ukraine moved toward the end of its fourth day with fighting in the streets of the country's second-largest city, Kharkiv, and troops moving closer to the capital, Kyiv. The latest updates. • Airbnb nonprofit to offer free housing to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. • 'We left Dad in Kiev': Families say goodbye as Ukrainians fight to save their home. • Thousands of Russian anti-war protesters arrested: What are the freedom of speech laws in Russia? Protesters rally in Barcelona, Spain, after Russia's Vladimir Putin ordered his military to advance on Ukraine. PAU BARRENA, AFP via Getty Images Are Snake Island soldiers alive? A group of Ukrainian soldiers who garnered worldwide attention after telling a Russian warship to "Go f--- yourself" may be alive, according to Ukrainian officials.  The soldiers on Snake Island, a small island in the Black Sea, rose to fame last week after a Russian warship asked them to surrender or be bombed, according to a tweet from the Ukrainian Embassy in Georgia. Ukrainian officials said last week that all 13 of the soldiers were killed. But the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said in a statement that the soldiers may have been captured by Russian forces and were still alive.  • Fact check roundup: What's true and what's false about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. • Doctor's message after hospital staff unable to save Ukrainian girl: 'Show this to Putin.' • The news comes to you: Get the latest updates on the situation in Ukraine. Sign up here. What everyone's talking about • 🇺🇸 President Biden's first State of the Union address is Tuesday. Here's how to watch. • 'Modern-day Winston Churchill': What to know about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. • Jake Gyllenhaal knows cyberbullying all too well. But are stars responsible for toxic fan behavior? • Sexual abuse rocked their church. Though their families weren't victims, they bear scars. • Why are Easter and Passover so late in 2022? Blame the moon and a cacophony of calendars. 💌 The Short List is free, but several stories we link to are subscriber-only. Consider supporting our journalism and become a USA TODAY digital subscriber today.  'Parts of the planet will become uninhabitable' Life in some locations on the planet is rapidly reaching the point where it will be too hot for the species that live there to survive, international climate experts said in a report Monday.  "With climate change, some parts of the planet will become uninhabitable," said German scientist Hans-Otto Pörtner, co-chair of Working Group II for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which produced the report released in Berlin. The report assesses scientific literature documenting the devastating effects of human-caused climate change on society and ecosystems worldwide. The group studied the vulnerability of people and ecosystems to the changing climate and how adaptation could help reduce the risks, said Pörtner and co-chair Deborah Roberts of South Africa.  • Supreme Court wrestles with EPA authority to regulate carbon in major climate dispute. • As Hawaii declares climate crisis, schools hope Indigenous knowledge will save the islands. Kayakers paddle down a portion of Interstate 676 after flooding from heavy rains from hurricane Ida in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 2, 2021. Flash flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida killed at least 44 people in four northeastern US states one night, including several who perished in basements during the historic weather event officials blamed on climate change. BRANDEN EASTWOOD, AFP via Getty Images RV sales surged amid COVID, and not everyone is thrilled It didn't take long for Karin Smith to realize the RV life was not for her.  The Jupiter, Florida, resident and single mom bought a 1995 Fleetwood Bounder in January 2021, hoping for peace of mind amid skyrocketing rent and a way to see America with her son. But owning an RV was more complicated than she thought. "It just started to feel like a money pit," she said. "I really started thinking about things like: Is this safe? What would I do with Wi-Fi? I work remotely; do I work listening to neighbors argue or 14 people having a party next door for two days? It all just fell apart." She ended up selling the RV six months after she bought it. She never got behind the wheel. Smith is just one of many Americans who became RV owners during the pandemic. Many are happy with their purchase and sales show no sign of slowing, but some owners note that rising travel costs and growing crowds have made RV travel more difficult. Rising prices play a large role. It's not just gas – which is definitely taking a hit on his wallet with the national average for diesel at nearly $4 a gallon – but basics like campground spots and RVs themselves. More RV owners reflect on their pandemic buys. • Planning RV travel for the first time? 8 tips newbies should know before their first trip. Karin Smith's RV, which was sold off roughly six months after she bought it. Karin Smith Real quick • Dictionary.com jabs Republican lawmaker's tweet criticizing 'millennial leftists.' • Derek Jeter steps down as Marlins CEO after five years. • Supreme Court takes up battle over adoption of Native American children. • Target plans to open 250 more Ulta Beauty shops in its stores this year. 'Atmospheric river' slams Pacific Northwest An "extreme" atmospheric river was barreling into the Pacific Northwest on Monday, and with it will come the threat of flooding and avalanches,  forecasters say. Meteorologists said rainfall amounts will range from 2 to 4 inches early this week from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, and locally higher amounts are possible on the windward sides of the mountains through Wednesday. A flood watch is in effect for more than 5 million people in Washington and Oregon, the National Weather Service said, including the Seattle and Tacoma metro areas. An avalanche warning is also in effect for the mountains of Washington, and "very dangerous avalanche conditions" are expected, according to the Northwest Avalanche Center in Seattle. The foul weather is courtesy of an "atmospheric river,"  a ribbon of water vapor that can extend thousands of miles from the tropics to the western U.S. At 250 to 375 miles wide, the river of moisture provides the fuel for massive rain and snowstorms that can cause flooding along the West Coast.  • What is an 'atmospheric river'? These rivers of water vapor can extend thousands of miles. Days after record rainfall fell across the Northwest, an atmospheric river is bringing heavy rain and snow will return, bringing renewed flood risks with it. ACWT A break from the news • 🍿 Ready, set, binge: 50 best TV shows to watch on Netflix in March. • 💰 Should you itemize your taxes or take the standard deduction? • 👰 SIL-zilla: My future sister-in-law paid for my wedding dress as a gift. Now, she wants her money back. This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for The Short List newsletter here. MORE ARTICLES Experts respond to UN climate report on grave and mounting threat 5 Texas DAs defy governor's order on trans youth 5 things you need to know Monday Anti-War rally in Russia leads to detainments   FOLLOW US Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe • Manage Newsletters • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights • Privacy Notice • Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy • Feedback © 2022 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102

