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Missing Child Found; Russian Skater Under Scrutiny; U.S. Woman Cured of HIV; Interview With Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD); Putin's Next Move?. Aired 1-1:30p ET

Aired February 16, 2022 - 13:00   ET

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

[13:00:02]

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Ana Cabrera picks up our coverage right now.

ANA CABRERA, CNN HOST: Hello. I'm Ana Cabrera in New York.

We began with the fog of war, an information war. As Russia continues its military exercises, those you see here, the world is trying to decipher Vladimir Putin's next move. Russia through a number of top leaders says it is de-escalating the Ukraine crisis, pulling back troops and weaponry, the Russian Defense Ministry releasing this video claiming it shows military equipment on a train leaving Crimea after drills, returning to its Russian base.

But the U.S. and our allies say they have seen no evidence of a meaningful pullback. In fact, NATO says Russia appears to be building up even more forces along the border. And Ukrainian intelligence now estimates nearly 150,000 Russian troops have massed.

Secretary of state and Tony Blinken is stressing that a Russian invasion is possible at any time.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANTONY BLINKEN, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: We continue to see not only these forces mass. We continue to see critical units moving toward the border, not away from the border. So, what we need to see is exactly the opposite. We need to see these

forces moving away. We have heard what the Kremlin said about this. As President Biden said yesterday, we would welcome that, but we haven't seen it on the ground. And the bottom line is this. We're prepared either way. We're prepared to engage in diplomacy with Russia if it's serious about it. We're also prepared for renewed Russian aggression.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CABRERA: CNN's Kaitlan Collins is standing by at the White House, but first to our chief national security correspondent, Jim Sciutto, live in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Jim, what else have we learned from this newly obtained intelligence report from Ukrainian intelligence?

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: So the Ukrainian intelligence view is that Russian forces continue to mass on their border, a similar number that we heard from President Biden yesterday, 150,000. They say 148,000.

But, crucially, they say that the force is not yet in numbers or have the capabilities to mount a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That is the Ukrainian military's view. Could get there. It's not there yet.

That, of course, stands in contrast to the U.S. view, which is that, for some time, Russia has had that capability. And, of course, we heard the urgency from U.S. officials beginning late last week about the possibility of military action beginning as soon as this week. Of course, we haven't seen it yet.

And now we have these claims from Russia that they are pulling back some troops, a claim the U.S. says it has no evidence of. So, CNN took a look at the videos out there available today to see what we could find about what's really happening on the border.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SCIUTTO (voice-over): A very public display, Russia's Ministry of Defense posting video of armor leaving Crimea across the Kerch Strait, and, it says, returning to their home basis, their participation in exercise said to be over.

A few hours later, another convoy of fuel trucks filmed getting ready to leave Crimea as well, then filmed on that same bridge also heading east, all part of a choreographed effort by the Kremlin in the ongoing information war over its intentions in Ukraine.

Russian diplomats across Europe scoff at Western claims that an attack is imminent. But both U.S. officials and NATO officials, including the secretary-general, say, in fact, Russian troop numbers are continuing to rise.

JENS STOLTENBERG, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: So, just that we see movement of forces. So, battle tanks doesn't confirm a real withdrawal. It has been a bit up and down back-and-forth all the way. But the trend over the last weeks or months has been a steady increase in the Russian capabilities close to Ukraine's borders.

SCIUTTO: This is one of the videos issued Tuesday by Russia's Defense Ministry on units beginning, it claims, to go home, followed up on Wednesday with more footage of the tanks loading onto trains, destination unknown.

Back in Crimea, the much-advertised pullout involves units whose bases are, in any case, around Russian cities still, close to Ukraine. Analysts say it will take at least several days to establish whether there is a true drawdown of Russian forces from positions around Ukraine. For now, the picture remains mixed.

There is plenty of Russian armor and airpower still within just a few miles of the Ukrainian border, this according to social media videos uploaded in the past day. Satellite images from earlier this week's show fighter bombers and helicopters arriving at air bases close to Ukraine.

[13:05:05]

The joint exercises in Belarus continue as well, though the Belarus defense minister insists every piece of Russian equipment will leave when those exercises are over. All the while, the very public war of words continues over Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO, over the fate of the breakaway Eastern regions of Ukraine and over Russia's demands for cast-iron security guarantees.

President Putin and Russian officials repeat that Ukraine's desire to join NATO must be off the table. That, however, is a nonstarter for the U.S. So far, the path to diplomacy and much of the weaponry seem frozen in place.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SCIUTTO: Tonight, the U.S. is paying particularly close attention to the Donbass region in Eastern Ukraine.

