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Biden to Meet NATO, G7 and Other Allies in Europe; Deadly Tornado Hits Louisiana; Judge Jackson Defends Judicial Record Amid Tough Questions; Ukrainian President Set to Address Japanese Lawmakers. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired March 23, 2022 - 04:30   ET

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

[04:30:00]

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back to CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Rosemary Church. An update on our breaking news on the war in Ukraine this hour.

A senior U.S. defense official says Ukrainian forces are battling to retake the town of Izyum. The U.S. believes Russian forces moved into the area to block Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region from reaching the rest of the country. A resident shot this video of the massive blast hitting Mariupol. The port city is still the target of relentless Russian bombardment. New satellite images are offering this most recent view of the widespread destruction. In addition to the aerial attack, a U.S. defense official says Mariupol is being fired on from the sea of Azov.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Putin has not achieved his goal to demilitarizing Ukraine yet. And he refused to deny that Moscow could resort to the use of nuclear weapons.

In the coming hours, President Biden will travel to Brussels where he will meet with U.S. allies. A source says while he is in Europe, he will unveil new sanctions targeting hundreds of Russians serving in the country's lower house of parliament. His announcement will set off what's expected to be a slew of new steps to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine. Here's more from America's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

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JAKE SULLIVAN, U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: For the past few months, the West have been united. The president is traveling to Europe to ensure we stay united. To cement our collective resolve. To send a powerful message that we are prepared and committed to this for as long as it takes.

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SHUBERT: Well, for more on this, we want to bring in CNN's Natasha Bertrand who's joining us live from Brussels. Good to see you, Natasha. So, more sanctions will be announced at this extraordinary meeting. But the big question, of course, is where the members will go so far as applying them on Russia's energy sector. Are they any closer to that?

NATASHA BERTRAND, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Well, there are major disagreements within the EU about how best to target Russia's energy sector without actually causing undue pain to the European Union itself, right.

[04:35:00]

So, members of the Baltic states, they believe that they should implement energy sanctions on Russia because that of course is where it can hit Russia the hardest in terms of hitting its economy. But then you have members states like Germany and the Netherlands and Italy who say it's just not possible right now given the level of dependence that the EU has on that Russian oil and gas. Remember about 40 percent of the EU's oil and gas comes from Russia at this point.

So, they're trying to figure out a way that can cut Russia off from the EU that can impose an embargo for example on Russian oil and gas into the European Union that won't unduly impact the European Union's energy security. And that is one of the main topics that the president when he comes here tomorrow on Thursday and when he's at as well, will be discussing with NATO members and EU counterpart is how to show up with their energy security so that they don't have to be so dependent on Russia for their energies supplies.

Now it remains to be seen whether the sanctions that the president is going to be announcing in coordination with NATO EU members, is actually going to have much of an impact on Vladimir Putin's behavior. Because as we've seen they have already implemented a number of very, very harsh sanctions on Russia, on its banking sector, on Russian oligarchs, over 600 Russian oligarchs and that really has not deterred Vladimir Putin to date. If anything, Rosemary, his tactics in Ukraine have only become more and more brutal.

CHURCH: Natasha Bertrand joining us live from Brussels, many thanks.

And still ahead, a scary sight in the skies over New Orleans, as a massive tornado swirled towards the city.

PEDRAM JAVAHERI, CNN METEOROLOGIST: After two consecutive days of severe weather, we had a report of a tornado that unfortunately led to a fatality across portions of New Orleans, the area east of New Orleans. I see we had a report of tornadoes that led to fatalities across portions of New Orleans and just east of New Orleans. Tornado counts as impressive as they get. We'll break down the threats moving forward come up here in a few minutes.

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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There it goes. You can see it. OK folks, get to your safe place. You've got a definite tornado. So, it's really racing. You can see some rotation around the main tornado. This looks like a wedge tornado. Now may be lifting a little bit. Another spinning around it. Folks, this is something I hoped I would never see.

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CHURCH: Extraordinary image there. A massive tornado tearing across parts of Louisiana. Touching down near the city of New Orleans on Tuesday night. Officials say at least one person was killed. We've also seen widespread damage in areas east of the city with cars flipped over and homes shredded. One woman describes the moment the storm hits.

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As soon as we went into the bathroom, we were watching it. You know, the TV and electricity started flickering and we went into the bathroom and you can hear it. I mean, it just -- it's just like they say. It's like a train.

