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Ukraine Takes Credit For Attack On Crimea-Russia Bridge; Hearing On Trump Classified Documents Tomorrow; Jayapal Walks Back Statement That Israel Is A "Racist State". Aired 11-11:30a ET

Aired July 17, 2023 - 11:00   ET

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

[11:00:00]

JOHN BERMAN, CNN HOST: A dangerous heat dome is choking parts of the United States. Is there any end in sight?

SARA SIDNER, CNN HOST: Flirting with a third party candidacy in the 2024 presidential race, will conservative Democrat Senator Joe Manchin join the No Labels Group. I'm Sara Sidner with John Berman and Kate Bolduan. This is CNN News Central.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN HOST: Russia's foreign ministry says its opening and official investigation into what it calls a terrorist act after Ukraine made a rare admission that it was behind the attack on the critical bridge in Russian occupied Crimea. The Kerch Bridge is the only link between the land and Russia. It's become a vital crossing for Moscow to support its invasion of Ukraine and also a critical artery in supplying Crimea with all sorts of supplies.

Russian officials say that there is severe damage to the roadway. But this morning we have learned that rail traffic across the bridge is moving. Let's get the very latest from CNN's Alex Marquardt. He's in Odessa, Ukraine before us. Alex, what more are you learning about the attack and where things go now?

ALEX MARQUARDT, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Well, certainly that the question now is how is Russia going to respond? They're going to take this very seriously for the reasons you laid out, those two reasons that this is hugely important logistically, but also symbolically. This was a personal project of Vladimir Putin's after he annexed Crimea back in 2014. Then four years later, this bridge opened and he was there on hand. He drove a truck across this 12 mile, 90 kilometer bridge between southern Russia and Crimea in order to open it.

So this is a very brazen attack by the Ukrainians. Ukrainians remarkably claiming responsibility for this not just saying that they were behind it, but really trolling the Russians as well, the Ukrainian Security Services, the SBU tweeting that the bridge has gone to sleep again, that is a reference to another attack on the bridge just nine months ago that they did not claim back then. So this is very significant for both those logistical and symbolic reasons.

The claim does not offer it really any more details about how they carried this out and beyond the fact that this was a joint operation, they say, between the Ukrainian Security Services and the Ukrainian Navy. The Russians, which of course, as you noted, call this a terror attack, adding a little bit more detail saying this happened in the predawn hours around 3 o'clock in the morning saying that Ukrainian see or surface drones carry this out.

So Kate, you know, major questions now about what happens, this is a $4 billion bridge. Russia will take this very seriously, the roadway, still, you know, not up and running, cars have been blocked from going across it, the train does still appear to be running going across that bridge, vital, as you say, to supply the Crimean peninsula, not just the civilians there with fuel and food. But the Russians have been using it since the beginning of this war to get military equipment onto the Crimean peninsula, which from which they attack southern Ukraine.

That is why it is so vital the Ukrainian say that during this counter offensive, that they tried to split those Russian troops in southern Ukraine and split up that land bridge, which is the only other alternative. Russia has to reach Crimea. Kate?

BOLDUAN: Alex, you mentioned the Ukraine admitting that they're behind this attack, and also how rare it is. It does make you wonder why, why is Ukraine coming forward as you're saying it's so rare for them to speak up like this?

MARQUARDT: Yes, there really wouldn't have been a question who was behind this. If there wasn't this admission, we obviously would have assumed that Ukraine was behind it. In all the attacks that we've seen, whether it's in Crimea or on this bridge nine months ago, or in Russia, remember, there were those drones that were sent at the Kremlin itself. Ukraine has been extremely coy kind of just putting out these tweets that indicate that they may have been behind the strikes, but never fully admitting it.

Now Ukraine leaving no doubt and really and they said that they wouldn't offer any details until the war is over. But they did say that it was this joint effort. So a Ukrainian appearing to come out of the shadows to really leave no question about who was behind this, perhaps really driving this point home because this Kerch Bridge is so important to Vladimir Putin and Russia. Kate?

BOLDUAN: Yes. It's great to have you there, Alex, thank you so much. And so interesting that they're coming forward with this admission now.

