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First Move with Julia Chatterley

Scholz: Germany has Supported Ukraine for Many Years; Zelensky Reaffirms that Ukraine Wants to Join NATO; Germany's Scholz, Ukraine's Zelensky Hold News Conference; Record Infections in Hong Kong Strain Health System; Norwegian, KLM stop Flights to and over Ukraine. Aired 9-10a ET

Aired February 14, 2022 - 09:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[09:00:00]

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT: --the Chancellor repeated that Germany - integrity of Ukraine with its internationally recognized borders

and including Crimea.

We discussed the recent steps in terms of peaceful settlement. We have managed to carry out several meetings in Kyiv and - of the advisors in the

framework of the Normandy format. We shared the vision of the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Germany and Mr. Scholz will present not just the German position, but the common position of the United Europe. And it is very important for us that

the Head of the German government had talks in Kyiv, and we appreciate it very much.

I would like to repeat once again, that the security of Ukraine is the security of Europe and all together we can find some ways how to defend and

protect our achievements? We discuss also the ways to Russian aggression.

And I reiterate once again that it is very important to give preventative signals and also I repeated several times that we need additional weapons

defense capacities. Germany is one of our key partners in Europe.

Germany investments will be the key guarantees of our stable relations and stable growth. We continue our talks and we plan to suggest carrying out

the fifth German Ukrainian Economic Forum later this year.

We continue consultations between Ukraine and Germany, which will be covered by me and Mr. Chancellor. We also discussed the issues relating to

the Nord Stream 2 and here we have some differences in section at this pipeline.

And today we got this pipeline exclusive - prism of energy and security and safety of our country. I suggested carrying out our strategic dialogues, in

which we shall determine the support of our country in the area of energy.

Mr. Chancellor also confirmed the intent of Germany to support our initiatives in terms of green energy, and the way on our side are ready to

suggest some concrete measures in support of green energy.

We assure and certain that our partners will be firmly on the position of open doors policy of - we would like to see the support of this policy of

escalations to join NATO alliance which would be a strong step from a Europe and other countries of the world.

OLAF SCHOLZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: Many thanks for hosting me so warmly, Volodymyr Zelensky. We had have talk for two hours and that was good and

fair. That was not the first of our talks.

We had already had intensive exchanges, but it's very good that we can do it here locally. I'm especially delighted that I am here as the Chancellor

of Germany in Kyiv. We have serious time during which I visit the Ukraine one message is very important Germany is closely at U.S. side.

[09:05:00]

SCHOLZ: My country is impressed of the democracy movement in Ukraine and supports it on its democratic paths since 2014. There are courageous women

at - who are fighting and also lost their lives for it.

We have also seen the memorial for that Germany has supported the Ukraine for many years, no country in the world has - supported Ukraine than

Germany, $2 billion U.S. have been invested. And because of that Ukraine is more resilient and strong, and they have more self-determination.

I can assure you that we will continue this kind of support decisively. 150 million euro will be paid as credit and also a further 150 million euros

will be paid. This is embedded in the financial EU aid in terms of 2 billion, and a quarter of that is from Germany. We have strong economic

relations, and we are engaged with the Ukraine.

And we encourage German companies to invest in the Ukraine. In terms of security, we have been engaged for years, we have trained Ukrainian

officials, and we have treated Ukrainians in German hospitals and we also have a mobile field hospital supported.

And we did this together with Estonia and Latvia. So we want to have a good situation in this difficult situation. We had the Normandy format talks;

this is a very important contribution in this dialogue lead.

We have talks also on the advisor level that has happened and continued in Berlin. It is and remains a difficult process. I'm convinced that this

effort is worth it. President Zelensky and I agree that the Normandy format, and also the talks with Russia and also within the OSCE Council is

very important format for Russia.

The president has assured me that the special status in terms of constitution and elections will be provided for talks of the Minsk

agreement. We agree that we are all concerned about the situation at the Russian border at Ukraine.

We cannot understand there are no reasons for such a buildup of military. The demands of Russia of security guarantees we'll also be talked about

today. I would like to make clear again, that sovereignty and also the territorial integrity of Ukraine is negotiable.

We expect from Russia clear steps towards de-escalation of this tense situation, the German government things it's quite clear that more

aggression against the Ukraine will have severe consequences on Russia.

