International

Russian forces were pounding Ukrainian cities in a bombardment that deepened the war's humanitarian crisis as the countries kept open a narrow diplomatic channel with more planned talks. Shortly before dawn Tuesday, large explosions thundered across Kyiv as Russia pressed its advance on multiple fronts. Here are some key things to know about the conflict.

Ukraine says it sees possible room for compromise in talks with Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow’s forces have stepped up their bombardment of Kyiv, and an estimated 20,000 civilians have fled the desperately encircled city of Mariupol by way of a humanitarian corridor. 

A second consecutive day of losses comes while China faces a surging number of COVID-19 cases across the country.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Chinese diplomats in Rome on Monday in what a senior administration adviser described as an "intense" seven-hour session.

What can we learn about the effects of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine from Minnesotans who fled war and torture? Guest host Chris Farrell speaks with a Ukrainian in Minnesota watching as the war destroys his homeland, the president of Refugees International and two therapists who help people recover from the trauma of war.

The woman and her baby died after Wednesday's strike, one of dozens of recent attacks on Ukraine's health system. U.N. groups warn it is running "dangerously low" on oxygen and medical supplies.

Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted a photo of the two sides meeting by video link on Monday but said the talks had ended for the day and would resume Tuesday. 

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is meeting with officials in Poland, as the situation across the border in Ukraine worsens.

Missiles targeted a military training facility near the Polish border. The training center in Yavoriv appears to be the most westward target struck so far in the 18-day invasion.

Mariupol has seen some of the greatest misery from Russia’s war in Ukraine as unceasing barrages have thwarted repeated attempts to bring in food and water, evacuate trapped civilians and bury the dead.