Ukraine

All that remains on the surface is smoldering wreckage, but underneath this theater, in Ukraine, more than 1,000 civilians are sheltered trying to survive another wave of Russian shelling.

Russian bomber planes demolished the theater Wednesday in the southern city of Mariupol, and images of the aftermath are devastating when you realize somewhere between 1,000 and 1,200 peaceful Ukrainians were inside hiding for their lives.

The number of casualties is unclear, although Parliament of Ukraine member Dmytro Gurin told BBC, "It looks like most of them have survived," noting the basement where many are taking cover remains standing.

The Mariupol mayor's office says emergency workers are still struggling to get to the building due to constant shelling.

This latest airstrike on defenseless civilians comes after Russia's previous attacks on a church, apartment buildings and a maternity hospital.

President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia targeted the theater deliberately, and added, "Our hearts are broken by what Russia is doing to our people. To our Mariupol."

Satellite photos taken on Monday -- 2 days before the attack -- showed the Russian word for "children" written on the ground, warning Russian jets to avoid the building.

Local authorities say at least 2,400 people have been killed in Mariupol since the war began.

An estimated 300,000 residents are trapped in the city, while gas, electricity and water have been cut off.

Here's the most unlikely reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- a "rapper" spitting bars in a TX city council meeting about killing Putin and riding hard for Zelensky.

Alex Stein, best known as internet comedian Primetimestein, heated up Tuesday's meeting in Plano, Texas by dropping some seriously anti-Putin lyrics to the council members -- and you can tell from their faces ... this wasn't the meeting they expected.

Armed with a Bluetooth speaker, Alex rapped ... "Gas prices are way too high, Putin’s got to die, put a bullet in Putin’s head."

The council members weren't exactly feeling it -- not a single head was bobbing, but Alex persisted for more than 2 minutes.

Alex wrapped up by thanking the council, and shouting out Sen. Lindsey Graham for calling on the Russian people to assassinate Putin.

As Graham put it earlier this month, "The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country and the world a great service."

Congressman Mike Quigley is applauding President Volodymyr Zelensky for standing up to Vladimir Putin, and says the Russians -- and maybe the world -- seriously underestimated Ukraine's leader.

The U.S. Rep from Illinois joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" after he'd witnessed Zelensky state his case to Congress for more military assistance to defend his country from Putin's invasion ... and came away impressed.

Rep. Quigley says Zelensky's courage has managed to unite NATO in only a few weeks, despite the fact Ukraine is not even a member nation, and he's proving Putin made a huge miscalculation by taking him lightly.

As we reported ... Zelensky made an impassioned speech to Quigley and hundreds of his fellow colleagues in Congress, pleading for the U.S. and NATO to help to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine in hopes of stopping the Russians from bombing civilians.

Rep. Quigley's Chicago constituents include a neighborhood known as Ukrainian Village, and he's had conversations with Zelensky prior to today's speech.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made his case to the United States Congress Wednesday for more aid in defending his homeland, and he zeroed in on the closest American equivalencies -- Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

Zelensky spoke by zoom to members who were not in the House Chamber -- where they usually have joint sessions of Congress -- they were all in the Capitol Visitors Center Congressional Auditorium. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced Zelensky with the same words she uses to intro our own Prez -- "It is my high privilege and distinct honor to present to you President Volodymyr Zelensky. She ended her introduction with "Glory to Ukraine." She tried to get members to chant the phrase, but they didn't.

Members were riveted as members heard Zelenksy's plea for aid. He presented a heartbreaking video of the toll the war has taken ... buildings bombed, civilians killed, buildings destroyed. It was difficult to watch, but it powerfully made his point.

Zelensky also invoked the name of Martin Luther King Jr., by quoting from the "I Have a Dream" speech.

Just a side note ... Zelensky's background in the entertainment industry can't be ignored. Presenting a highly-produced, emotional video with a solemn music bed.

Zelensky, who initially spoke in his native language, switched it up and spoke English, as he explained his country was fighting not just for its own freedom but for the freedom of Europe. He made the point freedom is not always internal ... it depends on what goes on around you.

He made it clear ... his people will not give up.

Here's a new low for Vladimir Putin's monstrous minions -- drone footage shows Russian soldiers opening fire on an unarmed civilian as he was attempting to surrender.

The video, obtained by a German TV station, shows the Ukrainian man driving down a road when he spots Russian soldiers in a tank. The man pulled over and put his hands in the air but it didn't stop the Russians from executing him.

According to the German station ZDF ... this terrifying scene went down March 7 on a highway west of Kyiv. What's particularly chilling about the video is the fact the man seemed to be giving himself up. His hands were already up when he stepped out of his car.

The invaders couldn't care less, and mercilessly decided to shoot to kill.

The Russians showed zero remorse and tossed the man's lifeless body into a ditch on the roadside. A woman and child reportedly witnessed the entire scene, but it's not clear from the video where they were during the shooting.

Netflix is giving viewers what they want -- and that would apparently be another taste of Volodymyr Zelensky's TV show that launched him into stardom ... and then the presidency.

The streaming giant announced Wednesday that 'Servant of the People' has been reintroduced to its library, saying ... "You asked and it’s back!"

It followed with a description of the show ... a teacher unexpectedly becomes President of Ukraine after a video of him complaining about corruption goes viral. Of course ... life ended up imitating art for Zelensky soon thereafter.

Netflix is running 2 seasons and change. This isn't the first go-round for "SOTP" on Netflix ... it was on its menu from 2017 to 2021.

There's intense interest in Zelensky, both with his ascendency to power and his evolution as a leader who now shows shades of Winston Churchill.

BTW ... the show is subtitled ... although there are moments when the cast breaks into English...