SIDNER: It is. And Russia is probably going to respond. So we'll wait to see about that.

We have this now from the region, millions could see higher food prices across the world and even go hungry after Russia announced today that it would terminate its deal allowing Ukraine to export its grain. Russia saying this safe travel in the Black Sea is no longer guaranteed. That's where Ukraine's moved its grain supplies and go to Turkey's Bosphorus Strait where it was then moved around the world.

[11:05:08] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying this morning that everything must be done to ensure that his country can continue to use that corridor safely. CNN's Scott McLean joins us now live. Tell us why Russia pulled out they have some issues I know with the U.N. and others.

SCOTT MCLEAN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, frankly, Sara, they think that the U.N. hasn't held up its end of the bargain. Because part of this deal, in fact, the real crux of this deal was in exchange for Russia allowing these ships to pass through the Black Sea and to market safely. Russia would get help from the U.N. to get its own grain, its own fertilizer, and other agricultural products to market.

And they say that, frankly, not enough has been done in that sphere. Of course, there are no sanctions on Russian agricultural products or on fertilizer or anything like that. But there are sanctions on banks. And so one of the key demands from Russia has been to be connected to these international payment mechanisms that has made payment kind of tricky at the moment.

The U.N. has proposed to connect the agricultural bank in Russia. Obviously, that was not good enough. We just heard from the U.N. Secretary General on this issue, who says that look, access for Russian agricultural products has increased since this deal began. And he said this about Russia's decision not to renew the deal. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANTONIO GUTERRES, UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL: I'm deeply disappointed that my proposals went unheeded. Today's decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere. But it will not stop our efforts to facilitate unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizers.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MCLEAN: And he said they won't stop their efforts for both Russia and Ukraine. Guterres says that they will try to continue to find some kind of solution to get Russia to agree to a new deal. Now, you were talking to Alex earlier about the Kerch Bridge explosion, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson was asked whether there's any connection between Russia opting out of this deal renewal and that explosion. And he said this earlier, and I quote, these are absolutely unrelated events. Even before this terrorist attack, the position was declared by President Putin. And I repeat again, as soon as the part of the Black Sea agreements concerning Russia are fulfilled, Russia will immediately return to the implementation of the deal.

Turkey was one of the brokers of this last summer. President Erdogan said earlier, Sara, that he may have to give President Putin a call sooner rather than later to try to get things back on track if this can be salvaged at all, Sarah.

SIDNER: Thank you so much, Scott McLean. John, look, Russia wants to be able to operate the way it does. But Ukraine needs to get that grain out, because the rest of the world actually depends on it in some places like Africa and the Middle East, they're going to have food shortages.

BERMAN: Yes. Ukraine needs it. And the world needs it to be sure, Sara, thanks very much.

I want to talk more now about the Kerch Bridge. You can see some of the destruction that was caused by this Ukrainian attack on the bridge. And let me show you again, where it is on the map. It is right here. It connects Crimea, which is of course, part of Ukraine, but been occupied by Russia since 2014. It connects Crimea with Russia proper. I want to bring in retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Steve Anderson. General, thank you so much for being with us. So the attack on the bridge here, how much of an operational setback is it for Russia?

BRIG. GEN. STEVE ANDERSON, U.S. ARMY (RET.): Well, thank you, John. I don't believe it's that much of an operational setback. I mean, they took out the road, the bridge where vehicle traffic uses, but they didn't take out the rail, and they still have barges and ships and whatnot. So they can still get logistics. It's not near as significant as the attack that occurred on the Kerch Bridge back in October.

I think that we'll probably be able to fix this within a few days, maybe a couple of weeks. But it's got a huge operational impact, because it's demonstrating a deep strike capability that the Ukrainians have achieved through their intent -- incredible tenacity and innovation. They were able to launch these surface drones, over 500 kilometers through uncharted water through patrolled water by the Russians to attack a pinpoint target. And that's sending a very, very loud signal to the Russian Navy, that look, hey, every ship that's out there in the Black Sea is vulnerable to attack.

And if they want to try to enforce some sort of an embargo on Ukrainian grain, every ship captain is out there is going to have to worry about getting hit by one of these sea drones.