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CHURCH: The twister was part of the larger storm system that swept through Texas and Oklahoma on Monday. That system is making its way east with the tornado watch in effect for parts of Alabama and Florida. Meteorologist Pedram Javaheri has the latest forecast now -- Pedram.

JAVAHERI: Good morning, Rosemary. The active weather continues across portions of the southern U.S. and were talking about upwards of almost 200 severe weather reports now in the past 48 hours. And notice one in every four of these, roughly that number coming in in the form of tornadoes. A very active tornado pattern in the last couple of days as well. And unfortunately, of course, a fatality now observed with these tornados.

But you'll notice, flooding becomes a major concern moving forward. But watches widespread across this region. And certainly, the amount of rainfall kind of justify this where 2 to 4 inches had come down in a very short time period. And keep in mind, about 100 percent of the state of Louisiana underneath some sort of a drought. So, a lot of this rainfall is beneficial. But any time you get too much of it in a short period, of course, significant flooding becomes an issue.

But there goes the storm system on the move pushing it around portions of the Florida Panhandle, precisely that region into areas of southern and central Alabama. That's where we have tornado watches in effect until at least 6:00 a.m. local time in this region. So, that system as it migrates a little farther toward the east it takes that energy across a more populous region here over the next 24 or so hours.

But the concern as far as severe weather threat diminishes quite a bit. Now on a scale of 1 to 5 -- it had been a 4 in the past couple of days -- dropping down now to a two. A slight risk in place there including places such as Tallahassee, Savannah, Charleston on into Raleigh, even into portions of the Ohio Valley where some severe weather is possible. And a system, what's left of it, eventually rains itself out and

pushes in across portions of the Northeast. So, even New York and Boston getting in on some of the wet weather. Notice though the tornado threat down to around 5 percent chance there across that region. Beyond this, Rosemary, we know it's a much cooler trend across a larger area of the Eastern U.S. Enjoy the warmth across Atlanta. Temperatures into the 70s over the next couple of days. Colder air that's back here arrives across the portions of the Southern U.S. as well -- Rosie.

CHURCH: All right, many thanks for that, Pedram. Appreciate it.

Well, the first African-American woman nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court will be back on Capitol Hill today for another marathon day of questions. Republicans are taking aim at Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on crime, racial justice and her philosophy in deciding cases. CNN's Jessica Schneider has details.

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JESSICA SCHNEIDER, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Ketanji Brown Jackson defending her record during hours of intense questioning from Republican senators, pushing back against their broad characterization that she is quote, soft on crime.

JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, U.S. SUPREME COURT NOMINEE: In order for us to have a functioning society, we have to have people being held accountable for committing crimes. But we have to do so fairly, under our Constitution.

As someone who has had family members on patrol and in the line of fire, I care deeply about public safety.

SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Jackson's brother was a police officer in Baltimore and her two uncles were members of law enforcement. One was the chief of police in Miami.

But Jackson's background has not insulated her from Republican attacks, particularly for her record representing terrorism suspects detained at Guantanamo Bay.

SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): Why in the world would you call Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and George W. Bush war criminals in a legal filing? It seems so out of character for you.

JACKSON: Well, Senator, I don't remember that particular reference. And I was representing my clients and making arguments.

[04:45:00]

SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Democratic Chairman Dick Durbin later providing context noting the filing was a procedural one against U.S. officials, making claims on behalf of detainees.

SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): One of which was an allegation that the government had sanctioned torture against the individuals which constituted war crimes under the alien tort statute. So, to be clear, there was no time where you called President Bush or Secretary Rumsfeld a quote, war criminal, close quote.

JACKSON: Correct, Senator. Federal public defenders don't get to pick their clients. They have to represent whoever comes in.

SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Judge Jackson also responding to claims she handed down lenient sentences to convicted child pornography defendants.

JACKSON: As a mother and a judge who has had to deal with these cases, I was thinking that nothing could be further from the truth. These are some of the most difficult cases that a judge has to deal with.

SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Republican Senator Ted Cruz pressed Jackson on her views of critical race theory, an idea that American institutions are inherently racist and something conservatives falsely claim is widely taught in elementary schools.

SEN. TED CRUZ (R-TX): Do you agree with this book that is being taught with kids that babies are racist?

JACKSON: I do not believe that any child should be made to feel as though they are racists, as though they are not valued or though they are less than, that they are victims, that they are oppressors. I don't believe in any of that.

SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Jackson did have the chance to reflect on the historic nature of her nomination.

JACKSON: This nomination against that backdrop is significant to a lot of people. And I hope that it will bring confidence. It will help inspire people to understand that our courts are like them. That our judges are like them doing the work, being a part of our government. I think it's very important.