The reason for that is what they have been hearing from Russian officials in recent days, the Russian president accusing Ukraine yesterday of crimes against ethnic Russians in Eastern Ukraine. And the Russian Duma, the Parliament, has now given the Russian president at least the power to declare Donbass, recognize it as independent.

The fear, the concern from U.S. officials is that Russia might use that as a pretext to further invade Eastern Ukraine. It's a part of the country we're watching very closely tonight, Ana.

CABRERA: Thanks for all your hard work, Jim Sciutto.

And now let's go to the White House and CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

Kaitlan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered some very blunt words today to call out Russia and its claims of a pullback. What does that tell us about the administration's approach?

KAITLAN COLLINS, CNN CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: I think, yesterday, you saw a healthy amount of skepticism from the White House at these Russian claims of this partial drawdown that were happening.

And now we know why. And I think the U.S. sending out the secretary of state to telegraph this message very publicly and bluntly this morning clearly indicates that they don't believe that this is happening or anywhere close to happening, based on what they have seen so far. And so they had Antony Blinken come out, talk about this, talk about what they are seeing instead.

And that's in addition to NATO officials also saying that not only are they not seeing any kind of pullback; they are seeing Russia only continue to amass forces, which we now know that number is about 150,000, after, previously, we thought it was a little bit closer to 130,000 Russian forces on that Ukrainian border surrounding Ukraine.

And so that has given a lot of concern here at the White House, as they are watching and waiting to see what happens next, and making clear that they believe that the ball here is in the Russian president's court, and it is his decision to make. But they have not seen him making the decision to de-escalate.

And this does come, we should note, as President Biden is expected to have a another call with another world leader today. This has been something he has been doing virtually every day for the last several days as they are trying to determine what it is that Russia is prepared to do.

Today, it's again with the German chancellor, who, as you know, was just recently in Russia visiting with Putin. And so we will expect an update from the White House on what they expect that to look like later today.

CABRERA: All right, Kaitlan Collins up the White House for us, thank you.

I want to bring in Senator Ben Cardin now. He's a Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee.

Senator, what do you make of all the talk that Russia is de-escalating and returning troops to bases? Do you think this is a trick?

SEN. BEN CARDIN (D-MD): Ana, of course, it's good to be with you.

We have got to recognize that propaganda and misinformation is part of the toolkit used by Mr. Putin. So, you cannot believe what he says. We have to be -- judge it by the actions. We know that the troops are still on the border. We know that they're still accumulating more troops on the border, despite what Mr. Putin says.

So, at this moment, I think it is as high-risk as we have seen it, and we have to be prepared for any eventuality.

CABRERA: We have been discussing the latest Ukrainian intelligence report obtained by CNN, which does acknowledge that Russia has more than 148,000 forces near the Ukrainian border.

But this report says that's -- quote -- "insufficient to carry out a successful large-scale armed aggression against Ukraine" -- end quote.

Again, this is straight from Ukrainian intel, saying Russian forces are insufficient for a full-scale invasion at this time. I know you have been briefed on U.S. intel. Do you agree with this?

CARDIN: Well, I can tell you that the United States shares intelligence information with Ukraine. They share it with us.

I can tell you that, throughout this crisis, we have seen a different interpretation by the Ukrainian government, we think for their own purposes, as far as confidence and control of their country. But I do trust the information being presented by American leaders.

CABRERA: Have you received any updated intel since your meeting yesterday?

CARDIN: I think the last update we had was yesterday.

But it's a fluid situation. I don't think there's been much change since yesterday, other than the words used by Mr. Putin, which, in fact, were not true.

CABRERA: And, of course, the president addressed the nation yesterday, President Biden warning of an economic impact that Americans would likely feel if an invasion occurs, particularly the price at the pump, the cost of heating and electricity, plus, of course, the trickle-down costs that might come with transportation of goods, et cetera.

[13:10:07]

What do you see as worst-case scenario for Americans?

CARDIN: Well, I think the worst-case scenario is that Russia can get away with taking over Ukraine and upset the security blanket in Europe. That would have a much more severe consequence on our future.

So, from a national security point of view, this is a matter that I'm pleased to see U.S. leadership in unity with our European partners. As far as the economic impact of any armed conflict, it has an impact. It affects supply chain. It affects predictability for investors.