BERMAN: OK, that's interesting. I hadn't heard that before. You think the attack here on the Kerch Bridge could be something of a message to the Russian fleet which is operating, you know, frankly with impunity all over the Black Sea and keeping other ships out, keeping the Ukrainians from doing very much in the area. So you think that's what's at play here?

[11:10:09]

ANDERSON: I think that that's an element that should be considered. There is a deep strike capability that demonstrating, I mean, we recall what happened last April, when we -- when the Ukrainians hit the Moskva, the devastating impact that that had on it, seeking that battleship, and the impact on the command and control. And I think that if they're going to try to enforce some kind of embargo, again, every single ship that's out there in the Black Sea is now a target. Ukrainians are showing that they're capable of hitting those targets.

BERMAN: All right, one other development over the weekend, which is that President Biden has OK'd the training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16, the U.S. made F-16 fighter jet, which is right here. How much of a difference do you think this could make general?

ANDERSON: John, I don't think it's going to have that big of an impact. Frankly, it probably take at least six to nine months to train these pilots. However, strategically and politically, it sends a very strong message, of course, if the United States and NATO continue to support the Ukrainians in this fight, but there's many, many problems that the Ukrainians are experiencing right now. One of them is air superiority. So obviously, if they can get F-16 into the fight, more aviation assets, they, you know, we would never launch a counter offensive like the Ukrainians have done without complete air superiority, and they don't have it.

But they've got a tough fight. They got 200,000 Russians that have been dug in now for over a year, that with incredible tank traps, and probably hundreds of thousands of tank minds out there landmines that they've got to negotiate. They lack the equipment that we promised them. They don't have the personnel they need. They haven't pushed forward the logistics. And of course, there's the issue of battle fatigue. So I think it's very, very important that we continue to show our support to the Ukrainians with this F-16 support.

And I would say this, also, John, I think that the Biden administration needs to prove us contractors on the ground in the Ukraine to help maintain these aircraft. Right now I'm getting reports that perhaps 50 percent of the equipment we gave them is not operational because they can't maintain them.

BERMAN: Steve Anderson, General, thank you so much for being with us this morning. Appreciate it. Sara?

SIDNER: Coming up, there will be a critical hearing tomorrow in former President Trump's classified documents case. We'll break down what you can expect.

Plus, new comments from the top investigator on the Gilgo Beach serial killings Task Force including the warning that there may be more victims out there.

Plus, millions of Americans are sweltering and record breaking heat. When will we get relief from the scorching temperatures that is next on CNN News Central.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:17:24]

SIDNER: Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have yet to finish applying for security clearances just the day before a significant hearing in the case. Tomorrow, lawyers and prosecutors are set to discuss how classified information will be handled during the trial moving forward and the clearances are needed to view the sensitive material. Joining us now, former Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor Nick Akerman. I first want to talk to you about this significance of this hearing. Will this be the first test of Trump's strategy to delay this trial?

NICK AKERMAN, FORMER ASSISTANT SPECIAL WATERGATE PROSECUTOR: No question about it. This is going to be a big test for Judge Cannon who has been criticized in the past because of granting a special master in this case. And so what Trump's lawyers are trying to do here is to test Judge Cannon to see if she will go along with their outrageous request for a no trial date being set at this point in time.

Basically, if you look at their papers and what they're saying here, they're really kind of regurgitating the same argument they made when they asked for a special master that is that this is a special circumstance involves a former president of the United States. This is an individual who is the leading candidate on the Republican side for the nomination, and therefore the rules don't apply.

Now, this argument worked with the Special Master, because there was some precedent for it. There were two other district court judges that appointed special masters to oversee Michael Cohen's search warrant and to oversee the search warrant of Rudy Giuliani. Now, those were different cases, they both involve lawyers with lots of privileged information. Judge Cannon, appreciate that distinction. And she was overruled by the 11th Circuit that instructed her that she was not to treat Donald Trump any different than any other defendant in the system.

SIDNER: Nick, you know, the President is not supposed to be above the law, and certainly a former president is not supposed to be above the law. But I do want to ask you about these delay tactics and what they're putting forward to the court. One, they were talking about the presidential election, saying that it requires a tremendous amount of time and that would hamper their case going forward.