And I will say that tomorrow in Russia, I thank you very much for your calm response in this difficult and threatening situation. We want to encourage

the Ukraine to continue this responsible political operation.

We work together on all levels intensively and confidentially, also with our partners of NATO. However, it's very important also to have direct

talks and this is one of my central reasons why I'm here? We are willing to a dialogue with Russia about security.

[09:10:00]

SCHOLZ: The U.S. has made clear proposals to Russia and we are awaiting a response from Russia. We believe that OSCE gives us a platform for further

talks where people on the same footing can talk together.

The European cooperation will also be talked about. We want to make use this and we will always be for support of the Ukraine in case of a military

aggression, then we will be ready in agreement for comprehensive sanctions. If Russia will violate, again, Ukrainian sovereignty, we will know what to

do.

ZELENSKY: --gave us several questions Ukraine 24 TV Channel. First of all, I would like to ask President of Ukraine I would like to know your opinion

about the statement of - Ambassador to the UK regarding the statement that Ukraine may refuse to join a NATO.

And we have heard that there was some interpretation of this statement. Could you clarify it? Another question to the Chancellor is Germany ready

to apply further sanctions and cancel - if we have the escalation.

I will answer first I cannot tell you everything and put all doubts above eyes because not everything depends upon the Ukraine regarding the future

alliance, our escalations and missions, you'll note them perfectly well.

We have some design in our country, 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. And it's also stated in our legislation in the Constitution of Ukraine if we put all the dots above eyes, we know the answer. And we'll

know the future of UK.

Regarding the statement of our ambassador you were quite right that the answer. The response from the Minister or the Foreign Affairs Minister

Kuleba was correct and well balanced. Regarding the statement of - on whether we understood him correctly.

We should pay some attention to some details because some journalists and state had a hint to Ukraine to stop rising the issue of the Ukraine joining

NATO because it's also escalates the risks of danger from the Russian Federation?

But we have to know how long with a way of joining NATO is ahead of Ukraine who will be our friends and partners on this path and maybe this open

doors, all are some sort of dream or signal because we are moving towards it, but nobody knows when we'll reach it.

But I think that we have to move on this. We have chosen it and the most important thing is that we have the most powerful army and then we'll see

when this path will lead us?

[09:15:00]

SCHOLZ: We together have a serious challenge and that's the threat of the Ukrainian border. There are a lot of troops of Russia and a lot of military

equipment; you can see that from the sea. And we know that they do this also in the Belarus.

If we look at this all together, and then there is a central challenge, and how we can de-escalate the situation so that the troops in Belarus can

withdraw without having a war in the Ukraine? The same applies to the Ukrainian border, and the border to Russia.

This is a challenging task we have. The question in terms of membership that is something that is not there practically, this is why it's a bit

strange that the Russian government has not on the agenda, the wider political issues.

So it's not really a topic now. We have the principle of Helsinki. We have the principle of freely membership or joining that is quite clear. There

are certain interests where other states cannot have any determination.

We have a conflict here we have to de-escalate it. And this is the task of this hour. We've got the Normandy format talks, the Minsk agreement. We

have the talks between the U.S. and Russia. We have talks in terms of the NATO Council, and also the OSCE talks and this is our mission.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: --newspapers with Deutsche. The Chancellor said that we would know what to do if the territorial integrity is violated. However, he

didn't mention what exactly is that? Are you president satisfied with this strategic ambiguity as the chancellor said?

Or do you think it should be clearly stated what sanctions would entail and also Nord Stream 2? The Chancellor said NATO membership may possibly be

like a dream? You talked of a long perspective?

It's not on the agenda. Is that something you believe could convince Putin? Is that a message you will take to Moscow? And in that NATO joining for the

Ukraine will not be there long term?

ZELENSKY: First of all, I would like to speak about the membership in NATO, and we have spoken about this issue several times with Mr. Scholz. We do

not signal and do not indicate that we do don't expire to join NATO.

This is a topical issue. And this issue - other countries who do not want to join NATO. Regarding the sanctions, this is a problem to which I do not

have an answer. Are they going to do - what sanctions will be applied to Russia in case of the Russian aggression?

I have specifically asked this question to much council states during these very dangerous recent months and I cannot answer you because I have not got

a specific answer to this question.

SCHOLZ: Indeed, we work intensively to prepare a sanction package. We can act at any time we have taken great care to talk this with our - over with

our friends in the United States with the American president and also with officials within the European Union.

