1 million flee Ukraine as Russian assault targets key cities, fuels exodus

1 million refugees flee Ukraine as bombardment continues

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts Today's Top Stories from NBC News THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022 Good morning, NBC News readers.     As we reach one week since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have all you need to know about the fast-moving conflict.   Here's what we're watching this Thursday morning.     War in Ukraine one week on: 1 million flee as Russian assault hits key cities and fuels exodus More than one million people have fled Ukraine after a week of war, in which Russia continues to bombard key cities across the country in an effort to overcome staunch resistance to their invasion.   The conflict has fueled a growing humanitarian crisis in Europe and left those who have remained in Ukraine facing an intensifying assault from the air and ground.   But the mileslong Russian military convoy threatening the Ukrainian capital has made little progress over the last three days, with Russian forces struggling to overcome fierce defense and their own logistical issues in their northern advance. They appear to have had more success in the south, with two key port cities struggling to hold out.   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on his countrymen to keep up their resistance, while branding Russian soldiers "children who are being used."   Here's some of our key Ukraine coverage to catch up on: While Ukraine is assaulted, Putin faces unexpectedly sharp domestic blowback Putin's invasion of Ukraine forces Germany to take steps not seen since WWII How easy and legal is it to seize Russian oligarchs' assets? 'Devastating weapon': Concerns grow over Russia's 'vacuum bombs' Follow developments as they happen on our live blog and watch News Now for more. Thursday's Top Stories Cuellar, Cisneros headed to runoff in Texas, NBC News projects Both wings of the Democratic Party have been closely watching the primary in Texas' 28th Congressional District for clues about the state of their party. READ MORE Jan. 6 panel argues Trump was involved in 'criminal conspiracy' to overturn election The House committee said in a court filing that members of the Trump campaign may have been involved, as well. READ MORE Jet Blue pilot who was removed from cockpit told officials he'd had 7 or 8 drinks The pilot was removed from a plane's cockpit in Buffalo after a TSA officer said he appeared "impaired" while passing through security, authorities said. READ MORE OPINION Putin wanted to strengthen his grip by invading Ukraine. Instead he may weaken it. Anna Borshchevskaya asks, will the Ukraine invasion result in a shattering loss that causes the Russian people to rethink what goals their state should pursue? READ MORE Also in the News A lavender spray was supposed to freshen homes. Instead, it killed two people. Marilyn Manson files defamation suit against Evan Rachel Wood over rape, abuse allegations Stanford women's soccer team captain Katie Meyer dies at 22 Little League Baseball, a coach and his wife sued over allegations of sexual assault of 8 boys in Texas Space junk on 5,800-mph collision course with moon Australia fully open to travel as last state reopens border Editor's Pick OPINION 'What is the army afraid of?' Indian government stops film inspired by gay soldier The director says his script was rejected by the Defense Ministry, which has censorship power and told him "the portrayal of a soldier as gay is illegal." READ MORE Select Black-owned coffee companies across the country ship their beans, espresso blends and more nationwide. One Fun Thing  'Encanto' soundtrack tops Billboard albums chart for a seventh week, proving it's still stuck in everyone's heads Disney's "Encanto" soundtrack continues its reign on the Billboard charts.   The soundtrack, which was composed by "Hamilton" playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, was no. 1 for the seventh time on the Billboard 200. TikTok favorite "We Don't Talk About Bruno" also kept its top position for the fifth week on the Hot 100.   The soundtrack moved the equivalent of 90,000 sales in the United States last week, according to MRC Data, the tracking arm of Billboard.   Read more here.    Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: patrick.smith@nbcuni.com. If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Patrick Smith     FOLLOW US     Want to receive NBC Breaking News and Special Alerts in your inbox? SIGN UP HERE Check out all of NBC Newsletters here.     Get the NBC News Mobile App   30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 View in browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Subscription | Contact | Privacy