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U.S. Russia Could Invade Ukraine Any Day Now; Zelensky: Ukraine Would Like To Join NATO; Satellite Images Show Russian Military Buildup Around Ukraine. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired February 14, 2022 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:00:23]
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR (voice over): After a weekend of failed diplomacy, fresh attempts at relieving tensions amid dire warnings
of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine. We're live in Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, in Moscow and in Washington for you.
MATTHIEU REEB, DIRECTOR GENERAL, COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT: In particular, the panel considered that preventing the athlete to compete at
the Olympic Games would cause her irreparable harm.
ANDERSON: Well, a court rules Russian Olympic skater Kamila Valieva can continue competing. despite protests from the World Anti-Doping Agency.
We're live at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
And the L.A. Rams prove the mighty winners of Super Bowls 26. The game and it's (INAUDIBLE) a halftime show is coming up.
(on camera): I'm Becky Anderson. Hello and welcome to CONNECT THE WORLD. It is 7:00 p.m. here in Abu Dhabi. And we begin intense week in the Russia-
Ukraine standoff. It follows a weekend that saw diplomacy failed to deter the Russian president. Urgent warnings of an imminent Russian invasion of
Ukraine intensified with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan saying an invasion could happen, "any day now."
And there were more high-stakes phone calls between U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts in Russia and in Ukraine. Mr. Biden telling both
the U.S. would respond decisively to any Russian escalation. We're also hearing from the Russian Foreign Minister a short time ago. Sergey Lavrov
told state-run television that he sees what he calls a chance for diplomacy. And we are in fact seeing more diplomatic moves even as the
military buildup continues.
Ukrainian president telling the German Chancellor Kyiv does indeed want to join NATO after the Ukrainian Ambassador walked back earlier comments on
NATO membership.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): We have some desire in our content, and in addition to this, we have a war in the east.
Yes, we would like to join NATO and it will protect our integrity.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Amid all of the voices and the warnings, the latest satellite images appears show a Russian military buildup practically surrounding
Ukraine. CNN's Scott McLean starts our reporting with this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SCOTT MCLEAN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): This is just one element of the Russian armor now gathered on three sides of the border
with Ukraine. Tanks and infantry fighting vehicles parked up near Ukraine's Northeastern border near the Russian town of Veliky. These videos posted on
social media confirmed from different angles and geolocated by CNN.
The Russian buildup includes heavy armor including elements of the elite 1st Guards Tank Army that is now moved to within 20 miles of Ukraine. Also
on the move, a substantial number of short-range ballistic missiles known as Iskanders, with a range of some 450 kilometers. Further south, long
columns of military vehicles rumble along the highway near Rostov-on-Don. A CNN analysis of Russian movements shows the extent of the buildup in
Crimea, to the east, and north of Ukraine.
And in Belarus, the Russians have released video of the large-scale exercises being conducted with Belarusian forces. Exercises that include
top line Russian hardware. Among the equipment being paraded, S-400 air defense systems and S.U.-25 ground attack aircraft. Those exercises are
extensive. According to NATO, the largest Russian military presence in Belarus since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
But CNN has also geolocated Russian military movements a long way from those exercises in the far southeast of Belarus, and just over 10 miles
from the border with Ukraine. This convoy including multiple rocket systems headed south in the last couple of days, a long way south the Russian Navy
has begun drills involving more than 30 ships in the Black Sea. They're exercising in the Black Sea a mix of forces that include several large
amphibious ships.
The latest satellite imagery also shows a buildup of troop accommodation and units close to the Black Sea in Crimea. Altogether, the analysis of
social media videos from Russia when added to fresh satellite imagery shows a relentless buildup of forces that seems almost complete, as we're bases
are emptied and units take to the roads and rails.
[10:05:14]
JAKE SULLIVAN, U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: What we've seen just in the last 10 days or so is an acceleration of that buildup and the movement of
Russian forces of all varieties closer to the border with Ukraine in a position where they could launch a military action very, very rapidly.