[09:20:00]

SCHOLZ: On any day, we are in a position to act on the necessary decisions. We have had talks, and made clear towards Russia that this will be in that

way. So nobody should doubt our decisiveness and also preparedness. And we know that, for example, Russia or the U.S. possibly doubt.

However, if there is military aggression, we will act and there will be comprehensive measures. And this would have consequences economically on

Russia, however, we want to do everything possible to prevent, and have de- escalation. This is why our talks were precious. And we went really into detail, and also talked about bills drafts that we would need for these

processes.

And that's a good process so that there cannot be any excuses how we can use the strategy to get out of this intractable situation? And I'm grateful

for this from the Ukraine. Again, we have prepared ourselves and we are determined.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: --TV channel, please. Mr. President so several counters, made statements that their embassies are relocated to the western

cities of Ukraine, and there was also notice from some news agencies, the - media regarding the families of some officials and prominent businessmen

across the country, where is your family at the moment?

ZELENSKY: My family is always with me. They're always in Ukraine. I am the - to my wife is not just my wife, she is the first lady and she should be

an example how to behave yourself? It's not mandatory for all other people who you have mentioned.

But I think that this is a very basic thing, which is important to the country, because you have to support your country and be in your country at

the moment. I believe that we live in the great times.

But what about politicians, diplomats, business people, you see yourself that way just chatter files just yesterday. It means contract we have a

wealthy country. We have a lot of what is mentioned made. But I believe that our reliable people are remaining in the country.

And I would like to stand on the diplomats, which was very important. And on this is a way not just to the NATO, EU, this is the way to the future. I

believe that some embassies are moving towards the Western Ukraine, but there is no Western or Eastern Ukraine, we have just one Ukraine.

It cannot be that embassy will be five or six hours away from the war or conflict. I believe that this is their choice. But I will concentrate on

our management or the management of our country on people who are at the moment - deputies of some political parties. I don't want to name them, you

all know them. But I believe that this is a very serious challenge.

[09:25:00]

ZELENSKY: And we have to give him indication a signal from the Supreme Council from the Speaker from the Head of States, and I would ask them to

return to this country within 24 hours, I think that they have to come back otherwise, we as the leadership of the country, we have to make some

conclusions. And we shall make this conclusion.

We cannot say that we are patterns that move our offices - stole we have to go so all the United States. I think it's not unfair, you are not of

Ukraine, but another country. But we cannot influence the businesses leaders who left the country.

But I think that they have obligations towards employees, to the enterprises who are working in the Ukraine, we are speaking about people -

serious industrial, manufacturing the business and they all participated in the privatization of our industry. And the countries they stayed gave him a

great chance and they have to repay it. I think that the citizen so Ukraine will remain.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: --I have a question and the foreign office as well. The German Foreign Office has called for the German citizens to leave the

country. And - they have also moved their consulate to Kyiv so does Germany strengthen the Ukraine's back or is it appropriate because of tense

situation - the Ukraine - said that they hope to move arms from Germany, you have that said if not the case. And how far do you support now the

Ukraine with - do you plan to support them?

ZELENSKY: Thank you. At this time, we obviously have a lot of questions, which we see differently. I am frank and open person. And if some people

from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany moved out. I don't know about it.

But I see over here the Ambassador of Germany over here, not just because that Chancellor came if you ask me, I do not have any issues with the

German Embassy. And thank you for your support.

UNIDENFIED FEMALE: I also welcome the German Ambassador indeed there is great engagement as a sign of our link with the Ukraine. I have already

been talked about this, the German law in terms of arms that is something you know, in relation to crisis regions, we have given a lot of aid I want

to repeat Germany is the best financial supporter of Ukraine and we will remain doing so.

We, of course, check everything possible within our framework. And when we finished our investigation, then we will make - will be able to make the

statement.

ZELENSKY: Thank you for your questions. And now our event is over. Thank you.

[09:30:00]

JULIA CHATTERLEY, CNN HOST, THE FIRST MOVE: President Zelensky of Ukraine there and the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, holding a press conference

after two hours of good talks and quoting German Chancellor there a whole range of issues discussed.

I think President Zelensky's line, which was we share vision, the vision of a peaceful settlement of the conflict, pointing out to that the German

Chancellor will go to Moscow tomorrow to meet Vladimir Putin and will present a common position of the EU and not just Germany's side.

