Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Diplomatic Solution Still Being Sought with Russia; Satellite Images Show Russian Forces Positioning Close to Ukraine Border; Putin Meets with his Security Council; Russia Has Plans for After Invasion; Closing Arguments in Arbery Hate Crime Trial; Queen Elizabeth Tests Positive for Covid. Aired 9-9:30a ET

Aired February 21, 2022 - 09:00   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:00:39]

BIANNA GOLODRYGA, CNN ANCHOR: A last-ditch attempt at diplomacy. President Biden has agreed in principle to a summit with Vladimir Putin if, and only if, the Russian president does not send his troops into Ukraine. The big question this morning, is Russia on board with such a meeting as well.

Good morning, everybody. I'm Bianna Golodryga in New York.

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Jim Sciutto reporting from Lviv, Ukraine.

This morning, a senior U.S. official tells me that despite the latest talk of diplomacy, the U.S. sees, quote, no slowdown in Russian military preparations and readiness. The national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, weighing in this morning saying that Russia could still attack in days or even hours.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAKE SULLIVAN, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: The likelihood that there is a diplomatic solution, given the movements, the troop movements of the Russians, is diminishing hour by hour.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCIUTTO: Take a look at these new satellite images. This morning they show Russian troops bolstering their activity close to Ukraine's northeastern border, dispersing their ranks to positions even closer to the border than they were last week.

Plus, the U.S. warning U.N. human rights officials that credible intelligence indicates that Russia plans to kill or capture Ukrainians if it moves forward with an invasion. The Kremlin claims that's false. As Germany's foreign minister warns that Putin should not play with human lives.

Our reporters and correspondents are following every angle of this story from across the region and back home as only CNN can do.

Let's begin at the White House with CNN's Jeremy Diamond this morning.

And, Jeremy, I wonder, has the White House set any conditions for what would be really another meeting between Biden and Putin?

JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, the only condition that appears to exist, Jim, is that a Russian invasion cannot have begun if, indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to meet face-to-face with the American president, Joe Biden. And before any of that even happens, first there's going to be a meeting on Thursday between the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and the U.S. secretary of state, Tony Blinken. That meeting also preconditioned on the idea that an invasion cannot have yet begun.

And at this hour, Jim, that is a huge question mark and that's why the White House is not getting into any details or talking about the likelihood of this summit between Putin and Biden actually happening because, as you've been reporting, Russian forces appear to be preparing, making moves to launch an invasion of Ukraine. That is the unmistakable message from every single U.S. official who has been out speaking publicly over the weekend and today.

But, nonetheless, the White House wants to show that it is open to diplomacy, that it is trying every possible diplomatic maneuver to avert a full-scale war and an invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which is why they have agreed in principle to this summit between the two leaders.

Jake Sullivan, though, the national security adviser, just this morning talking about the fact that Russia could launch this invasion at any hour. And as that happens, the likelihood of a diplomatic solution, he says, is diminishing hour by hour.

Jim.

GOLODRYGA: Thank you, Jeremy Diamond, for that, as we work on Jim's feed there.

Also this morning, U.S. intelligence indicates that orders have been sent to Russian commanders to proceed with an attack. This as new satellite images show intensified activity among Russian units close to Ukraine's northeastern border.

CNN's senior international correspondent Matthew Chance and Frederik Pleitgen are on the ground in Ukraine and Moscow.

Matthew, to you first in Kyiv.

Those new satellite images show Russian forces moving even closer to the Ukraine border. What more are you learning? MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's

right. I mean, look, I mean, we are seeing indication after indication that the military situation near the borders of Ukraine is being ratcheted up and the military forces that are positioned there, tens of thousands of Russian troops, remember, backed by tanks and other armored vehicles are poised, it seems, on the brink, waiting to move in potentially to carry out an attack against Ukraine.

You've seen these latest satellite images which show that the military forces have moved out their holding positions.

[09:05:04]

They've positioned themselves in fields near to the border, which is a sign they could be poised to go in. We've also, of course, had all the pronouncements that have been made. The intelligence reports coming from the United States that an order has been given to those field commanders to carry out an attack. And, of course, in the background to that, the statement by U.S. President Joe Biden earlier that he was convinced that a decision had been made by Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, to invade Ukraine.

All of the signs on the ground indicate that the option of a military attack is very much still on the table. It is very much sort of waiting to be taken by the Kremlin.