So there's a cost associated with it. But it'd be a much worse cost to let Russia just run over other countries. And, quite frankly, this is all in Mr. Putin's hands. He's the one who will make the final decision. No one knows what he's going to do, other than himself.

So we hope that there is a path forward where we can avoid the armed conflict. But, as President Biden has said, we're prepared for any contingency.

CABRERA: Well, if it's in Putin's hands, though, that doesn't get much comfort to Americans, who are saying, OK, why is he going to want to lessen the burden or the hurt on Americans economically? That doesn't seem likely.

Is there anything Congress can do to blunt that impact should it come to it?

CARDIN: Well, no, but, just to the contrary, it'll be a much more severe consequence on Russia itself than it will be on the United States.

CABRERA: Right.

CARDIN: So, Mr. Putin has to understand that. It will not only be a loss in regards to the economic issues we're talking about, pursuing war, but on the human costs, the soldiers that are going to be casualties, the -- just Russia's engagement here, rather than dealing with other areas that could help the economics of their own people.

So it'll have a much more severe -- and then put on top of that the sanctions that will be imposed by the United States and our allies, even more...

(CROSSTALK)

CABRERA: Right.

Respectfully -- but, respectfully, in terms of the impact on Americans, when they feel it, if the economic situation worsens here in America, are you saying that it just is what it is, there's nothing that can be done to help Americans in that -- in that circumstance?

CARDIN: No, not at all.

We're already paying great attention to our economy. We're seeing a job growth. We're seeing really good signs. We have a cost issue that we're dealing with, not only escalating costs, but how it impacts typical families.

We have a game plan, Build Back Better agenda, to deal with those particular cost centers for the American public. It's now even more important that we deal with that.

CABRERA: Which Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has rejected. And there's no sign that has changed.

You mentioned sanctions. And that, of course, is one of the tools the U.S. has to penalize Russia for an invasion. Of course, the U.S. hopes the threat of those sanctions is a deterrent to Putin in the first place. But we know the bipartisan sanctions package is stalled right now in the Senate. You said Monday it's not looking good to get a sanctions package out of the Senate this week.

If everybody agrees that war can't happen, why can't the Senate come together on this?

CARDIN: Well, I find that disappointing.

I have been part of some of the negotiations that have taken place. I can tell you there is not a difference between the Democrats or Republicans in the Senate in regards to our resolve to impose the most severe sanctions against Russia if they further incur into Ukraine. Unfortunately, we have some political differences on how we frame the

sanctions that will prevent us from passing a bill. But the president has ample authority currently. And if he needs additional authority, I am very confident that Congress will act pretty quickly to give him that additional authority.

CABRERA: Senator Ben Cardin, I really appreciate you taking the time. Thanks for being here and sharing your insights.

CARDIN: Thank you, Ana.

CABRERA: They didn't give up. More than two years after a little girl was reported missing, police find her alive under a staircase. This is just an incredible story.

And bad behavior, fighting mask mandates, trying to open the exit door, charging the cockpit, attacking flight attendants. Despite all that, some Republicans say unruly passengers don't belong on a federal no-fly list. We will tell you why.

Plus, millions of Americans who live on the coast already face rising sea waters, but a new report says it's about to get a lot worse. We break down when and where.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:18:48]

CABRERA: Just a miraculous end to a two-and-a-half year investigation.

Police opened this staircase in Eastern New York to find a 6-year-old girl who was reported missing in 2019. Authorities had been to this house multiple times previously looking for this girl.

And CNN crime and justice correspondent Shimon Prokupecz is here to fill in the details.

Police, Shimon, were on the right track all along. What was different about their visit to this house this time?

SHIMON PROKUPECZ, CNN CRIME AND JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Right.

And you talked about this in the lead-up to the story. It's not giving up. This police department knew where -- they believed they knew where she was, the fact that her biological parents had kidnapped her. They kept going to the house. They were going to the house multiple, multiple times, but they just couldn't get inside to search.

Finally, they say a community member came forward with information and provided them information that allowed them to get a search warrant to really dig into the house.

And it is a remarkable story. A detective who was in the house walking up and down the stairs of this house, several times walking up and down, up and down, and realizing that something weird was going on. And then he looked in the crack of the staircase, and he saw a blanket.

[13:20:02]

There, you see that blanket. And, in there, he also then says he saw the feet, these little feet from the girl, Paislee Shultis. And then, when they broke open through that staircase, they found her and her mother hiding there, which begs the question, first, why were they hiding there, obviously? What was going on?