Interesting qualification, I think, coming from President Zelensky and the German Chancellor on NATO as well. He said, look, it remains part of their

future ambitions in case there was any confusion after the weekend's comments from the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK. But it's not the absolute

goal.

And the German Chancellor then said, look, it's not really an issue now. And it's strange that the Russians keep pointing to the issue of NATO

membership has been a prevalent issue today, which I thought was quite interesting, also reiterating support that they remain closely aligned to

Ukraine and have provided $2 billion worth of support since 2014.

And that support will continue. Pressed also, on what happens if we do see further escalation? We expect to see closer steps towards de-escalation

from Russia and that the German Chancellor will reiterate that with President Putin tomorrow, he was pushed in the Q&A. What happens if we

don't see that and what will be the response?

He said, if Ukraine's sovereignty is violated, we will know what to do he was asked what that looks like. He said, look, we're prepared to package

and we can act at any time. Fred Pleitgen is in Moscow for us. Fred I know, you were listening into that your observations on that too. I think a

crucial point made their NATO just to clear up confusion if nothing else.

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I think that was really a crucial point. It was quite interesting to hear Olaf Scholz saying

that as he was standing next to Volodymyr Zelensky.

And essentially, right after Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine said yes, look, we're still striving for NATO membership, that he believes

that it would bring you know, integrity and peace to Ukraine, and certainly stability as well. And then Olaf Scholz right on the back of that, saying

that right now, it's simply something that's not in the cards. It's not on the table.

And therefore he wonders why Russia is making such an issue of it at this point in time. That certainly, also to me very much stood out. The other

lines from Olaf Scholz are certainly lines that we've heard before, especially the fact that Germans keep pointing out that they are one of the

biggest or the biggest as they put a single donor of financial aid to the Ukrainians.

That came on the heels of a question about military aid to Ukraine, which is certainly something that's been a bit of an uncomfortable topic for Olaf

Scholz. The Ukrainian Ambassador in Berlin, for instance, was pressing the issue, saying that Ukraine needs defensive weapons and wants Germany to

provide some of those defensive weapons.

The Germans have continuously been saying that they are not going to be providing any sort of arms to Ukraine, saying that they don't, they don't

export arms into crisis areas. That's been a big topic. It was really one of the reasons why some people in Ukraine, certainly, you know, we're a bit

disappointed by the German government in the past couple of days.

So that's another thing that really stood out. Then also, what would happen if there was a further invasion of Ukraine, Olaf Scholz, obviously, leaving

out Nord Stream 2 something that he's consistently been doing as well.

And this visit to President Zelensky there as important for Olaf Scholz as tomorrow he'll be here in Moscow in visiting with Vladimir Putin. And we

did hear some interesting remarks from the Kremlin today, as well with the Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a meeting with Vladimir Putin saying

that he believed that there was still a chance for diplomacy after a question from Vladimir Putin.

So certainly looks as though the Russians are looking to continuously talk and another sort of nugget that we picked up that I think is also quite

interesting. Vladimir Putin also today meeting with his defense minister and his defense minister there saying that some of the large scale

exercises that have been going on around the area of Ukraine, some of those are coming to an end, some of those will soon come to an end.

Whether or not that means that maybe some sort of pulling back of troops could be in the cards with the messaging, the signaling there is, from the

Russian side, certainly very difficult to interpret, but definitely something to watch with some interest, Julia.

CHATTERLEY: Yes. It's such a great point Fred. And he was pushed on that. What are those clear steps of de-escalation and we have to wait and see if

we hear anything from tomorrow some discussions of course.

On that point Sam Kiley joins us now from the Ukrainian Russian border. Sam I know, you've been looking what's happening there, just outside Kharkov in

Ukraine? What's your sense based on the Intel that we got from the United States and what we heard once again in this press conference about the

military buildup and the threat, the current threat that it presents?

SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, President Zelensky Julia in his phone call with President Biden yesterday asked for more

financial and for more military assistance because in the view of the Ukrainians and shared by a lot of analysts, the international response to

the rest invasion of Russia and back to invasion - or secession it's largely of Donbas the annexation of Crime in 2014.