MCLEAN: To Rob Lee in the Department of War Studies at the University of London, Russia's current military buildup near Ukraine is unprecedented.
This is not like previous war scares where the build up in the spring of 2021. The amount of Russian aerial ground and Naval Military power near
Ukraine now is quantifiably far greater. That's the view of Western governments too. The capabilities have been assembled. The Kremlin's intent
is still unknown.
Scott McLean, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Well, there is an awful lot going on here. Sam Kiley is in Kharkiv in Ukraine, about 40 kilometers from the Russian border. We will
get to him shortly. Jeremy Diamond is at the White House for you with perspective from Washington. And CNN's Nic Robinson standing by in Moscow.
Nic, I want to start with you. Because in the past couple of hours, fresh attempts, it seems to be taking the heat out of what is an extremely
dangerous situation from a very interesting source.
What do you make of that news in the past couple of hours that Russia's Foreign Minister is reportedly urging Vladimir Putin to take more time for
diplomacy at this point?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Yes. I think perhaps we shouldn't try to over read what we're seeing play out on state television
here. We knew earlier in the day that Sergey Lavrov was going to speak with President Putin because President Putin spokesman said that that was going
to happen, you know, this played out on state television. So it's a message for the people. It's a message for everyone.
This didn't happen behind closed doors, the two of them could have met and no one would have known what they had said. So, this is -- this is clearly
choreography coming from the Kremlin. And President Putin after, you know, and listening to Sergey Lavrov for accepts take several minutes to explain
everything that's been happening on the diplomatic front. And then President Putin says, and do you think there's a chance that diplomacy can
continue?
And Sergey Lavrov says, yes, you've had those meetings with the French, and you've had the phone call with President Biden, and you're going to meet
with the German Chancellor tomorrow, I do think there's a chance. This is how he framed it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SERGEY LAVROV, RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER (through translator): If we were ready to listen to some counter proposals, it seems to me that our
possibilities are far from being exhausted. Of course, they should not continue indefinitely. But at this stage, I would suggest that they be
continued and increased.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROBERTSON: So, that's the message that President Putin is getting publicly. So, read that as a cue that he has a little bit of space there, if he so
desires, we can't read too much into it. He also had a conversation today with the -- with the defense chief today, the Minister of Defense, I'm
sorry, Sergey Shoygu. And that conversation was really an assessment of where the military exercises have gone. He didn't seem to actually go for
an assessment of war.
Can you do this with your military or can you do that? So, at the moment, you know, the way this is playing up publicly, the signal is there's some
opportunity here. Olaf Scholz is going to be here tomorrow, and he said on his agenda, will be telling President Putin that if he wants to have and go
down the diplomatic track, he is going to need to de-escalate his troops around Ukraine. Becky?
ANDERSON: Let me bring Jeremy in from the White House at this point, because what we've just been discussing here follows a frenzied and
frankly, worrying weekend of messaging. Jeremy, President Biden's spoke with Russia's Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian president over the weekend,
but with no reported major breakthroughs and warnings from U.S. intelligence and the national security adviser that Russia could invade as
early as this week. Where is Washington at at this point?
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, very clearly, over the last several days, they have been sounding the alarm louder and louder.
Louder than they have previously even though for weeks, if not months now, the U.S. has been warning that Russia could indeed move to invade at any
time. Now, U.S. officials are saying that that risk is higher than ever before.
We saw that in Jake Sullivan's dramatic briefing in the White House briefing room just this past Friday. And following that we saw President
Biden still engaging in that delicate telephone diplomacy speaking on Saturday for over an hour with the Russian president and following that up
on Sunday with a call to the Ukrainian president.
[10:10:11]
DIAMOND: And both of those calls,w e know that President Biden repeatedly made clear that the U.S. would act swiftly and decisively to punish Russia,
should indeed it, choose to move forward with an invasion. And interestingly, U.S. officials made very clear after that call between Biden
and Putin that while President Biden reiterated that message on the call, there was no fundamental change to the dynamic.