The police chief also talks about how the police were walking up and down the stairs. And everyone underneath that staircase, the mother and the child, stayed quiet the entire time. So they're wondering what was going on there.

The mother, Kimberly Cooper, the father, Kirk Shultis, and a grandfather were all arrested and charged. They're going to be in court later today. The girl -- as to the 6-year-old, who was 4 years old at the time when she was kidnapped, she's OK.

Police say that they took her, they reunited her with her guardians and her older sister. In sort of a heartwarming kind of moment, as they were taking her back to the police station, little Paislee Shultis, they drove by a McDonald's. And she said; "Oh, I remember McDonald's."

And so they bought her McDonald's. They bought her a Happy Meal.

CABRERA: Aw.

PROKUPECZ: Thankfully, she's OK. Hopefully, we will learn more here. There's still a lot of questions even as we were talking.

CABRERA: Right.

PROKUPECZ: So, hopefully, later today, when they're in court, maybe we will learn some more information.

But, luckily, she's doing OK. And for this police department, credit to them for not giving up.

CABRERA: Thank goodness they didn't give up. They kept...

PROKUPECZ: They just kept searching.

CABRERA: And, of course, they'd gone back previously without a search warrant.

PROKUPECZ: That's right.

CABRERA: And they got that search warrant, so they could really do a deeper, more thorough investigation. And grateful to hear that they found her OK.

PROKUPECZ: Yes.

CABRERA: Much more to learn, of course. PROKUPECZ: Yes.

CABRERA: Thank you so much, Shimon.

Now to just an incredible medical development. An American woman has become the third known person to be cured of HIV. So how did it happen?

CNN senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen joins us now.

Elizabeth, what do we know about this treatment the woman received?

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: So, Ana, this is so interesting.

This woman was diagnosed with HIV and then later was diagnosed with leukemia, completely unrelated. But they know from the prior two cases that if you are going to get a stem cell transplant to treat leukemia, which is a relatively common treatment for leukemia, you can seek out umbilical cords from a newborn that has a certain mutation.

About 1 percent of people in the world have this mutation that make them resistant to HIV. And so they sought out stem cells, umbilical cord cells from that newborn, gave it to her. Four years later, there is no evidence that she ever had HIV.

Now, this is the third, but let me tell you why it's still special and still important. First of all, this woman was from a racially diverse background, and the other two were not. And stem cell transplants in people of racially diverse backgrounds can be tricky. So this is sort of proof of principle that it worked.

Also, this woman, unlike the other two, did not get graft vs. host disease. That's a terrible, terrible complication from stem cell transplants, and she didn't get it. So, again, proof of concept that you don't have to get very sick from these stem cell transplants.

Now, you might be thinking, well, gee, why doesn't everyone with HIV get this? Here's why. Stem cell transplants can be very, very dangerous. People can die from them. You don't want to give them to people unless they absolutely need them, especially since HIV drugs work so well.

So let's take a listen to Dr. Tony Fauci when he was asked, is this for everyone with HIV?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, CHIEF MEDICAL ADVISER TO PRESIDENT BIDEN: This person happened to have an underlying disease which required a stem cell transplant. So I don't want people to think that now this is something that can be applied to the 36 million people who are living with HIV.

(END VIDEO CLIP) COHEN: So, as Dr. Fauci said, this is not something that's going to be given to everyone with HIV. There's already great treatments for HIV without taking the risk of a stem cell transplant.

But if you need it, if you have HIV and blood cancer, this is now the third person who's been cured, and so a possibility for other people who are in that same situation -- Ana.

CABRERA: Always great to highlight the good things happening in the world.

COHEN: Yes.

CABRERA: Thank you so much, Elizabeth Cohen.

Unruly, violent, however you describe it, the number of passengers who disrupt flights is rising, but should they be banned from the skies? Some Republican senators are saying no to a federal no-fly list. What about you?

We will discuss.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:29:19]

CABRERA: Team USA's Alex Hall and Nick Goepper taking gold and silver respectively at the Winter Olympics in men's free ski slope style.

But it's Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who is still making headlines in Beijing. "The New York Times" now reports the teenager had three substances that can be used to aid the heart in her testing sample.

And I want to discuss with Don Riddell from "CNN WORLD SPORT."

Don, what more can you tell us about these substances and what they do?

DON RIDDELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Ana.

This is just the most extraordinary saga, isn't it? And it's one that doesn't reflect well on any of the parties involved.

Let's break down these three substances for you, because we're all learning a lot about these three items. The first one, the main one, trimetazidine, that is the one that Valieva tested positive for.