[09:35:00]

KILEY: The international response to that was pretty pusillanimous, in terms of supporting Ukraine with any kind of military equipment that could

help make a difference or even help to defend the country. Now that said, I've just come down from the border, opposite Belgrade, the Russian City

where the First Guards Tank Army, a whole army, which on paper is almost as big as the British army is concentrating according to our analysis of

Russian propaganda that they've been putting out.

But also social media on that border with tanks, multiple rocket launching systems, Iskander missiles, or helicopters have recently arrived in the

last 24 hours. That is what is being information coming to us from what's going on in Russia.

On this side of the border, though, Julia, you wouldn't know that this was a country fearing to be on the brink of war. Here in Kharkov life has gone

on completely quietly. At the border, there were trucks waiting to cross and crossing into Russia, there wasn't a lot of traffic coming.

The other way local people there, who are overwhelmingly Russian speaking, were all saying, look, we live next to the Russians. We're not that fast by

some rude the demise of the Soviet era. And the younger people we person - I spoke to said agreed with his president that the real issue here was

panic.

That panic was affecting the economy and instability, of course, delivers from the Ukrainian perspective, kind of what Russia is looking for. Now

what is Russia looking for? Is it really looking Julia for a promise that Ukraine can never join NATO?

Why would it be looking for that promise, when it is already sponsoring the occupation of Crimea, and it is sponsoring Russian back - it is backing

rebels in the Donbas under NATO's regulations? The rules are a little bit vague here, but that there is no real possibility of any nation joining

NATO when it's in a hot dispute over territory, because that would automatically trigger a war.

So as long as Russia has a foothold militarily in Ukraine, which it does in the form of the annexation of Crimea, it's completely off the cards that it

can be joined NATO. So what really is going on here is the question that Ukrainians are asking themselves, is this really about not seeing, from the

Russian perspective, a successful pro Western democracy on their doorstep?

And if that's the case, then any kind of amount of diplomatic maneuvering may not solve, necessarily the desire to de-stabilize Ukraine in the longer

term. What form that de-stabilization takes, though, is very much open to interpretation, as Fred was saying.

CHATTERLEY: Yes. And it's just, arguably then a pretext, to maintain troops where they're positioned at this moment in time? Fred, come back in because

I just want to ask you, to the point that Sam was making there about panic. And it's something that President Zelensky has done his best in recent

weeks to play down and say it's the last thing we want and actually it plays into Russia's hands.

He was asked about his wife, and where his wife is located. Obviously, after a weekend where we've seen certain nations removing their employees

from embassies, we've seen airlines say, we're no longer going to fly over the airspace. He was asked about his wife. And his response was, was quite

pointed, I think.

PLEITGEN: Yes, it certainly was. I mean, he said that his wife is also of course, the First Lady of Ukraine that his family is always with him, and

that his wife is obviously always with him inside the country as well. And so certainly, he was definitely trying to display what he's - what he's

really been trying to display since the beginning of all this is to remain calm, and to carry on, really, and, you know.

Obviously, in certain instances that has brought him at odds also, with the U.S. and some with some other Western nations as well, for exactly the

reasons that you were just mentioning for the fact that they were pulling out and have been pulling out diplomatic personnel, you know, in many

cases, only keeping the core sort of diplomatic staff in Kyiv, and other cities as well.

But he is one who's always projected the fact that he believes that now is not the moment to panic, for obviously, various reasons. I mean, some of

those reasons are also the fact that all of this has already caused massive economic issues for Ukraine, just, you know, just businesses that are

obviously very concerned.

And people not coming to Ukraine, it certainly makes it very difficult for him to, to keep all of that together. So he's been trying to portray that

comment he has done that again. And then at the same time, he criticized business people and others who are leaving Ukraine and saying that that's

something that simply isn't acceptable and that people need you to look at that, especially business people.

He said, look, your staff needs you in in Ukraine as well. So I did think that that certainly was sort of him showing that that he's remaining common

him really try and display some leadership skills as well, Julia.

CHATTERLEY: Yes. Fred, great to have you with us thank you! Fred Pleitgen and Sam Kiley there both thank you! Well, "First Move" after the break stay

with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:40:00]

CHATTERLEY: Welcome back to "First Move". And to recap news this hour Ukraine's President says his country still wants to join NATO. But it's not

quote the absolute goal. He spoke at a press conference with the German Chancellor just moments ago.

Joining us now Ambassador William Taylor, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and is now Vice President of the strategic stability and security

at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Ambassador Taylor, fantastic to have you with us! I'm sure you were watching that press conference closely. What did

you make of some of the comments that were made there?

