Sunday, March 6, 2022

Blinken says Poland has "green light" to send fighter jets to Ukraine

Plus, a look at the refugee crisis resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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"Taking the city is not the same thing as capturing the hearts and minds of Ukrainians. What they've demonstrated with extraordinary courage is that they will not be subjugated to Vladimir Putin's will and be under Russia's thumb."

- Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the endurance of the Ukrainian people during Russia's invasion

Welcome to the "Face the Nation" Five at Five newsletter. Scroll down for your five takeaways from today's broadcast of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on CBS.

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1. Blinken: NATO countries have "green light" to send fighter jets to Ukraine

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that Poland has the go-ahead to send fighter jets to Ukraine as the U.S. and allies continue their efforts to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's invasion.

What we asked: "If, for instance, the Polish government, a NATO member, wants to send fighter jets, does that get a green light from the U.S.? Or are you afraid that will escalate tension?"

What Blinken said: "We're talking with our Polish friends right now about what we might be able to do to backfill their needs if in fact they choose to provide these fighter jets to the Ukrainians. What could we do? How can we help to make sure that they get something to backfill the planes that they're handing over to the Ukrainians? We're in very active discussions with them about that."

Why it matters: Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked worldwide support for the Ukrainian people and a united response from the West. The U.S. and European allies have provided military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia.

2. Schiff believes there is "strong bipartisan support" for a Russian oil ban

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Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff of California said Sunday that he believes there is "strong" bipartisan backing for a U.S. ban on Russian oil and natural gas imports as part of its broader efforts to impose costs on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

What we asked: "The United States purchases about 600,000 barrels of Russian petroleum products a day. Speaker Pelosi said that oil should be banned. The White House says it's looking at options. What is that option? Does a solution come from Congress or is this something President Biden needs to act on?"

What Schiff said: "I think it could come from either place. I think there's very strong bipartisan support to cut off Russian oil and gas sales to the United States. It's anathema, I think, to many of us in Congress that while we were sanctioning them and trying to cripple their economy that way would help them in any way by purchasing their petroleum. But I think the administration wants to make sure that we work with our allies."

Why it matters: Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said a ban on Russian oil imports would potentially have an impact on prices both in the U.S. and abroad, which underscores President Biden's efforts to work in coordination with European allies and partners.

3. U.N. high commissioner for refugees: 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled Russian invasion

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Filippo Grandi, the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, estimated Sunday that 1.5 million Ukrainians have left the country in the wake of Russia's invasion, which he said is the fastest exodus of people since World War II.

What we asked: "You have said this is the fastest moving refugee exodus since World War II. What are the numbers now? What are you seeing?"

What Grandi said: "As of today, we've passed the terrible mark of 1.5 million refugees, and this in 10 days, essentially from Ukraine into five neighboring countries. The bulk here in Poland, where I am now. And if I think of past decades, I cannot think in Europe of a faster exodus of people. Not since the end of the Second World War, I would say."

Why it matters: The U.S. and European allies have provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but Grandi said more supplies are needed in the country, while relief supplies and money are necessary for those who have already fled.

4. Ukrainian ambassador to U.S.: Russia's invasion shows Europe, world is "not safe"

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Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova explained why Americans and the rest of the world need to be concerned about the Russian invasion of her country, "It's not only about Ukraine."

What we asked: "How do you explain to the American people why this $10 billion in aid that President Biden is asking for? Why should U.S. taxpayers be concerned and invested in your country?"

What Markarova said: "Well, Ukraine didn't do anything to be attacked. If we didn't provoke Russia, we didn't do anything. We were not a threat to Russia unless being a peaceful democracy and just peacefully living in your own country is a threat. And if it's so, then it's not only about Ukraine, then Europe and the whole world is not safe. I mean, we see President Putin threatening everyone with all the forces, including the nuclear force. We have to stop him because again, it's not just some conflict, it's not just some regional problem. It's a full-fledged war that a nuclear large power that actually signed and assurances, together with the United States and Great Britain when we denuclearize Ukraine voluntarily in 1994, signed gave us assurances not to attack us."

Why it matters: The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the largest military action in Europe since World War II, disrupting the world economy and creating another refugee crisis. Despite diplomatic efforts, there is no end in sight or sense of what Russian President Putin's true goal is.

5. Volker: "We should be on the side of the Ukrainians"

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Former U.S. ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker said "that's not messaging that you want to send" in response to former President Donald Trump calling Russian President Putin "smart" and "savvy."

What we asked: "Was the former president an apologist for Putin? That's what the vice president was saying."

What Volker said: "Well I'm not going to pass a judgment on that. We heard what he said. You know, he said that Putin was acting in a smart, savvy way. I mean, that's not the messaging that you want to send. Messaging you want to send is that he is acting in an irresponsible, inhuman way, killing people in an unjustified war, and we should be on the side of the Ukrainians to help them."

Why it matters: Trump has ratcheted up his attacks on the Biden administration in recent weeks, with most comments directed toward Mr. Biden's handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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