There was no optimism that perhaps now following this latest conversation, Vladimir Putin would perhaps change course and and choose the path of
diplomacy. Instead, U.S. officials are saying that a Russian invasion could take place at any time now that we are now in that " window" according to
the National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, that it could happen before the Olympic Games, it could happen as early as this week.
But still, U.S. officials trying to hold out the possibility of diplomacy meetings, phone conversations are still ongoing. President Biden said to
speak with the British Prime Minister today as they look to continue to coordinate those NATO efforts. So, diplomacy is not dead yet. But clearly,
U.S. officials saw something in intelligence late last week that made them very concerned, more concerned than ever that Russia is actively planning
to move forward with an invasion of Ukraine.
ANDERSON: Well, let me bring Sam Kiley at this point. Thank you, Jeremy. Then, Sam, explain where you are. What you are seeing and hearing. And if
an invasion were to occur, is it clear where it would begin at this point?
SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTENATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Becky, I'm in Kharkiv which is in eastern Ukraine about six hours drive away from Kyiv,
the capital. But about 30 miles from the borders and 78 kilometers, 50 miles from Belgorod which is a Russian city around which the 1st Guards
Tank Army, which on paper is able to muster up to 50,000 infantry, 600 to 800 tanks. We know that from geolocation and satellite imagery, geolocation
of social media, that there has been a very substantial buildup of troops there.
Very close to the Ukrainian border, including helicopter gunships in the last 24 hours. I went up to the border and what did I find? Nothing. There
is no military preparations going on on the Ukrainian side. Life was going on completely as normal. A handful of border guards shooed us away because
it was a closed -- not a closed military area. But they don't want cameras around. Clearly the Ukrainians are preparing their defenses but they're not
visible from the roadside or indeed, in sorties left and right along that border area, which is very, very close to this city of a million and a half
people.
A Russian speaking majority here in Kharkiv. A very much an industrial and intellectual center of Ukraine. And again, life is continuing completely as
normal. And local people here say well, first of all, we were in already been invaded in 2014. And hanging over them is this messaging coming from
their own president saying don't panic, panic delivers a degree of victory to the enemy.
But I think there's a -- from very important to note here too, Becky, is amidst all of these discussions with Olaf Scholz's visit here and his
suggestion that there isn't an immediate campaign within NATO or even necessarily energetic consideration of Ukraine joining NATO, there's a very
good reason for that is that under NATO regulations, they're not set in stone, but these are regulations of NATO.
This country, Ukraine can't join NATO while it's in territorial dispute. Now, it's got the Crimea, which it calls a temporarily occupied Crimea,
which Russia has annexed with military force, and it's also got the Donbass region with two breakaway republics being supported there by Russia. So, in
in terms of the real politic of this, is it really about NATO or is it about something else? And there is a sense here in the Ukraine, that this
is really about trying to destabilize Ukraine on behalf of Vladimir Putin, rather than invaded as such because an unstable failing economy looks much
better to his own population than a successful Democratic Western leaning Ukraine.
Which, of course, is an example to the opponents of Vladimir Putin inside his own country. So, there's an interesting subtext to all of this, but
nobody's really that concerned about the rapid joining of NATO because it just isn't on the cards.
ANDERSON: Fascinating. Sam, thank you for that. Sam is there in Kharkiv. Nic is in Moscow, Jeremy at the White House in Washington for you. And do
stay with us for what is an extremely fast moving story throughout this program.
[10:15:05]
ANDERSON: We have had an extremely busy weekend as we say of diplomacy. Fresh efforts once again at the beginning of what is a rather tense week.
In our next hour, we'll speak to U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy. He was in Ukraine last month. We'll talk to him about what the Biden
administration may be thinking at this critical hour. That's right here on CONNECT THE WORLD. Stay with us.
Well, when we return, a doping scandal in Winter Olympics. We'll tell you why a Russian skater will be allowed to compete, despite testing positive
for a banned drug.
