March 16, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is showing a graphic video now showing fighting in his country and attacks by Russian forces as part of his address to US Congress.

Earlier in this remarks, Zelensky reiterated his calls for a no-fly zone over Ukraine and lauded the bravery of the Ukrainian people.

The video ended with a slate that said "close the sky over Ukraine."

During Zelensky’s video presentation, the pool could hear a pin drop in the room. A few members took videos with their phones. The audio on the video was low in the room. Not overpowering but soft and emotional. 

Ukrainian-American GOP Rep. Victoria Spartz did not sit but stood in the back of the room throughout the speech. During the video, she was very emotional. 

Late in the speech GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn walked up next to the press pool and was seen watching the video.

Pool reporters inside the hall contributed reporting to this post.

Warning Graphic Video

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In his virtual address to members of US Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his calls for the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

Lawmakers of both parties have said they are wary of a no-fly zone at this time because they think it could pit the US directly against Russia in the skies over Ukraine.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki, meanwhile, told reporters on Tuesday that, despite requests from Zelensky, the White House does not support instituting a no-fly zone over Ukraine or supplying the Ukrainian Air Force with new fighter aircraft.

What is a no-fly zone? A no-fly zone is an area where certain aircraft cannot fly for any number of reasons. In the context of a conflict such as the one in Ukraine, it would probably mean a zone in which Russian planes were not allowed to fly, to prevent them from carrying out airstrikes against Ukraine.

NATO has imposed no-fly zones in non-member countries before, including Bosnia and Libya. However, it is always a controversial move because it means getting semi-involved in a conflict without fully committing ground forces.

What would happen if NATO imposed a no-fly zone? The problem with military no-fly zones is that they have to be enforced by military power. If a Russian aircraft flew into a NATO no-fly zone, then NATO forces would have to take action against that aircraft. Those measures could include shooting the plane from the sky. That would, in Russia's eyes, be an act of war by NATO and would likely escalate the conflict.

Why hasn't NATO imposed a no-fly zone? Neither Ukraine nor Russia is a member of NATO. Russia President Vladimir Putin clearly sees NATO as a direct threat to his authority and has recently criticized its expansion toward Russia, using it as justification for his invasion of Ukraine.

As a result, NATO is extremely reluctant to become directly involved in the Ukraine conflict with a rival nuclear power. While it supports Ukraine's resistance and recognizes Putin's actions as an invasion of a sovereign nation, the alliance is simply not prepared to do anything that could be interpreted as a direct act of war on Russia and risk an escalation that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons.

Read more about the no-fly zone here.

CNN's Clare Foran and Ted Barrett contributed reporting to this post.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opened his address to Congress by lauding the bravery of the Ukrainian people and saying the "destiny" of his country is being decided right now amid the Russia invasion.

The capital city of Kyiv is "under missile and air strikes from Russian troops every day. But it doesn't give up, Zelensky, addressing Congress virtually, said via a translator.

He said his country is "in the worst war since World War II."

"Right now, the destiny of our country is being decided. The destiny of our people where the Ukrainians will be free, whether they will be able to preserve their democracy. Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities, it went on a brutal offensive against our values, basic human values," he said.

Watch Zelensky's remarks:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a standing ovation from United States lawmakers ahead of his virtual address to the US Congress.

He's addressing members now.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is delivering a virtual address via video to members of the US House and Senate.

The remarks come as the United States is under pressure from Ukraine to supply more military assistance to the embattled country.

What we expect he will say: Zelensky is expected to call for the US to help enforce a no-fly zone in Ukraine — to protect civilians — and provide fighter aircraft that the Ukrainians can use to defend themselves.

These two controversial options divide lawmakers, with Republicans more hawkish about giving Ukraine jets, but some Democrats — and the White House — concerned Russia could consider such a move an escalation and potentially draw America into war.

While there is widespread bipartisan support for aid to Ukraine, many lawmakers also believe the US should be careful not to be drawn into any kind of direct, armed conflict with Russia.

US President Joe Biden plans to detail US assistance to Ukraine in a speech of his own later in the day Wednesday.

Russian warships in the Black Sea have shelled the Ukrainian coast in areas close to the key southern city of Odesa, according to Ukraine’s armed forces. 

According to a statement posted on the armed forces’ Facebook page, the villages of Lebedivka, Sanzheika, Zatoka and Bilenke, which all lie about 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) south of the port city, have been shelled in the last 24 hours. 

Odesa is Ukraine’s third largest city and regarded as a key target of Russia’s campaign. 

An amphibious assault is seen as a probable part of any move to take the city and increased shelling of targets along the coast will increase fears that such an assault could be imminent.

The US House Radio and TV Gallery just informed reporters inside the room on Capitol Hill that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will play a video during his virtual remarks.

They will extend the program by about three minutes. But the video will not conclude his remarks. He will continue to speak after the video concludes. 

The room is filling in now with US lawmakers. It's more than half full now. 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been speaking with the Ukrainian ambassador near the front of the room for at least five minutes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will deliver a speech soon to members of the US Congress, marking a rare moment for the Eastern European leader to address American lawmakers as his country continues to fight against the Russian invasion.

Zelensky's remarks will take place the day after US President Joe Biden signed a massive spending bill into law, which includes more than $13 billion in Ukraine aid.

Zelensky, who remains in Ukraine, will address members of Congress at 9 a.m. ET. Here's what to watch for:

Read more about the speech here.

It's been almost three weeks since Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February. If you're just joining us, here are the latest developments in the conflict: