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Antivax Mandate Marchers Target D.C. and London; Kremlin Plotting to Install Puppet Leader in Ukraine; Russia-Ukraine War Would Shock Energy Markets; U.K. Partygate Report Anticipated Soon; Millions under Hard Freeze in Southern U.S. Aired 5-6a ET

Aired January 23, 2022 - 05:00   ET

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

[05:00:00]

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PAULA NEWTON, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Hello and a warm welcome to viewers in the United States and around the word. I'm Paula Newton.

The U.K. government allegations: Putin plotting to install a puppet government in Ukraine. Our chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward is in Kyiv with the latest.

Plus as tensions with Russia and Ukraine escalate, we'll look at what the impact could be to the oil and gas industry if there's an invasion.

And while Omicron is declining in some parts of the United States, an infectious disease specialist tells me we have a long way to go to make the world safe again.

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NEWTON: An estimated 100,000 Russian troops have taken up positions around nearly half of Ukraine. The U.S. and its NATO allies fear another invasion is likely, though Moscow continues to deny it.

Now the British foreign office claims to have information that the Kremlin may be plotting to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine. A source tells CNN that U.S. intelligence also has the same information.

The U.K. even names a number of prominent Ukrainian politicians, allegedly in contact with Russian intelligence. They include a former prime minister, two former deputy prime ministers and a former senior national security official.

Moscow dismissed the plot allegation as a so-called provocation. Now the revelation that the alleged plot elicited this response from the U.S. National Security Council.

"This kind of plotting is deeply concerning. The Ukrainian people have the sovereign right to determine their own future. And we stand with our democratically elected partners in Ukraine."

For more on U.S. reaction, here's CNN's Arlette Saenz at the White House.

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ARLETTE SAENZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: President Biden convened a meeting of his national security team at Camp David, on Saturday, to discuss Russia's recent aggressive actions toward Ukraine.

Joining him in person for this meeting were his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, along with his counselor, Steve Ricchetti, and other members of the president's national security team joined virtually.

The White House, releasing a statement and readout of this meeting, saying, the president was briefed on Russia's recent military actions regarding Ukraine and, also, on those diplomatic efforts, to try to de-escalate the situation.

Additionally, the president discussed the deterrence measures that the U.S. and allies, are taking, regarding the situation including, the recent security assistance, that has been delivered to Ukraine.

Importantly, at the end of that readout, the White House also said, President Biden, again, affirmed, that Russia should further invade Ukraine, the United States will pose swift and severe consequences on Russia, with our allies and partners.

Right, now the White House is really trying to pursue this diplomatic path to try to de-escalate these tensions, encourage Russia to de- escalate the situation.

But also they are making these contingency plans of what the U.S. would do, how allies would respond, if Russia follows through with that invasion. That includes the potential of severe economic sanctions as well as the Pentagon, drafting options, for what type of military options the U.S. military may be able to provide, to Eastern European NATO allies.

But right now, the White House is, really, laser focused on that diplomatic effort. We expect the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, will be speaking in the coming week with his counterpart, the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov.

And the White House, has not taken the option of a meeting between President Biden and President Putin off the table. But right now, a senior State Department official says, they are pursuing that diplomatic path, but adding that, if Russians move into Ukraine, further, then diplomacy is over -- Arlette Saenz, CNN, the White House.

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NEWTON: We want to go to CNN's Clarissa Ward, she's in Kyiv at this hour.

Good to see you. First to the U.K. statement, Russia dismissed it as a provocation. Yet what purpose did it serve for the U.K., especially because the

United States did back up what they were saying?

CLARISSA WARD, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: They did back up what they were saying. Earlier this week, when the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned several individuals here in Ukraine, who they said were working --

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WARD: -- at the behest of Russian security services to destabilize the Ukrainian political system, there is overlap.

One of those individuals on those U.S. Treasury sanctions is also mentioned in this U.K. foreign office statement.

There is not a lot of information, though, in the statement, that would give us a better sense of whether this is new intelligence, old intelligence and also what this would look like, because Russia may well be planning to try to install a pro-Kremlin government here.

But it's much easier said than done. I will add we reached out to the individual who the foreign office names as the potential candidate.

He did respond to us, saying, "I'm Ukrainian. The Russian Federation has a well-known candidate and I have been sanctioned by the Russians and my father's assets seized. So there is nothing to comment on."

I will add that the four other individuals that the foreign office mentions are actually living in Russia at the moment. They are former Ukrainian politicians closely associated with the government of Viktor Yanukovych, the Kremlin-backed leader of this country for many years.

The question becomes what were they doing in this specific moment?

And that we don't actually know. But I should also add that it would not be surprising in any way shape or form for Russia to install puppets, people close in allegiance, pawns; we saw them do this back in Crimea in 2014.

But the question becomes, how do they go about installing loyal leadership?

That really remains an open question.

NEWTON: Yes. And again, peculiar the way the statement was put out. And certainly in terms of timing. Sergey Lavrov and Antony Blinken had just met. They believed that perhaps a compromise in some way, shape or form might be possible.

I'm wondering from you, having covered so much of the region, are Ukrainians hopeful there may be some kind of compromise here?

WARD: I don't think there's a huge amount of optimism on the ground that a compromise will be found. The foreign ministry did say they were pleased that diplomacy has not reached a dead end, because as long as the talks continue, there is the hope that the threat of military aggression is somewhat abated or mitigated.

Then again, another Ukrainian official did say to CNN that this could well be a stalling tactic or a delay tactic and that president Vladimir Putin is using this time, as the diplomatic process grinds on, to finish preparations for some kind of a military invasion.

The Ukrainians have a slightly different perspective on all of this. They don't see the threat of Russia as something new -- or that's really been more of a concern in the last three months. They have been at war for eight years now.

The threat of Russia always loomed large here. I think they view this as being a larger existential question rather than a flashpoint moment of heightened tensions. One official said they would like to see a more aggressive response from the U.S.

They would like to see Russia sanctioned before an invasion happened. They would like to see more in terms of military support coming in. They talked about Patriot missiles specifically. That's not likely to happen; though, of course, the U.S. has been supplying -- and the U.K., I should add -- things like Javelins, anti-tank armor-piercing weaponry of that sort.

NEWTON: That is significant, especially given the pressure that the Ukrainian government has been putting on the United States and other allies to help them, given that military and financial support.

Before I let you go, one source tells CNN that the U.K.'s defense minister will be headed possibly to Moscow, which is significant.

In terms of what a compromise might look like there, perhaps some breakthrough between NATO allies and Russia might be possible at this time, are you hearing anything about that?

WARD: I think you cannot discount the fact that it was significant, that Friday's talks, which many thought would end in a stalemate or a dead end -- both sides coming out saying there is nothing left to talk about, there is no room for compromise here -- instead resulted in what the secretary of state called a clearer path ahead.

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WARD: That does not mean that a solution is within grasp or within sight. I would say far from it. It's still hard to conceive how some kind of compromise or understanding could be made without one side or the other being forced to climb down on very -- in the case of Russia -- maximalist demands that it has made loudly, publicly and repeatedly.

And in case of the U.S., demands that it's called nonstarters. Difficult to see how this situation could resolve itself. But significant that the diplomatic process lives on to see another day.

NEWTON: Yes. I will note, as you and I are talking about this, it certainly takes a lot of attention away from the human rights situation. Alexey Navalny remains in prison for over a year. And we're talking about this. Clarissa Ward, appreciate it.

The tensions between Russia and Ukraine could have a much wider impact that stretches far beyond their own borders. Later this hour, we will have a guest on to discuss the far-reaching economic toll, the toll it could take on your life, with potential escalation in the conflict.

Protests against vaccine mandates are planned in Washington as the city implements new rules about proving you've been vaccinated.

Are officials prepared for the pushback?

And some European nations are easing COVID-19 rules. But that's not enough for those who are protesting restrictions. The latest in a live report after the break.

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NEWTON (voice-over): You're looking at live pictures of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. In the coming hours, thousands of anti- vaccine activists are expected to gather for a Defeat the Mandates rally. Officials fear extremist groups will be there. CNN's Suzanne Malveaux explains why authorities are so concerned.

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SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN U.S. CORRESPONDENT: There's a great deal of anticipation and concern over the potential for violence this weekend, as all eyes turn to Sunday. The fight over vaccine mandates, which will play out here in Washington, D.C.

The National Park Service says various groups opposing vaccine mandates, vaccines and masks could draw up to 20,000 people around an event called Defeat the Mandates. So the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Metropolitan and U.S. Park Police and others who are helping local businesses prepare for these crowds and possibly confront protesters, who might refuse to wear masks indoors or provide vaccination cards or comply with D.C. rules.

The protests coincide with new proof of vaccine requirements for restaurants, bars, gyms, other private businesses in D.C. U.S. Capitol Police and Montgomery County, Maryland's, police department are staffing up to arrest those who are noncompliant or who harass employees.

And they have actually held a conference call already with business leaders to prepare. Now the U.S. Capitol Police chief says, "I'm confident in our preparation for this weekend." Law enforcement officials are also concerned that these protests could

attract violent extremist groups. Friday, close to 30 men, who appeared to be tied to Patriot Front, an American nationalist white supremacist group, showed up outside the National Archives.

They were surrounded by D.C. police to ensure that there were no confrontations. Now the organizers of Sunday's protest called the Defeat the Mandates, they say they have hired increased private security to work with government law enforcement officials.

And they put out a statement, as well, saying, "We do not welcome extremist groups on any side that condone racism or bring violence of any kind to the thousands of Americans that will be marching peacefully."

Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Washington.

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NEWTON: COVID cases in some parts of the U.S. seem to be leveling off. Hospitalizations in the Northeast are down by about 11 percent after reaching a peak a week ago. The Midwest is seeing a slight drop, about 6 percent there.

The governor of Illinois said the state was seeing a decline of COVID hospitalizations as well as ICU and ventilator usage.

But in West Virginia, hospitalizations are on the rise. On Friday, the state's governor appealed to residents to get vaccinations and boosters. The situation in North Carolina is especially dire. The Omicron variant is sending record numbers of people to hospitals.

On Friday, the state requested federal support for beleaguered hospital systems in the Charlotte region.

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NEWTON: Professor John Swartzberg is a clinical professor emeritus and infectious disease specialist at UC Berkeley School of Public Health.

Good to have you on board. The data here in the United States regarding cases and really even hospitalizations show clearly that Omicron is likely peaking. The caveat here is that there are major variations across the country.

Why is that?

JOHN SWARTZBERG, UC BERKELEY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH: Well, we've seen that throughout the pandemic. Omicron doesn't uniformly attack every part of the country at the same time. So we see it flare in one place and be calm in another. Then that switches places.

That's what we've seen with Omicron when it came to the United States just less than two months ago; first the East Coast, New York, Boston, down to D.C. and that whole area. It hit the West Coast 10, 14 days later.

So we've seen now the West Coast getting hit. But now the West Coast has peaked and it looks like the Bay Area and much of California are starting a downslope. About a week ago, we saw the same thing happening on the East Coast, with Boston, New York and D.C. now clearly on a downslope.

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SWARTZBERG: On the other hand, cases are still rising in other parts of the United States. We'll see it spotty like this for another two or three weeks, I think.

NEWTON: I think the disappointment there is that, when people heard that it would, you know, go up very quickly and dramatically, coming down, it would be kind of as dramatic.

Do you see that happening?

SWARTZBERG: Well, it's going to come down, I hope dramatically on the East Coast, Northeast, down to D.C. and on the West Coast. We'll also see it come down dramatically in the South and the Midwest but later.

So it's going to be -- in terms of looking at the numbers, the numbers won't look dramatic for the whole United States. But depending on where you are in the United States, it may look like there's a very significant drop. In other parts, it will look like there's not much change at all or, in some cases, cases still going up.

NEWTON: Which will continue to strain hospitals in some regions. I want to ask you, given the durability of both vaccines and now a whole heck of a lot of natural immunity, some countries and jurisdictions are moving to try to manage COVID. And that would mean keeping much of society open this time.

