Eyes on Russia

As the U.S. deliberates, Ukraine hangs in the balance. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( February 20, 2024 Good morning. As the world mourns the sudden death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, we're looking at [the state of play between Russia and Ukraine]( — and how divisions in the U.S. could affect the war's outcome. Later, we're sharing [delicious dishes]( you'll love when time is tight, plus [how to exercise to live longer]( — and the [impossibly chic casual shoes]( beloved by Gigi Hadid. Let's get started.   In the News [Bird's-eye view of mourners in Rome]( Mourners gather in Rome to mark the death of Alexei Navalny. (Getty Images) Eyes on Russia The sudden death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has sharpened focus on the country at a moment when the question of U.S. aid to Ukraine could determine the outcome of the war. [Here's what's going on](. On the battlefield: Per NBC News, Ukrainian soldiers say delays in U.S. aid have left them exposed to the Russian advance, with morale decreasing day by day. In the U.S.: Between pro-Trump Republicans' refusal to budge on Ukraine aid and the former president's assertion that he'd let Russia attack "delinquent" NATO countries, President Biden's promises of support to Ukraine's President Zelensky are on shaky ground. The broader picture: The political impasse in the U.S. paints a stark picture of what we might expect if Trump wins a second presidential term. Though he's compared Navalny's death to his own legal struggles, Trump's conspicuously failed to join the global chorus condemning Russia's President Putin for it. Trump's resolve to focus on internal issues over foreign aid could put Russia in a stronger position — and leave Ukraine hanging in the balance. [We've got more on all this, here](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fu-s-politics-affects-russia-ukraine%2F   More Stories [Piles of garbage in the ruins of Rafah]( Garbage is piling up in Rafah, where public services have come to a standstill. (Getty images) Israel-Hamas war: Israel has threatened a ground assault on the Gazan city of Rafah by Ramadan — which begins March 10 — if the remaining hostages aren't returned home. A top United Nations official has said such an attack would lead to "a slaughter." The U.S. is negotiating a U.N. Security Council resolution that proposes a ceasefire "as soon as is practicable." Politics: Nearly two dozen GOP lawmakers have decided to not seek reelection or have resigned early, citing divisions in the House. “When you have folks on your own team with their knives out, it's... less enjoyable," said Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska. Per the New York Times, America's liberals are low on energy for the anti-Trump fight. “We’re kind of, like, crises-ed out,” one Democrat said. Crime: The case of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will return to a British court this week to determine whether he's exhausted his right to appeal in the U.K. If he has, he could be extradited to the U.S., where he faces espionage charges. Stateside, Texas police are pleading for info related to the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham near her home in Polk County on Thursday. Business: Capital One is buying Discover Financial Services for $35.3 billion in an all-stock deal that'll merge two of the biggest credit card companies in the U.S. Meanwhile, a slowing U.S. birth rate has hit companies that make baby products, like P&G and Kimberly-Clark. They're making imaginative efforts to boost sales — such as developing diapers for older kids.   Eat Up! [Shrimp, rice, and cucumbers]( KCM I recently whipped up this honey sriracha shrimp, and it was such a scrumptious weeknight dinner. It's one of [three simple recipes I'm loving right now](, and I know you'll love them all as much as I did. For more stellar dishes from me and our favorite top chefs, make sure to [subscribe to Good Taste](, our new cooking newsletter! It's totally free, and the next issue is coming on Thursday.   Ask a Doctor We love tapping our long list of expert contacts to help the Wake-Up Call community, and we're at it again! Soon we'll be chatting with a dermatologist, and we want to bring your questions into the conversation. [Drop us a line here](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Dermatologist questions) to share your queries about skin, hair, nails, cosmetic procedures, and more.   Extra Credit [Illustration of arms holding dumbbells]( Getty Images Let's sweat: We spoke to Dr. Peter Attia about [the best exercise style for living longer]( — and how to get started if you're new to the fitness game. A closer look: Each year, approximately 177,000 adults aged 65 and older are hospitalized in the U.S. due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). [This patient's personal story]( is an important reminder of what a difference getting vaccinated can make. Bang for your buck: Looking to hydrate your skin without breaking the bank? The Inkey List just dropped [a new ceramides-packed moisturizer]( that specifically helps increase plumpness, firmness, elasticity, and skin renewal, all for only $20.   Watch and Learn When was the last time you visited [Katie Couric Media's YouTube channel](? It's jam-packed with my exclusive interviews, expert-led workout routines, cooking how-to videos, and so much more. Kick back, relax, and join us for content you won't soon forget... [CHECK IT OUT](   Step It Up We're obsessed with [these chic luxury ballet flats]( from Mansur Gavriel. Gigi Hadid and Zoey Deutch are fans of these super comfortable designs, which come in 14 fantastic colors and fit right in with the balletcore trend. [Ballet flats]( [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.