But the second are -- they secondly argue a legal argument saying that look, the trial date as if it was in December, doesn't give them adequate time to prepare. And we've heard that from other defendants in cases that are much less famous, if you will. Do they have any merit?

[11:20:05]

AKERMAN: Zero merit here. They've come up with no specific facts. All they've done is they've complained that they've got too many documents to look at when there aren't really that many documents. At most there are 4,000. The government has set them up in a very neat binder for them, basically flagging the documents that are likely the ones to be admitted into evidence. They have plenty of time to do that. They've been given witness statements already. And they're going to be given all the witness statements in the next week or so.

That never happens in a criminal case, the government is not required to turn over those statements until almost the day of trial. So there's really no basis here for them to claim that there is not enough time. In fact, they don't come back with any facts in response to the government's very detailed milestones with respect to the classified documents, and explain why it's impossible for them to deal with basically 31 classified documents between now and December 11th. SIDNER: So it's not the hundreds in the boxes there. It is specific to what is in the indictment. I do want to lastly ask you because you mentioned this Judge Aileen Cannon is a Trump employee or sorry, appointee, excuse me. And Trump this week had no problem praising her and saying that, you know, she'll do the right thing. And she was obviously overruled, but a lot of judges get overruled on cases, get their cases, overturned.

Let me ask you what this might mean, how this might affect the judge, with people watching this very closely, knowing that she's an appointee. And the public perception, what should we be looking for?

AKERMAN: Well, I think we should be looking for whether or not she takes total control of this case, what you would expect a judge to do under the circumstances, that she follows the law with respect to setting a trial date. Clearly here, based on all the facts that have been put in front of her, she should go along with the December 11th trial day. What the Trump papers don't recognize is the fact that the right to a speedy trial is just is not just a right, that belongs to the defendant, but it's also a right that belongs to the people and the government.

So the question is, is she going to see through this this time, which I think she will, and set the trial date for December 11th.

BERMAN: Nick Akerman, always a pleasure to speak with you, thank you so much. Kate?

BOLDUAN: On our radar this hour, a disturbing new discovery at the home of Rex Heuermann, he's a suspect now charged in at least three Gilgo Beach murders. A source says that authorities found a walled off door to a vault that contained between 200 and 300 firearms in his home. Heuermann is not only charged in three murders, but as also the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, much more ahead on that.

So there was a wild pile up at the Tour de France Sunday. You can see it there at the bottom of your screen. It has been widely reported that a spectator was trying to take a selfie and may have bumped one of the cyclists causing this huge crash. How one commentator described it and arm came out and clipped the shoulder and down we all came like Skittles.

All of the impacted cyclists though, were able to get back up on their bikes and continue the race obviously not, you know, furious and full of rage. No one won the Powerball over the weekend, which means you still have shot a very, very, very, very, very, very, very slim shot. But still, the jackpot is in tonight's drawing is going to be at nine -- at least $900 million. That's the third largest in the game's history.

Powerball is not the only lottery offering up a massive payout right now, if you're so interested, the Mega Millions jackpot is up to 640 million. Jonathan?

BERMAN: So you're saying there's cheat.

BOLDUAN: Teeing it up for you.

[11:24:09]

BERMAN: The leader of the Democrats Progressive Caucus walking back comments critical of Israel, what she said that had leaders in her own party rushing to condemn her words.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BOLDUAN: Pramila Jayapal, the Democratic Congresswoman and chair of the Progressive Caucus is walking back her words today. It started Saturday when she said this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. PRAMILA JAYAPAL (D-WA): We have been fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state that the Palestinian people deserve self-determination and autonomy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: She was responding to pro-Palestinian protesters who showed up at the Netroots Nation Conference Sunday. Then she released a statement in part saying this, words do matter. And so it is important that I clarify my statement. I do not believe the idea of Israel as a nation is racist.

Earlier, I spoke with fellow Democratic Congressman Brad Schneider who has signed on to a letter condemning her remarks. Listen what he says.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. BRAD SCHNEIDER (D-IL): I spoke to her several times yesterday. I think she understands that she misspoke. Israel is not a racist state. She doesn't believe it is, she has said that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)