Turkey's President arrives in Abu Dhabi. His first official trip in nearly a decade. Why? And the significance of this visit is ahead in a live
report.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, she is the favorite to win the women's skating gold medal at the Olympics and she will now be allowed to compete despite testing
positive for a banned drug. 15-year-old Russian skater, Kamila Valieva had a positive drug test in December. But the Court of Arbitration for Sport
has said she is protected as a minor and was not given enough time to prepare a defense.
So, for now, they are letting her compete. If she wins medal there will be no award ceremony until after her case is resolved. Officials from the
International Skating Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency say the decision is wrong and Valieva should be banned from the Olympics. CNN's
Selina Wang is in Beijing.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: From the Russian Olympic Committee --
SELINA WANG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): A reprieve for a young Russian figure skater under immense pressure. Kamila Valieva, a favorite to take
individual gold at the Olympics allowed that chance despite her testing positive for a banned drug.
REEB: First, the athlete is under 16 and is a protected person under the World Anti-Doping Code preventing the athlete to compete at the Olympic
Games would cause her irreparable harm.
WANG: The timeline here was crucial. Valieva took the test on Christmas Day. But it was only last week that the sample came back positive for the
drug trimetazidine And she and her teammates had already won gold here. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Monday that the miner has not had
enough time to defend herself, so the issue is kicked on down the road. Valieva will still compete here while a full investigation is done.
The team could still be stripped of her medals in the coming months. In the meantime, the IOC says it would not be appropriate to award her any medals.
(on camera): All eyes are on Kamila Valieva here in Beijing. But she's only 15 years old. The World Anti-Doping Agency says it will investigate her own
entourage. The adults around her that may have pressured her into taking the banned substance.
[10:20:05]
WANG (voice over): A glimpse behind the glimmering surface into the murky world of Russians sports, which has been accused of state-sponsored doping
and extreme pressure on very young athletes. Team USA not holding back in a statement. This appears to be another chapter in the systematic and
pervasive disregard for clean sport by Russia. The Russian figure skating Federation President labeling the decision, common sense and justice.
While the IOC condemned any use of performance enhancing drugs. How should clean athletes feel about the decision that is made?
MARK ADAMS, IOC SPOKESMAN: The system I'm afraid is slow justice. I'm afraid the wheels of justice do run slowly, we would like them to run
faster so there'll be clarity for everybody involved for all of the athletes.
WANG: Inescapable as the fact that clean athletes will line up Tuesday against a competition favorite who tested positive once. At an Olympics
dogged by politics and China's rights record, this doping scandal tainting the sport here as well.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Well, Selina Wang joining me now live from Beijing for you with more. Valieva tested positive for a heart medication as I understand it. Do
we know how this drug could help an athlete?
WANG: Yes, Becky. This is a drug that is banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency. It is known to treat a heart condition and to improve endurance and
to increase blood flow. This also Becky isn't the first time that an Olympian has been caught testing positive for this drug. Back in the 2014
games, a Chinese swimmer tested positive for it. Was suspended for several months.
In 2018, a Russian bobsledder was disqualified for testing positive for it. But Becky, important to mention here that the decision made today by the
Court of Arbitration of Sport was not about whether or not Valieva cheated. It was making a narrow decision around whether or not she can continue to
compete. And they decided yes, she will be able to but until the broader investigation is done, no medals will be handed out, Becky.
ANDERSON: Yes. And I just want to get a little bit more detail on this because she gave her sample on Christmas Day. We only heard about that a
few days ago. Why so long?
WANG: It is absolutely astounding. And I pose that exact question to the IOC spokesperson at the press conference today. I said, how could it have
taken more than six weeks to get that test result in, not coming in until the day after the RFC already won a gold medal? I said, who dropped the
ball? And the IOC spokesperson said? That's a good question, but I don't have an answer for it.
But critics say that this is just proof that the system is broken, that there needs to be serious reform of the anti-doping system, Becky.