SCHNEIDER: And this marathon and intense question and answer session continues on Wednesday with 20-minute rounds from each of the 22 senators on the committee. It will be the last day of questioning and then the issue will turn to will she get any Republican votes.

Three Republicans voted for her less than a year ago to elevate her to the Appeals Court here in D.C. But this time around, she is facing significant resistance from at least one of those senators, Lindsey Graham.

Jessica Schneider, CNN, Washington.

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CHURCH: The Taliban has postponed the reopening of girls for Afghan girls above sixth grade just hours after they were due to reopen for the first time since August. The Taliban had promised schools for all students would open this week as long as boys and girls would be separated. But according to state run news, an appropriate school uniform for girls must be designed first. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan responded earlier, saying it deplores the Taliban's decision.

Well, number one woman tennis star, Ashleigh Barty, has officially announced her retirement from the sport. The Australian athlete made the news public with this video on Instagram. The 25-year-old has won 15 singles titles, including three grand slam titles. Barty says she started considering retirement after winning Wimbledon last year. Committing fully to the idea after winning this year's Australian Open. Good luck to her.

Well, Ukraine president will soon address lawmakers in Japan, hoping to rally more support for his country's fight against Russia. We will look at what the war in Ukraine may mean for Tokyo's ties with Moscow when we come back.

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CHURCH: Welcome back everyone. Well, Japan is among the countries sanctioning Russia for its war in Ukraine. And talks between Russia and Japan had now broken down over formally ending World War II hostilities. This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will soon address the Japanese Parliament in an effort to rally more international support.

And for the latest, CNN's Blake Essig is outside Parliament in Tokyo. He joins us now live, good to see you, Blake. So, Ukraine's president set to address lawmakers. How much further might Japan go in supporting Ukraine do you think?

BLAKE ESSIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, Rosemary, following the upcoming virtual address to Japan's Parliament by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we will likely see Japan announce more sanctions against Russia and more humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Zelenskyy is live virtual address, the first address to a Asian nation is scheduled to start at the top of this hour and is only expected to last about ten minutes. The goal of his virtual world tour is to continue rallying global support against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Now in line with the United States and other G-7 nations, Japan has already imposed significant sanctions against Russia and Belarus and joined the call to cut Russia from the SWIFT banking system.

Japan has also provided humanitarian aid, amended rules to be able to deliver defense equipment and even started allowing Ukrainian evacuees into the country. Which is extremely unusual for a country that had historically been closed off to refugees.

Now in response to Japan's support of Ukraine, as you mentioned, earlier this week Russia suspended peace treaty talks to end World War II hostilities and potentially resolve territorial disputes involving a set of islands north of Hokkaido.

Now it seems Russia's invasion of Ukraine has further triggered a more assertive foreign policy response from Japan as the country steps up its international role and becomes more out spoken when it becomes to Taiwan and Ukraine. Just in the last few years Japan has already been increasing its defense spending and capabilities as peace and stability in this region become more uncertain surrounded by China, North Korea and Russia.

[04:55:04]

But it's important to recognize that while it's clear that Tokyo like most people around the world, countries around the world have been horrified of what we have seen play out in Ukraine. Japan definitely sees the crisis in Ukraine as a global issue and its tough response to the crisis is not only meant to send a message to Russia but also China in the hopes that Beijing will think twice about its goal of reunifying Taiwan with the mainland. It's a what if scenario, Rosemary, that hasn't been lost on Japanese leaders.

CHURCH: I'm sure. Blake Essig joining us live from Tokyo. Many thanks.

Well, Russia's war on Ukraine has devastated so many lives, and for some, including the most innocent. It's disruptive critical cancer treatment. Now four Ukrainian children with cancer and their families, have arrived at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. The children range in age from nine months old to nine years old. The U.S. State Department coordinated with St. Jude's to transport the group from Poland.

And finally. this hour a group of Ukrainian sailors waving their country's flag has try to block a yacht tied to a Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich from docking in Turkey. The sailors are reportedly members of the Odessa Children and Youth Sailing School. The coach says his team raises Ukraine's flag in an international competition and they want to show everyone who Ukraine is. The tracking site, Marine Traffic says the yacht eventually docked on Monday evening.

And thank you so much for your company, I am Rosemary Church, be sure to connect with me on Twitter @rosemaryCNN. "EARLY START" with Christine Romans, Laura Jarrett and John Berman is coming up next. You are watching CNN.

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