WILLIAM TAYLOR, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO UKARAINE: Julia, it appears that what's going on in Moscow is very interesting as well in response to what's

going on in Kyiv. In Kyiv we see President Zelensky holding firm, showing a resolute face, appearing there with allies, the chancellor, others have

come through to show support for President Zelensky and standing firm and I would say staring down President Putin.

In Moscow, there is now more talk of negotiation. And in Moscow, of course, President Putin has the decision to make between invasion and negotiation.

And it looks like they're more inclined. This may be too soon to say, Julia, but I will go out here.

I think that the negotiations are looking more likely than invasion at this point. And that's obviously a very good thing.

CHATTERLEY: Do you think that's changed literally in the last 24 hours? Because what we saw over the weekend was the United States almost seemingly

releasing intelligence the moment they got it suggesting that an invasion could happen at any moment?

There was a real imminent see in a fear over the weekend, suddenly, fast forward to this morning and you have comments from the Foreign Minister of

Russia saying there remains a chance for diplomatic dialogue with the West and he recommends that continues. It feels like a change.

TAYLOR: So both messages have been important Julia. I think this is key, both the calm determination and resolve that President Zelensky has

projected, as well as the sense of urgency that is coming from international community including the United States, which has led to a

strong response and support for the Ukrainian military.

[09:45:00]

TAYLOR: That is to deter Mr. Putin from making a decision on invasion. And yes I think the signals coming out or the indications coming out from

Moscow this morning that they are interested in negotiations is something that we've been looking for some time. And now we're starting to see it.

CHATTERLEY: You know it's fascinating that again, NATO membership came up in this press conference. And obviously, there was concern over the weekend

off the comments from the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK that perhaps they would reconsider that was welcomed by Russia, in comments this morning.

Do you think actually inadvertently, Russia has been surprised by the degree of unity from NATO allies from the United States from Europe in the

show diplomacy that we've seen; he sort of inadvertently created what he didn't want to see in the first place. And that is actually greater

alignment than he realized?

TAYLOR: Julia, I think you're exactly right. I think President Putin is surprised at the unity of the NATO alliance, but he's also surprised at the

determination of President Zelensky and President Biden not to blink. They are holding firm.

And you mentioned that comment by the Ukrainian Ambassador to London. I talked to Ambassador Prystaiko. And he did not mean to indicate that there

was any rethinking of that decision. He's a very professional and it is very clear that Ukraine is a sovereign nation.

Ukraine, as a sovereign nation gets to decide whether or not to apply to NATO, then there's a whole process for to take that forward. But that's its

sovereign decision of Ukraine and that's what Ambassador Prystaiko said, as well.

CHATTERLEY: And that's why context is always important. And we're great to have you - glad to have you with us Ambassador to get that. Very quickly I

know you were also in Kyiv. Last weekend, you spoke to President Zelensky you were speaking to a lot of people there.

There's a lot of alarmism and rhetoric flying around. Just to get your sense of what you're hearing there and the perspective there and the calm

that the president portrayed in that press conference. Is that real beneath the surface?

TAYLOR: I think it is real. You heard it again this morning. You hear it from people, if there's obviously a concern, there's obviously a worry

among Ukrainians that they've got 130, 140, 150,000 Russians on their border on three of their four borders, three and a half, really.

So there is a concern, and people are taking it seriously. You see all these reports of territorial defense trainings of civilians who are out

there getting ready to resist the Russian forces, should they come into their cities and towns? So there is a concern out there but the calm you

also see.

And Ukrainians we have to remember have been living with this threat from Russia since 2014, when Russia invaded in the first place.

CHATTERLEY: But to your point, I think this is very different. This now feels very different from 2014. And that's the important point too.

Ambassador great to have you with us, Ambassador Taylor, Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and Vice President at the U.S. Institute of Peace sir

thank you as always.

TAYLOR: Thank you, Julia.

CHATTERLEY: OK to other news now. In Hong Kong COVID cases are rising to record levels. The financial hub top 2000 new infections in a single day

for the first time since the pandemic started. Hospitals and quarantine centers are maxing out and officials are weighing up tougher action as

Kristie Lu Stout reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Here in Hong Kong, the healthcare system is overwhelmed as a city is hit with a record surge in

COVID 19 infection. On Monday, Hong Kong reported over 2000 new daily COVID-19 cases and 4500 more suspected cases.