Do you think it's the right time for this?

SWARTZBERG: Well, it is certainly not the right time in the United States. In other countries that have a higher vaccination rate than the United States, where their numbers are coming down, for example, the United Kingdom, it might be the beginning of the time to talk about loosening up things.

In other parts of Western Europe, we're seeing -- for example, in France -- cases rising. So it's not the time to talk about it. It's interesting in watching this entire pandemic that there's a pattern to it now. We get a surge; things get better, we loosen up too soon. And we wind up at a higher plateau than when we started.

Then a new surge on top of that, the same thing happens over and over again. It's like taking three steps up, two back. And we keep being behind on this pandemic. My hope is that, not just here in the U.S. but in Europe and the rest of the world that, as things start to get better with Omicron, which they will, that we don't just say we're back to normal and loosen up so much that we're going to drive the cases back up again. Even in South Africa we saw this dramatic drop. And now it's really

about 25 percent higher in terms of the number of cases per day than it was when they were at there, before Omicron.

NEWTON: So continue to be vigilant. Speaking of that, so many of us are still looking over our shoulders, waiting for that next variant.

Should we be?

The vaccines seem pretty effective. There are more in development. Therapeutics will be more widespread in the weeks and months to come.

Is it time to stop worrying about that necessarily?

SWARTZBERG: Well, we have to hit that sweet spot. We can't be in a constant state of worry. That's no way to live. It just is ruining our lives.

On the other hand, we have to remain incredibly vigilant. No one can predict the future. I'm confident we'll see more variants come. There are just too many people around the world, including in the United States, that are not vaccinated. And not vaccinated people are highly susceptible to producing an enormous amount of virus.

When you produce enormous amount of virus, you produce variants. We have to get the world vaccinated. If we go into a lull after Omicron, the biggest thing we need to do is to put on a tremendous push, to get as many people on this planet vaccinated as possible as fast as possible.

NEWTON: Good news there is, you know, fortunately, vaccine production will be ramping up in the months to come. That's possible if we can get through that vaccine distribution issue and the hesitancy. Professor, thank you very much. Appreciate it.

SWARTZBERG: You're welcome.

NEWTON: Now to China. And it recorded some 56 new COVID cases on Saturday; 19 were locally transmitted, 37 came from overseas. Now this comes less than two weeks before the start of the all-important Winter Olympic Games.

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NEWTON (voice-over): Thousands of protesters, meantime, marched in Paris on Saturday to voice their anger at the vaccine pass, now required by law. Anyone over 16 must now show proof of vaccination in order to access most public venues.

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Across the Channel, some staff members of the U.K. National Health Service demonstrating against the vaccine mandate for workers.

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NEWTON (voice-over): They are required to be vaccinated by April 1st and submit proof, in order to remain employed.

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NEWTON: For more on this now I'm joined by journalist Al Goodman live from Madrid.

Good to see you on all of this, Al. You are in Spain right now. There's a high vaccination rate but infections are still high there.

How is Europe interpreting all this new data with Omicron?

Obviously the conflict between those on the streets protesting the mandates but those who really want high vaccination rates in order to protect most of the population.

AL GOODMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Spain has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe; 90 percent of the people 12 and older have been fully vaccinated; 50 percent of the children 5 to 11 have already gotten their first dose in a program that just began in December. That's giving a sense of protection to this country.

I'm in the center of Madrid, as you can see; people are out for a lovely Sunday afternoon.

In this context, the Spanish prime minister has joined a conversation happening in some political capitals, where he said it's time to begin to think about moving off the pandemic mentality, that governments would apply emergency measures against the coronavirus, to considering it an endemic, something that will be around like the flu.

He says this will not happen immediately. The president of Portugal also talked about this, where there's also a high vaccination rate. But the prime minister says that clearly, with the balance between health measures and the economy and jobs, these are things that need to be considered.

It's not just happening in Europe but also in other parts of the world. WHO officials are saying not so fast. It's too quick because not enough parts of the world have high vaccination rates. Africa, right near here, has low rates and it needs to go much more slowly. Paula.