OnPolitics: US support continues as Russia edges closer to Kyiv

Russian forces are within 15 miles of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. As fighting continues, the U.S. and its allies continue to send troops, supplies. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

On Politics   Monday, February 28 OnPolitics: US support continues as Russia edges closer to Kyiv Russian forces are within 15 miles of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. As fighting continues, the U.S. and its allies continue to send troops, supplies. Good afternoon, OnPolitics readers! Lots of news happened over the weekend; so let's dive in! Countries tightened the vise around Russia's economy on Monday, announcing new sanctions on its central bank and individuals, with even Switzerland breaking its neutral stance to join the European Union in is actions. Russian forces within 15 miles of Kyiv's city center: Russia's conventional military assault on Ukraine moved toward the end of its fourth day with fighting in the streets of the country's second-largest city, Kharkiv, and troops moving closer to the capital Kyiv.  Since Sunday, the Russians have moved about three miles closer to the Ukrainian capital, the official said. They appear intent on encircling the city. Nearly 75% of the combat troops Russian President Vladimir Putin deployed for the war are inside Ukraine. First round of talks began today: Ukraine and Russia have finished talks about ending fighting that has raged for four days since Russia declared war and began its invasion. Citing a top adviser to Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelenskyy, the Associated Press reported that the initial talks near Ukraine's border with Russian ally Belarus had been completed. It included discussion about a cease-fire. It's Amy and Chelsey with today's top stories out of Washington.  Ukraine-Russia crisis: The latest news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the newsletter here.  US will likely keep arming Ukraine even if Russia takes Kyiv The Pentagon probably will continue to send an array of weaponry to Ukrainian forces even if Russian troops seize the capital of Kyiv, military analysts say, and could calibrate the lethality of those arms based on Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to negotiate an end to the war. The shipments, combined with a Ukrainian resistance described as fierce and creative Sunday by a senior U.S. Defense Department official, will continue to pose a substantial threat to Russian forces, even if they occupy Kyiv and other major cities, analysts say. There have been no signs that the Russians have blocked or impeded military aid shipments from the West to Ukrainian armed forces, the defense official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence findings. The Russian force of more than 150,000 troops deployed by Putin already has experienced its own problems with fuel and resupply, the official said. Ukrainian resistance has stymied the Russian advance in the fourth day of the war, the official said, and in some cases Russia has been slowed by its own logistical problems. Russia has yet to occupy any of Ukraine's major cities despite overwhelming advantages in weaponry. Where is the fighting happening? Ukrainian forces have attacked Russian troops and combat vehicles with small arms and surface-to-air missiles, a senior Defense Department official told reporters on Monday. Check out this story to see maps of where Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting. Real quick: stories you'll want to read • First Jan. 6 defendant to face a jury: Prosecutors will get their first chance to test evidence of the Jan. 6 attack before a jury when Guy Wesley Reffitt of Texas is tried. • War overshadows historic SCOTUS pick: Attention is split between Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the high court, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. • Defiant Ukrainian soldiers survived?: Soldiers on Snake Island who famously told Russian troops "Go f--- yourself" may be alive, according to Ukrainian officials. • SCOTUS to hear adoption case: The court will decide whether a decades-old law designed to stop forced removal of Native American children from their families is constitutional. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for OnPolitics newsletter here.  Is Vladimir Putin 'delusional'? As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin's justifications for war are under strict scrutiny. Former and current U.S. officials who have interacted with him before are now seeing a different side of the leader. "I have met with him many times, and this is a different Putin," former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said. "He seems erratic. … He has descended into something I have not seen before." The former KGB agent who once struck Rice and "cold and calculating," has been noticeably rattled by Ukraine's resistance. "I don't think he's a rational actor because he is fearful," H.R. McMaster, a national security adviser in the Trump administration, told CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday. Widespread economic sanctions against Russia are also taking a toll on its leader. The U.S. and allies took steps to remove the country from SWIFT, a global financial communication network. "What he wants to do more than anything is restore Russia to ... greatness," McMaster said. "He's also driven by the desire to remain in power until 2036. I think now he knows all of that is at risk. The Russian military doesn't look very good; he doesn't look very powerful." Putin calls for a "nuclear deterrence": The Russian president told his top officials to be ready for a "special regime of combat duty" after giving orders to swiftly respond to a nuclear attack. What happens in Ukraine falls?: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could operate from Western Ukraine if he escapes death or imprisonment by Russian forces. That's all for today, OnPolitics readers. President Biden gives his first State of the Union address Tuesday. Here's how you can watch. -- Amy and Chelsey. Discover more with our newsletters: Get the latest headlines, things to do and more in your inbox. Sign up here.   FOLLOW US Problem viewing email? 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