ANDERSON: But the wider story here that many people will be considering is that Russia has had a history of doping allegations. And so, how is the
sport -- why this sport responding this? How's the skating world reacting?
WANG: Right, Becky. It is a long and well-documented history of state sponsored doping. In fact, Russian athletes are banned from competing under
their national flag or anthem as punishment for that. So, there is outrage and anger over this decision. In fact, a former Olympic skater saying that
this is making a mockery of clean competition and that the sport figure skating will forever be scarred because of this decision.
It's also of course, devastating for the other figure skaters in the event this week who are not going to have the opportunity to stand on the podium
to get that metal all because of this doping scandal. And also, the head of the U.S. Anti Doping-Agency didn't pull any punches in his statement. He
said "Once again, all of this has permitted the Russians to taint the Olympic Games and reveal what a farce the handling of the Russia state
sponsored doping system by the IOC has been over the last eight years.
For this six consecutive games, Russia has hijacked the competition and stolen the moment from clean athletes in the public -- and the public." But
Becky, of course, there's also some sadness here because we are talking about a 15-year-old. She's been seen clutching her favorite stuffed animal
and some of these press conferences. And advocacy groups say she is merely a victim of this broader system, Becky.
ANDERSON: Selina Wang is in Beijing. Selina, thank you.
Turkey's president is visiting the United Arab Emirates for the first time in nearly a decade. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Abu Dhabi this hour to boost
cooperation and revive what have been strained ties. He was welcomed by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed who helped ease tensions
after his own trip to Ankara in November.
[10:25:02]
ANDERSON: Turkey and the UAE-backed opposing sides in the Libyan Civil War for example and had been sparring over a myriad of issues not least out of
gas exploration.
Let's bring in CNN's Jomana Karadsheh. She's following the visit for us here in Abu Dhabi. And as you point out in an excellent analysis piece on
our digital platform, Jomana, the speed of the shifts in the Middle East geopolitical scene are enough to give even the most seasoned regional
observers whiplash. Your words. And this trip is no exception. Why is it so significant? Explain.
JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, Becky, I just have to start by saying just a short time ago watching the royal welcome that President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan got here in Abu Dhabi welcomed by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. That's absolutely stunning. I mean, I'm as stunned as I
was, back in November, when we saw the welcome that the Crown Prince got when he visited Ankara.
You know, while we're looking at this region, and you are seeing this wave of rapprochement reconciliation with different countries recalibrating
their foreign policies, this relationship, the UAE and Turkey is the one that you know, so many different analysts and experts really did not see
this possible, no one really saw this one coming and the speed at which it is moving. And the reason for that Becky's you mentioned these are two
countries that have been on the opposite sides of the ideological spectrum for the past decade, they have found themselves on opposing sides of crises
and conflicts from the eastern Mediterranean to East Africa.
And of course, Libya, where they -- where they backed different sides in that conflict. And, you know, this relationship really soured back in 2011,
with the Arab Spring, with Turkey, President Erdogan backing groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, a red line for monarchies in this region,
including the UAE that see this as an existential threat. And it just got worse from there. So, this is why everybody is really surprised to see this
moving in such a remarkable speed, Becky.
ANDERSON: And you made a very important point, because this speaks to the bigger story here and around the region of pivot in foreign policy, away
from endless conflict and war in favor of economic stability, and security. That speaks to policy here and, indeed, with an economy in as bad a shape
as the Turkish economy is to President Erdogan as well.
KARADSHEH: Absolutely, I mean, Becky, this is essentially all about the economy. And you're hearing this from both countries. Look, if you look at
-- you can't look at this relationship, this reset in isolation, you have to look at it and everything else that has been going on with almost every
major power in this region, trying to shift its foreign policy, trying to mend ties with foes and neighbors alike.