But, you know, it's clear that at the moment those forces are not moving forward across those frontiers. The Ukrainian defense minister yesterday saying they are not seeing the kind of attack formations that you would see if we were on the brink of an attack. So there's a bit of a difference in the timeline of, you know, the nature of these threats.

At the moment, Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, is also speaking now. Of course, the Russians have said they have no intention to invade, but they have said that if there is no compromises from the west on the issue of expanding NATO, on the issue of Ukraine never being allowed to join the western military alliance, they will respond with what they call military technical measures.

And there's some discussion right now about what those measures may involve. And I think within the next hour or so we're probably going to get a better idea of what the Kremlin may do.

SCIUTTO: Yes. And that demand, by the way, is called a non-starter by the U.S. and NATO leaders.

Fred Pleitgen is in Moscow.

Fred, we know the Russian president is set to hold a security council meeting today, go to the parliament tomorrow. What -- how significant are these meetings? How unusual? Are they connected? What do we expect to hear?

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I think they're extremely significant and possibly also connected as well. In fact, Russian TV right now is broadcasting video of Vladimir Putin and his security council meeting. Vladimir Putin has already addressed that security council. And there were certainly some pretty significant things that he has said already.

First of all, he, obviously, ripped into the Ukrainian leadership. He said that there was the Minsk agreement, obviously, around those areas of Donbas, the area of Luhansk and Donetsk as well. And that so far the government in Kyiv was not adhering to that.

He said the populations of those areas had been subjected to shelling by the Ukrainian side. Of course, we've not been able to verify any of that. And the Ukrainians, as Matthew just mentioned there, saying none of that is true. That essentially those separatist forces have been shelling their own positions to try and create a pretext.

But one of the interesting things, Jim, that Vladimir Putin did just say a couple of minutes ago. He said that the security council -- Russian national security council needs to consider the request by Russian parliament to recognize these two breakaway, these two separatist republics. And that, of course, Jim, would essentially -- would completely leave the Minsk process in taters and would certainly lead to a big escalation as well.

But I also want to tell you, Jim, because I think it's quite important for our viewers to understand this, is that the air that's being created here, the feeling that's being created here, the drumbeat here in Moscow as we watch public media, as we hear politicians is certainly one of escalation. What we heard since coming here early this morning is that Russian media, Russian state media saying that there had been attacks on positions by the separatists, by the Ukrainian army. They said that Ukrainian armored vehicles had encroached on Russian territory. Of course, the Ukrainians saying none of that is true.

But the drumbeat that we're hearing here, by the Russians government, by Russian media, is that Russians are under attack, Russians need to flee. And certainly, from what we're seeing right now here, in Vladimir Putin's security council meeting, is that Vladimir Putin appears to be poised to respond, Jim.

SCIUTTO: Yes, and that drumbeat not insignificant because it's a data point from the U.S. and NATO perspective. The preparation of the Russian public for an invasion, attempt to justify it. One thing the U.S. has been watching for in advance of a possible invasion.

Fred Pleitgen in Moscow, Matthew Chance in Kyiv, thanks so much to both of you.

The U.S. says that Russia has identified Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps if it further invades and occupies the country. Those details come from a U.S. letter to the United Nations human rights commissioner.

CNN national security correspondent Kylie Atwood joins me with more from the State Department. Kylie, you and I and our colleagues have been reporting from the beginning that there's been a larger political plan for any Russian invasion, not just military action, but a plan to take over political institutions here. What more are we learning about what the U.S. sent to the U.N.?

KYLIE ATWOOD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, and that's exactly what this indicates, Jim. This letter indicates that the United States, in this letter to the United Nations, has obtained recent information that Russia isn't only planning this invasion but they're planning for what comes after that invasion.

[09:10:04]

And in this letter they say that Russian forces are creating lists of Ukrainians who they plan to kill or put into camps following a military occupation. That is extremely concerning information to U.S. officials. That's why they're sharing it with the United Nations. They note the tactics that Russians have used in the past with targeted killings and they say it's likely that in this instance they would go after dissidents. Russian and Ukrainian dissidents. They'd also likely go after journalists and vulnerable populations, those are folks who are in religious minority groups or folks who are in the LGBTQI population. Those are the groups that the United States believes Russians would target after a military occupation.