STOUT (voice over): This is a significant rise from the previous day. Hospital beds for COVID patients are at 90 percent occupancy, isolation

facilities are nearing their maximum. After a government meeting between Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese officials in Shenzhen at the weekend the

Hong Kong government said that Beijing would help with testing treatment and quarantine capacity in fact, task forces have been announced.

But it's not clear when Hong Kong will approve the funding or how quickly help will arrive? Late on Sunday, the Hong Kong government said that

children from age three would be able to get vaccinated starting on Tuesday, and this follows the death of a four year old that had tested

preliminary positive for COVID-19.

Now officials also warn that food supplies may be disrupted after truck drivers responsible for transporting food into the city tested positive.

Hong Kong and Mainland China are among the few places in the world with this so called dynamic zero COVID strategy, a policy designed to suppress

every outbreak.

But according to Hong Kong's Number Two Official John Lee there are so far no plans to lock down the city.

[09:50:00]

JOHN LEE, CHIEF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG: Obviously, how things are run and practice in the mainland may have to be modified a

little bit if it is to be applied in Hong Kong that modification may or may not affect the effectiveness or efficiency of the whole arrangement.

So, it may - there may be positive areas that some of the strengths in the system can be maintained by dividing responsibilities and functions between

what are those that are best to be taken in Hong Kong, and what are those that may best be done as background support in the mainland.

STOUT (voice over): Tough measures are already in place among them schools are closed gyms and entertainment venues are closed. There's no dine in

service after 6 pm. There's a ban on social gatherings of more than two people. There also the strict quarantines and border restrictions in place.

Two years into this pandemic and Hong Kong and its dynamics zero COVID policy are being put to the test as COVID-19 cases here exponentially rise.

Kristie Lu Stout, CNN, Hong Kong.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHATTERLEY: And more "First Move" after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHATTERLEY: Welcome back to "First Move". U.S. stocks are up and running this Monday and we've got mixed open with tech now posting gains amid hopes

for a lessening of tensions between Russia and the West. We did pare back some of the earlier losses pre market after as we've mentioned Russian

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that he sees a path forward for diplomatic talks.

Now some airlines in the meantime are suspending flights to Ukraine as a precautionary measure, as fears of a Russian invasion grew over the

weekend. Anna Stewart joins me now. Anna take us through who's doing what and also who isn't making adjustments at this stage to?

ANNA STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, because at this stage it is the very beginnings that feels like just minor disruption really. Over the weekend,

the Netherlands issued a travel warning that was the government and so we had KLM Dutch Airline saying that they were going to stop flying to Ukraine

on Saturday. They usually have two flights to Kyiv each day.

Today Norwegian says it's now avoiding flying over Ukrainian airspace that will impact just a small number of routes but lift hands on some of the

other airlines we've reached out to you today say they're just monitoring the situation and looking at the departure and arrivals boards at Kyiv

airport.

We still have Ryanair, Wiz air Czech - Austrian, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, most airlines still flying in and out of the country. But of course that

can change very quickly depending on the situation on the ground. And Ukraine is very concerned about the situation.

Over the weekend they said that they're actually going to take on some financial commitments to cover insurance companies and leasing companies,

some of which have already started to dispense services over the weekend Julia.

CHATTERLEY: Yes. Not supporting some flights may not be arriving there but financial assistance hopefully is very soon. The Ambassadors of the EU

endorsing a proposal to provide around 1.2 billion euros I believe. How quickly might we see that come through what more steps are required?

[09:55:00]

STEWART: That was very interesting because the French President Emmanuel Macron actually sort of mentioned this figure last week. And then today,

the EU leaders have endorsed it. It still needs to go through the parliament and council though.

The G7 and the IMF have also said today that they stand ready to provide further financial assistance. They say they've already offered over $48

billion worth of support to Ukraine since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

All of the international bodies essentially are ready with help and help will be given as and when it is needed. But at this stage, it's really

trying to bolster I think the confidence particularly for investors, and that's so important for Ukraine, given the huge capital outflows they're

already seeing Julia.

CHATTERLEY: Anna, great to have you with us. Thank you so much for that update there. And that's it for the show. Stay safe "Connect the World"

with Becky Anderson is next. And "First Move" will be back tomorrow.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

END