And, you know, arguably this all goes back to the departure of Donald Trump, the -- this perception of U.S. disengagement in this region and the
feeling that they need to fend for themselves right now. And so, this is a big factor in all of this. But as you mentioned, at the heart of all of
this right now is the economy. The UAE, saying, you know, last year you turn in its foreign policy, economic interest is going to be at the heart
of its foreign policy going forward.
Economic interest that is, and it's the same thing for Turkey. I mean, this is all that President Erdogan has been talking about for the past couple of
days. All the deals that he's going to be signing with the UAE, the investment that he's going to be bringing into the country. These countries
are major trade partners, and they're now looking at expanding this. For President Erdogan, elections are coming up next year.
And he is really betting on bringing in this cash coming in from Gulf States especially the UAE in a hope that this is going to really give the
Turkish economy the boost that it needs before those elections or it's going to cost him dearly at the polls, Becky.
ANDERSON: Important stuff. Thank you, Jomana. Jomana Karadsheh here with us in Abu Dhabi covering that trip.
While the diplomacy is flying fast and furious, his warnings intensify about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. Look, we're going to have the
latest for you from the Ukrainian capitol coming up. You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Becky Anderson. Do stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:32:11]
ANDERSON: Welcome back. I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi. It is just half after 7:00 here. You are watching CONNECT THE WORLD. Now, a flurry of
diplomatic efforts over the next few hours and indeed the next few days could usher in a new era of peace or of war. At the center of it all
Russia's military buildup near Ukraine. A senior U.S. official tells CNN the latest U.S. intelligence says that Russia could be preparing for action
this week.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz just met with the Ukrainian president in Kyiv promising solidarity and support. Meanwhile, U.S. President Biden's spoke
with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the weekend outlining the repercussions of any invasion. There is a glimmer of hope. Russia's Foreign
Minister has reportedly told Mr. Putin that there is a chance for diplomacy to work and to let those efforts continue.
Clarissa Ward joining us now from Kyiv with the latest. Sergey Lavrov, he says, at least wants his boss to give diplomacy a chance. Is it clear
whether Mr. Putin has an appetite for more negotiations at this point?
CLARISSA WARD, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, I think that we should see these comments in the context of this moment as being a very
clear statement from Moscow that at least in the short term future, the intention or the declared intention is that they would like to proceed with
these talks that war will not be happening imminently. Now, whether that is designed simply to kind of offset the rhetoric and the announcements in the
intelligence that we've seen for -- coming from the U.S. or whether it's designed to make the U.S. look somehow foolish, is another story.
Whether Russia is really entering into these sort of diplomatic efforts in good faith and with real sincerity remains to be seen. But it was
definitely a symbolic moment, Becky, to see the President with his foreign minister at that extraordinarily long table, basically affirming that for
now, in Sergey Lavrov's words, you know, the sort of diplomatic efforts haven't been far from exhausted and that they should be, "continued and
increased."
So, that's the word from Moscow. Nobody, of course is likely to take it at face value, but it is certainly significant because it was quite clearly
intended to be broadcast and sort of telegraphed around the world.
ANDERSON: Joe Biden is talking tough, the Europeans are talking tough as his NATO's leadership. The very security of of Europe we are warned is at
stake. The Russian President contends that it's actually Russia's security that is under threat at this point.
[10:35:09]
ANDERSON: I mean, you've just outlined where there does seem to be some opportunity. The question is, at this point, who blinks first and you are
in Kyiv where the President at this point certainly needs to keep a cool head. Doesn't he?
WARD: He does need to keep a cool head. And I think the question really becomes Becky, at what stage is Kyiv forced to make some kind of a
concession in order to give Russia and the U.S. a way to find an off ramp whereby everybody saves space, whereby a catastrophic World War is averted.
And I thought it was very interesting in his press conference, Presidency Zelensky standing alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, we still
want to be and pursued NATO membership.
You may remember over the weekend, there was this kind of back and forth where the U.K. -- the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.K. had suggested in an
interview initially, that Ukraine might be willing to relinquish or at least sort of put down the road its desire to join NATO. He then very
quickly rolled that back and said that his comments had been taken out of context, and that Ukraine actually does want to continue to pursue NATO
membership.