NEWTON: A lot to consider there, especially given that, in some pockets, there is that hesitancy. Al Goodman, appreciate it.

A new wave in Omicron in New Zealand forced the prime minister to cancel her wedding. Jacinda Ardern had been planning to marry her long-term partner soon. They have one child together and it's not clear what their actual wedding date was. As she says, such is life.

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JACINDA ARDERN, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER: My wedding will not be going ahead. But I just joined many other New Zealanders who have had an experience like that as a result of the pandemic.

And to anyone who's caught up in that scenario, I'm so sorry. But we are all so resilient. And I know we understand that we're doing this for one another.

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NEWTON: As for the pandemic, the PM says New Zealand health officials have reported nine new Omicron cases in a single family household. The country is now on red light. It is its highest response setting.

Energy markets feel the pressure from the Russian military buildup in Ukraine and U.S. consumers could see a big price difference at the pump if conflict breaks out. That story ahead.

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NEWTON: The British foreign office says it has information indicating an alleged plot by the Kremlin to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine. U.S. intelligence has the same information. The foreign office goes on to name a number of former Ukrainian officials allegedly in contact with Russian intelligence.

The Kremlin calls it misinformation and a provocation. But there's no sign that some 100,000 Russian forces are backing away from that Ukrainian border in what the West fears is, in fact, a prelude to another invasion.

Now if conflict breaks out, energy consumers right around the world, including right here in the United States, will take a big hit. The reason, oil prices: you can see them there, they have already reacted, shooting up to near seven-year highs in recent days.

Experts say they could top $100 a barrel, especially if possible U.S. sanctions hurt Russia's oil industry. The result would be higher fuel prices in the U.S., as the nation is struggling to tame record inflation.

On top of that, experts say Russia could weaponize its national exports to Europe to cause shortages. The head of the International Energy Agency says Moscow is already holding back a lot of its reserves.

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FATIH BIROL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY: Russia has more than 100 -- at least 100 million cubic meters of spare capacity, which means easily they can increase their exports to Europe by 30 percent. That would cause prices to go down and give support to economic growth

in Europe, especially the vulnerable segments of the population. They would be in a better station.

But Russia is not doing this. It is their choice. It is true that they are -- they are fulfilling their obligations. But if you want to be considered a reliable partner, a reliable supplier in days like this, like in other exporters like Norway, Azerbaijan, Algeria, you can increase your gas exports or provide more gas for the spot sales, which they are not doing.

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NEWTON: For more on this, we're joined by Henning Gloystein, the director of energy, climate and resources at Eurasia Group.

I appreciate your weighing in. We heard the implications for Europe. I think it's tough for people in the United States or at any gas pump to understand what the clash with Russia could mean to them.

If we deal with oil first, what is the potential of this flashpoint bringing oil prices up to $100 a barrel and possibly beyond?

HENNING GLOYSTEIN, EURASIA GROUP: Yes, thanks. The problem is that Russia is one of the world's biggest oil producers and oil markets price in a risk premium. So if new political tensions erupt, that tends to drive prices up.

[05:35:00]

GLOYSTEIN: We've seen plenty of that recently (INAUDIBLE). And the oil markets are reacting (INAUDIBLE) prices (INAUDIBLE).

NEWTON: You also point out that sanctioning Russian oil companies and exports would be tricky.

How so?

GLOYSTEIN: Yes. Several U.S. companies, including Exxon, for instance, they own assets in Russia. So suddenly if the U.S. government sanctions any oil exports out of Russia, that would be complicated for Americans as well.

However, Russia could probably do something (INAUDIBLE) like sell oil outside the U.S. They might not even need the U.S. dollars (ph) (INAUDIBLE).

So there are some ways (INAUDIBLE) Russians (INAUDIBLE).

NEWTON: Now there are already significant geopolitical risks in the energy markets. That's already priced in. And one of the reasons why we saw that spike in oil prices.

Potentially could another supply shock to energy markets be due to prices?

Talking not just about what you might pay at the pump but the fact we might get to short-term shortages here?

GLOYSTEIN: Yes. The main problem is the natural gas industry because the biggest importer of Russian natural gas is the European Union. Gas prices already rose to record highs this winter.