And I just want us to listen to what the national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said this morning about the size and scope of an invasion and how just devastating it would be.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAKE SULLIVAN, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Well, we believe that any military operation of the size, scope and magnitude of what we believe the Russians are planning will be extremely violent. It will cost the lives of Ukrainians and Russians, civilians and military personnel alike. But we also have intelligence to suggest that there will be an even greater form of brutality because this will not simply be some conventional war between two armies. It will be a war waged by Russia on the Ukrainian people to repress them, to crush them, to harm them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ATWOOD: And the secretary of state said over the weekend very clearly that the United States would double down on its support for Ukrainians if there were an invasion. That came when he was asked if the Biden administration would support militarily and with arms a Ukrainian insurgency. So that is really one of the next key things to watch here. How exactly will the Biden administration do that? They are saying that they have plans to do so.

SCIUTTO: Well, these tactics are being drawn, it seems, right out of a World War II playbook. Just remarkable to hear in the year 2022.

Kylie Atwood at the State Department, thanks very much.

Bianna, back to you.

GOLODRYGA: Jim, thank you.

Well, moments from now, closing arguments will begin in the federal hate crimes trial for the three men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery. We'll take you live to Brunswick, Georgia.

Plus, a scary weekend on the New York City subway system as six people were stabbed in separate incidents. What the mayor is saying about this increased violence.

And, later, a judge rules that lawsuits can move forward against former President Trump for his actions on January 6th. Details on how he could be held accountable for the Capitol attack.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:17:02]

GOLODRYGA: Closing arguments are beginning right now in the federal hate crimes trial for three white men who chased down and killed Ahmaud Arbery. Gregory McMichael, his son Travis and their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, were convicted last year of murdering Arbery as he jogged through their south Georgia neighborhood.

CNN's Nadia Romero joins us now from Brunswick, Georgia.

Nadia, what can we expect to hear today?

NADIA ROMERO, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Now, Bianna, this is really the last chances for both the defense and the prosecution to really drive home their message to the jury. So, inside the courtroom right now is Lee McMichael, the mother of Travis, the wife of Gregory McMichael, back in the courtroom today. We also see those supporters and family members of Ahmaud Arbery, who will be in the courtroom, as they have been every day since the beginning of this trial, since jury selection, in the courtroom behind me. And they will be eagerly awaiting to hear the closing arguments from both sides.

Now, the prosecution had about 20 witnesses who took to the jury stand to talk in front of the jury about their personal interaction with the defendants. They often talked about those conversations turning and to racist rants against black people. The prosecution also brought forth a social media post and text messages with the defendants using racial slurs like the "n" word very loosely and freely.

Now, the defense only brought forth one witness, but, of course, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. The defense only has to sprinkle in just a little bit of reasonable doubt.

Now, the defense attorneys, each defendant has its own attorney. The defense asked for about four hours to wrap up their closing arguments today which is quite a bit of time. Listen to one civil rights attorney say what she expects to hear from them today.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BARBARA ARNWINE, TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE COALITION: I think that what we're going to hear is a lot of spin, as Daryl (ph) said. A lot of attempt to confuse the jury, to try to conflate facts that aren't equivalent, trying to, you know, win this as much as they can on a technicality, confusion.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMERO: And that's really what Ahmaud Arbery's family and supporters say that the defense is -- the only thing that they can do. Their only game plan is to try to get this thrown out on a technicality because they believe all the evidence is there to convict the men on these hate crime charges. Of course, all three of them already facing life in prison. But many believe that this could send a message to the rest of the world that if you're racist and you act on those racist actions, you act on those feelings to attack someone simply because of their race, that you will be held accountable.

Bianna, something else I want to put on your radar is Wednesday. Wednesday marks two years since the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. And there is likely to be commemorative services that are going to happen here in Brunswick and in the Atlanta area.

Bianna.

GOLODRYGA: Nadia Romero, I know you'll be following any developments out of that courtroom today for us. Thank you so much.

Well, here in New York City, police say at least six people were stabbed this weekend in separate incidents in the city's subway system.

[09:20:02]

The first happened just hours after Mayor Eric Adams announced a new public safety initiative to combat crime and address homelessness in the transit system.

CNN's Brynn Gingras joins me now.

Brynn, this is so frightening for those that use the subway system here in New York and live in the city. What more are we learning?

