First and second, Reuters and Associated Press reports, both linked to others. Next, five reports from today and yesterday’s “Morning Edition” program on National Public Radio. Then, a note to check yesterday’s entry for two late segments.— MCM

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Russian forces pound key cities as Ukraine demands tougher sanctions, by Natalia Zinets and Conor Humphries | Reuters * Zelenskiy says rhetoric on sanctions not enough * EU executive head says more sanctions will come * U.S., EU set to ban new investment in Russia * Pope condemns Bucha “massacre” * Ukraine reports attacks in south and east LVIV, Ukraine/DUBLIN — Artillery pounded key cities in Ukraine on today, as its president urged the West to act decisively in imposing new and tougher sanctions being readied against Russia in response to civilian killings widely condemned as war crimes. Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion have gained new impetus this week after dead civilians shot at close range were found in the town of Bucha after it was retaken from Russian forces. As Pope Francis described the killings there as a “massacre”, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the West needed to act decisively in taking “more . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia’s failure to take down Kyiv was a defeat for the ages, by Robert Burns | The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Kyiv was a Russian defeat for the ages. The fight started poorly for the invaders and went downhill from there. When President Vladimir Putin launched his war on Feb. 24 after months of buildup on Ukraine’s borders, he sent hundreds of helicopter-borne commandos — the best of the best of Russia’s “spetsnaz” special forces soldiers — to assault and seize a lightly defended airfield on Kyiv’s doorstep. Other Russian forces struck elsewhere across Ukraine . . . But as the seat of national power, Kyiv was the main prize. But Putin failed to achieve his goal of quickly crushing Ukraine’s outgunned and outnumbered army. The Russians were ill-prepared for Ukrainian resistance, proved incapable of adjusting to setbacks, failed to effectively combine air and land operations, misjudged Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies, and bungled basic military functions like planning and executing the movement of supplies. “That’s a really bad combination if you want to conquer a country,” said Peter Mansoor, a retired Army colonel and professor of military history at Ohio State University. READ MORE . . .

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EU considers a ban on Russian coal imports. Will that help to deescalate the war? NPR’s A Martinez talks to Henning Gloystein of the Eurasia Group, about the European Union considering a ban on Russian coal imports. Listen HERE.

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The State Department makes it easier for anyone to help resettle refugees. Reported by NPR’s Joel Rose. Because refugee resettlement agencies are stretched thin, the U.S. is testing a new approach. Groups of regular people are sponsoring Afghan refugees in communities where they’ve rarely gone before. Listen HERE.

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For a special issue, the comic book series ‘El Peso Hero’ travels to Ukraine. From NPR. Fed up with Mexico’s non-interventionist policy after Russia invaded Ukraine, Hector Rodriguez has his Mexican American superhero go to Ukraine in the latest issue of the series. Listen HERE.

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3 military medics in Ukraine describe how the war has changed them. Reported by NPR’s Elissa Nadworny. Young military medics in Ukraine talk about their experience and life under the Russian siege. Listen and read HERE. 

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The U.S. insists that Russia should be held accountable for war crimes. NPR’s A Martinez talks to White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer about options available to the U.S. and its allies for holding Russia responsible for alleged war crimes. Listen and read HERE.

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NOTE: YESTERDAY’S ENTRY HAS TWO CONSORTIUM NEWS PIECES INCLUDED IN LATE AFTERNOON

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TO BE CONTINUED