If there was a disruption of those natural gas supplies (INAUDIBLE) Ukraine (INAUDIBLE) and much of that gas is exported to Europe, that could cause shortages and blackouts or bigger disruptions in the middle of winter.

We actually saw this before in 2008 and 2009. (INAUDIBLE) caused (INAUDIBLE) across Europe, prices went through the roof. And this would (INAUDIBLE) pressure. It would cause real economic damage to Europe.

And if this happens to Europe, they will have to import more natural gas from around the world and that will cause gas prices to go up in the rest of the world as well, though not as much as Europe (ph).

NEWTON: Sanctioning Russia for any of this will also prove difficult. Henning Gloystein, thank you so much for weighing in on that.

GLOYSTEIN: Thank you.

NEWTON: Still ahead for us, British prime minister Boris Johnson is fighting for his political life ahead of a report of the so-called Partygate scandal -- Nada.

BASHIR: (INAUDIBLE) Westminster this coming week, as we await to hear the findings of an internal investigation into more than a dozen parties and social gatherings that took place across Downing Street and other government departments during a time when the country was under strict COVID-19 restrictions.

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NEWTON: British prime minister Boris Johnson is fighting for his political life as Downing Street awaits an official report on the so- called Partygate scandal. Mr. Johnson has faced growing calls to resign, amid allegations his staff held a series of parties during strict COVID lockdowns.

The government is expected to release the findings of an internal investigation into those claims some time in the coming week. Johnson is also fending off accusations by some members of his party that Downing Street tried to intimidate them into staying silent amid the scandal.

For more now we're going to Nada Bashir in London.

With that latest allegation, it's getting uglier. And many said it before, Boris Johnson is your quintessential political survivor.

NADA BASHIR, CNN PRODUCER: It is set to be a decisive week for the prime minister, particularly with all eyes on whether the Conservative MPs will turn against him and put his role as leader and prime minister in jeopardy.

We're waiting to hear the findings from that internal investigation into more than a dozen parties and social gatherings, which took place in Downing Street and across other government departments, during a time when the country was under lockdown or facing strict social restrictions as a result of COVID-19 measures.

The civil service put in charge of leading this investigation, they'll be looking at these gatherings which took place, what were the gatherings and who attended. Many will remember the photo of Boris Johnson, taking part in a drinks gathering.

He said he thought it was a work meeting but that's difficult for many to believe. This comes after a string of other social gatherings and parties came to light, while many people would have been adhering to those restrictions, many separated from their loved ones during that lockdown.

All eyes will be on Boris Johnson and whether he can escape this unscathed.

NEWTON: It was heartbreaking to hear stories of people not seeing loved ones as they were alone in hospitals and sometimes died alone, as these parties were going on. Boris Johnson needs to depend on those Conservative MPs in order to continue in his job.

Any sense on which way they're leaning?

BASHIR: Over the last few weeks, we've seen outrage among the Conservative MPs, some expressing no confidence in the prime minister. There is a mechanism for pulling the prime minister out of his position; that depends on a significant portion of those conservative MPs voting in a no-confidence vote.

But we have heard outrage from lawmakers. One left the Conservative Party and moved to the opposition Labour Party. David Davis called on the prime minister openly to step down.

Now allegations of intimidation: some lawmakers coming forward saying they were intimidated, told to back the prime minister or else face funding shortfalls for their constituencies. There is an investigation going on looking into that.

The prime minister says at this state there is not evidence of this intimidation that has been described. But if there is, there will be a full investigation and they will take that seriously.

We heard from the deputy prime minister, Dominic Raab, this morning; he said let's focus more on the big successes of the prime minister, namely the vaccine campaign. But it will be difficult for many of those to focus on the success of

the vaccination campaign if the prime minister is found to have been in breach of those COVID regulations.

NEWTON: Damage control difficult at this point.

[05:45:00]

NEWTON: Even when it comes from a prominent member of the cabinet. Nada, appreciate it.

Now something positive is happening in one of Mexico City's toughest neighborhoods. It now has its own football league. As CNN's Matt Rivers tells us, it has not solved all the problems but it has become a joyful oasis from local violence.

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MATT RIVERS, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Tepito, home to one of Mexico City's most vibrant markets. Within its winding pathways, you can buy just about anything.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (Speaking Spanish).

(CROSSTALK)

RIVERS: (Speaking Spanish).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (Speaking Spanish).

RIVERS (voice-over): Salvatore Antonio Gomez Hubert, nicknamed Bebe (ph), is a native, a Tepiteno. And when it comes to the struggles of his home, he doesn't mince words.

SALVATORE ANTONIO GOMEZ HUBERT, FOOTBALL IMPRESARIO: (Speaking Spanish).

RIVERS (voice-over): Tepito is one of, if not the most dangerous neighborhood in Mexico City, home to its most notorious cartel; assaults, murders, normal parts of everyday life carried out, authorities say, mainly by young people from the area.

(Speaking Spanish).

GOMEZ: (Speaking Spanish).

RIVERS (voice-over): So where to find a bright spot amidst the bad?

GOMEZ: (Speaking Spanish).

RIVERS (voice-over): Bebe (ph) thinks it's this soccer field, called Maracana, smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood. Going back decades, people came to the dirt field to come play the beautiful game.

But amidst struggles with crime, it was all but abandoned until recently. In 2013, Bebe (ph) thought it was time to bring the field back to life.

GOMEZ: (Speaking Spanish).

RIVERS (voice-over): So he decided to start a league, with just a few teams at first and, as word spread, he controlled entry, basically saying, look, no drugs, no violence, no turf wars if you want to play here. It's soccer only.

And one night just before Christmas, that's what we saw. The league has exploded into more than 2 dozen teams, playing on a brand-new field, bringing lots of fans to watch throughout the season.

GOMEZ: (Speaking Spanish).

RIVERS (voice-over): It's also an escape, really, from what happens outside the gates. Just hours before these games were played, several people were shot and killed just blocks from the field, according to police.

(Speaking Spanish).

GOMEZ: (Speaking Spanish).

RIVERS (voice-over): That night before Christmas, several champions were crowned in several different divisions. People were happy, joyous. Bebe (ph) hopes this positivity radiates outward into the surrounding community.

He's not sure that soccer alone can make that happen but it's something. And with the lights out on this season, he can't wait for the next one to start -- Matt Rivers, CNN, in Tepito, Mexico City.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON: Still ahead on CNN NEWSROOM, winter weather; those warnings are in place for millions of Americans in the Southern United States. The latest forecast after the break.

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[05:50:00]

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NEWTON: More than 3 million Americans are under hard freeze warnings right across the Southern United States. This was the scene Saturday in Virginia Beach, where more than four inches of snow fell right across the area. Some of the region is also seeing dangerous levels of ice on roads and other surfaces.

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NEWTON: New satellite images are showing the sheer force of a volcano eruption and tsunami in Tonga.

Take a look at the before and after pictures. They show lush, green lands becoming unfortunately a sea of gray. The eruption sent volcanic ash raining down on the island nation and massive tsunami waves that plowed into the coastline.

On Saturday, Japan became the latest nation to send aid to Tonga. A military plane delivered much-needed water and supplies.

An unusual message from Pennsylvania authorities, who say all monkeys are accounted for after a traffic accident Friday. A semi-truck carrying about 100 monkeys crashed and scattered crates containing live animals right across the road.

Police initially said a small number of the monkeys fled the scene but didn't say how many. There were, thankfully, no reports of any injuries. And they are all accounted for.

Now when a dog slipped out of her collar and got stuck on some dangerous terrain in England, rescuers came up with an ingenious plan and a delicious solution. They tied sausages to drones in order to lure the little pup named Milley (ph) to a safer area, where they could scoop her up.

Initially rescuers tried to reach the canine out of the mud flats by foot and by kayak but when that didn't work, the sausages -- those sausages, they did the trick. Such a cute little doggie. I'm Paula Newton. Thanks for your company. CNN "NEW DAY" is next. "LIVING GOLF" is up next for international viewers. Stay with CNN.