But again, I think the question becomes, will Ukraine come under further pressure to make some kind of a concession that allows for this situation
to de-escalate?
ANDERSON: Clarissa Ward is in Kyiv tonight for you. Clarissa Thank you.
Well, let's get you up to speed on some of the other stories that are on our radar right now. And five people working with the United Nations have
been abducted in Yemen. This happened on Friday in the southern Yemen, governorate of Abyan. The staffers were on their way back to Aden after
completing a field missions. This is according to the U.N. representative in Yemen. There's no word yet on who the abductors are.
Well, Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen destroyed her Houthi telecommunication system used to control drones according to Saudi state
T.V. Now that bombing targeted the Ministry of Communications in Sana'a. The coalition says the site was linked to a drone attack on a Saudi Airport
last weekend that wounded 12 people.
And the Taliban released to journalists working for the U.N.'s refugee agency after six days inside a Kabul prison. Andrew McConnell tweeted about
his release. On Saturday, he and Andrew North are covering the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Becky Anderson for you. We're going to take a very short break at this point. Still ahead. It was a late night
in Los Angeles after celebrating victory in the Super Bowl. We'll take a look at the best moments from what was the game and the halftime show. And
indeed, we'll take a look at some of the most expensive ads.
And Kylie Humphries has won gold medals before but this one is very very special. Why? More on that up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[10:40:31]
ANDERSON (voice over): Rather appropriate Hollywood ending for the L.A. Rams in Super Bowl LVI in the closing minutes, a game-winning touchdown.
The team from Tinseltown and a 23 to 20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Well, fans feel filled the streets, chanting the name of their winning team. Unfortunately, not only celebrations were good natured. And the LAPD
condemned some violent and destructive acts.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well how much does 30 seconds cost if you advertise during the Super Bowl? Well the answer is a cool $7 million.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You found me. Nice suits. You guys blend right in.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We'll need you back.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm retired. Greg, you know this.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: People have their money just sitting around.
ANDERSON: Well, Super Bowl ads have long been the provenance of snacks, cars and beer but not this year. This year. It was all about crypto. Even
Tom Brady got in on the game.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM BRADY, SUPER BOWL STAR: I'm getting into crypto with FTX. You're in?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, providing give 360 degree access to the crypto markets with ability to trade everything from alls to defy. I believe I'm
in but still hate you.
BRADY: Understood.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take care. Best of family.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is he in?
ANDERSON: Well, these were ads from FTX. Bit by crypto.com and eToro with superstar endorsements from Larry and LeBron James. Coinbase ran a floating
Q.R. code ad that was so popular it crash the app. Believe me. This stuff is powerful.
Although Super Bowl is without a touch of glamour and a cast of stars to keep everyone entertained. And this year saw something quite special. Hip-
hop turn that stadium into the world's biggest house party.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre headlined a parade of legendary artists, including Mary J. Blige, 20 -- 50 cent and Kendrick Lamar. One of the
standout moments came from Eminem.
There he is. Taking a knee on the NFL zone stage in support of Black Lives Matter and former player Colin Kaepernick.
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ANDERSON: It was around the world from L.A. to Beijing show you where Team USA is trying to add to its medal count which means that Kylie Humphries
has definitely got something to smile about. Amanda Davies in the house with more details. Amanda?
AMANDA DAVIES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Yes, Becky. Kylie Humphries, no stranger to standing on the top of the Winter Olympic podium having won gold in 2010
and 2014. But this is a little bit different, it's the first time she's done it representing not Team Canada but Team USA, having only got her
American citizenship confirmed in December. And it's a new event in the monobob. A woman on her own essentially going down the bobsled track.
So, a huge moment for her and it was a U.S. one-two. But we've got news of a medal ceremony that isn't going to be taking place in Beijing coming up
in just a couple of minutes.
ANDERSON: Good stuff. That's World Sport after the break. I'm back after that. Stay with us.
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