BRYNN GINGRAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And that's what the mayor is saying, he has to curb this because he wants people to feel safe using the transit system, but also get these businesses back going, get Covid recovery in New York City. And the transit system, the bus system, that is integral to that. So there already was 1,000 more additional NYPD officers that were sent into the subway systems to sort of combat any crime.

Now, there's going to be 30 interagency teams that are going to begin their -- this process and work alongside those NYPD officers as well. Those teams, including the Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Services. And what these teams are going to do is go into the subway systems and try to connect people that are not just homeless, but also mentally ill, decide what's the next best step for them. Is it going to a hospital to get help? Is it going to a shelter to get help, helping them find long- term housing after that. But, again, there's also, today, starting this zero tolerance policy, which is going to be so important again to the recovery, which essentially is having these officers make sure that the rules are being followed in the subway transit system, not just these incidents of crime that are happening, but no sleeping in these cars, making sure that people are getting off at the final stops.

But, as you said, six incidents just with -- over this weekend. There was actually a seventh and eighth incident that happened this weekend that didn't involve a slashing or stabbing, but a person -- the suspect was holding a hatchet, another with a metal pipe. I mean these are serious incidents that the mayor and also the governor of this state are recognizing cannot happen anymore. And, again, that zero tolerance policy is starting today.

GOLODRYGA: Yes, just months into the mayor's term here, he said this is a top priority for him.

GINGRAS: Yes.

GOLODRYGA: We'll be watching. Brynn, thank you.

Well, still ahead, Queen Elizabeth testing positive for Covid just as England is set to lift all Covid restrictions. We'll take you live to Windsor.

Plus, Wall Street is closed for trading today to observe Presidents' Day, but stock futures in the U.S. are down and European stocks are taking a hit as the world waits to see if Russia will invade Ukraine.

There is talk in Washington of releasing more oil from the strategic reserves or suspending the federal gas tax if it breaks out -- if fighting does break out to try to stem any rise in oil prices. The U.S. does not import a large amount of Russian oil, but Russia provides more than a third of Europe's total imports.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:27:29]

GOLODRYGA: New this morning, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to end today all remaining Covid legal restrictions in England, including the self-isolation rules for people infected with the virus. Now, the rule comes just as Buckingham Palace announced 95- year-old Queen Elizabeth has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Let's go to CNN anchor and correspondent Max Foster, live in Windsor this morning.

A bit of a startling scare to read this headline over the weekend, Max. What more do we know about the queen's condition?

MAX FOSTER, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT: Well, we know there was some sort of breakout at Windsor Castle of Covid. That is because they've lifted a lot of the restrictions here at the castle. The queen has been doing engagements. Staff are really allowed out. Where as in the last couple of years, it's been a very tight bubble around her to protect her, and she has since caught Covid.

She does have symptoms and she is being assessed medically. We also know that she's feeling very stiff. She's got some mobility issues. But under the current regulations, she is expected to self-isolate. So she's on her own in there.

But, at the same time, the palace is very keen to emphasize that she still is well enough to work. So she's carrying out light duties at her desk. Yesterday afternoon she sent a let to the British Olympic team. She's due to speak to the prime minister during a weekly audience today. They're emphasizing that she's not so unwell that she's unable to work. So, matters of state continue in the country.

It might be some relief coming from Boris Johnson today, as you say, because he's lifting all of the existing Covid regulations, or that's his plan. And that includes the rule we have in the country that you have to self-isolate after testing positive. So, she may be allowed out early. We'll wait to hear about those plans, as Boris Johnson reveals them. But quite significant, this is a big shift in policy. He's basically shifting from regulation towards self-responsibility. People won't be expected to act in any particular way after they caught Covid. They will be expected to act responsibly, though.

The other thing it means is there won't be any lockdowns in future. Boris Johnson will make it clear that if there's a new variant coming into the country, he's going to rely on advice and on more testing and on vaccination. No more lockdowns.

So, quite a shift here, Bianna.

GOLODRYGA: Yes, well, we are wishing the queen a speedy recovery. She's got an important couple of months ahead, the 70th jubilee, right, and a birthday as well, turning 96 years old.

Max Foster, thank you.

Well, starting next month, Carnival Cruises will relax its mask rules.

[09:30:03]

The company says face coverings will be recommended but not required. Now, this comes after the CDC lowered its risk