Joanna Krupa has skin in the game over Ukraine seeing how she has roots in neighboring Poland ... which is where her husband has gone to help, and where she'll join as well.

We talked to the model/ex-'Housewives' star Tuesday in Malibu about her send-off message to hubby, Douglas Nunes, who recently flew to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees flee the country as Russia continues to invade.

It sounds like Douglas felt compelled to get over there and lend a hand ... and based on what his wife says  ... it seems like his assistance will go a long way, especially for orphaned kids in need of transport and animals in desperate straits.

You can tell this hits home for Joanna, who says she's incredibly proud of her people for stepping up ... by opening their doors to Ukrainians looking for safe haven.

There's also this ... sounds like JK will trade places with her husband soon. She'll wait for Douglas to come back so he can take care of their young daughter.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not just a war hero in his own country, he's now recognized as such around the world, and it's more than evident by the incredible ovation he received from the Canadian Parliament.

Zelensky appeared via zoom before the governmental body, appealing for aid. when he was done, everyone, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, rose to their feet with thunderous applause that lasted not one, not 2 but 3 full minutes.

Zelensky's speech was rousing. He pointed out 97 children have died in Ukraine in the last 20 days. He asked how Canadians would feel if Russian forces decided to take over Vancouver or attack the popular CN Tower in Toronto.

He even echoed his previous call for a no-fly zone over Ukraine ... hoping to put an end to airstrikes from Russian attackers.

Russia's bombings have caused devastation across the country ... including the bombing of a maternity hospital that killed 3 ...  including a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Veteran Fox News photographer, Pierre Zakrzewski, is dead after his vehicle took fire while covering the war in Ukraine.

The tragic incident happened Monday in Horenka, a town outside Kyiv, where Zakrzewski had been traveling with Fox correspondent, Benjamin Hall, and Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kurshynova, just before their vehicle was hit by incoming fire.

Pierre and Oleksandra were both killed during the attack, while Benjamin lost part of his leg and remains hospitalized.

Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott announced the devastating news Tuesday, writing in a memo to staff ... "Pierre was a war zone photographer who covered nearly every international story for Fox News from Iraq to Afghanistan to Syria during his long tenure with us. His passion and talent as a journalist were unmatched."

Pierre had been working on the ground in Ukraine, since February.

This comes on the heels of the death of filmmaker and journalist Brent Renaud. He was on a assignment for Time magazine when he was killed Sunday during a Russian assault on Irpin, Ukraine.

Pierre was 55.

For Ukrainian refugee Anastasiia Chuba, the constant gunfire and bombings back home in Kyiv aren't the scariest things happening ... it's murder and rape that have haunted her.

Anastasiia managed to escape the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, landing Monday at LAX with her daughter, Sasha ... and she tells our photog a harrowing account of what's going on in their hometown.

It's pretty grim ... Anastasiia says she was confined to a basement for the last 10 days, which is no place to raise a child, with the sounds of bombs exploding and guns firing ringing out day and night.

Even worse, Anastasiia says the advancing Russian forces are raping young girls in Kyiv ... and she says the invaders are also murdering Ukrainians.

You can see the emotion building up in Anastasiia as she gives a first-hand account of what life is like for her Ukrainian brothers and sisters stuck in a war zone ... and the dangers they face.

She's keeping it together and is clearly a strong woman ... but the rapes and murders are what tug at her emotion ... and she tears up telling us what she's seen as she holds her daughter.

Like most refugees, Anastasiia has no plan for what she'll do in America ... she hasn't had time to think about it ... but she wants to find a way to help those struggling to stay alive back home.

She says her husband is protecting the family home, where her parents are still sequestered, and she hopes he's still alive when she goes back to Ukraine.

Anastasiia isn't sure what the average American can do to stop the war, but she has a message for the Russians ... telling them to rise up against Vladimir Putin and overthrow the government, like the Ukrainians did in 2014 when they didn't like their leadership.

The revolt paved the way for Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency a few years later ... and Anastasiia says he's united the country like never before, and hopes the Russians do the same.

Ukrainian President Zelensky is showing once again why he's being hailed as an exceptional leader at an impossible time for his country ... offering condolences to the family of a U.S. journalist killed during the conflict.

On Sunday, it was announced Brent Renaud, an acclaimed filmmaker and former NY Times journalist, was shot and killed in Ukraine after Russian forces allegedly opened fire on his vehicle. It's been reported he was gathering information for a report on refugees.

A letter, sent from Zelensky to Renaud's family reads, "A talented and brave journalist, Brent lost his life while documenting human tragedy, devastation and suffering of the millions of Ukrainians. With all his courage and determination, he traveled to the most dangerous war zones to film the unprecedented ruthlessness and evil, also inflicted upon our nation by the aggressor state."

Zelensky continues, "The people of Ukraine, who are fighting against the Russian regime to defend their Homeland and democracy in the world, are mourning with you."

As for some of his other accomplishments -- Renaud's "Last Chance High" on HBO was a series that profiled at-risk youth on Chicago's West Side ... the series went on to win a Peabody Award.

Tech entrepreneur Andrey Liscovich is fighting for his birthplace of Ukraine by giving up his life in Silicon Valley and getting civilian soldiers the supplies they need ... and it's so dangerous he's just written his will.

Andrey joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" and tells us he and his colleagues put together the Ukraine Defense Fund, taking anything they can to help support the troops.

The organization has already raised $65k ... using the money to place supply orders worldwide, getting items shipped to Poland. They're also accepting supplies as a donation ... including medical supplies, body armor and clothes.

With over 100,000 volunteers joining the Ukrainian armed forces since the war began, the army doesn't have enough necessities to go around. He says, "You can imagine a guy ... coming in a sweater, getting an AK-47, and perhaps a few spare magazines and not get much besides that."

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is personal for Andrey ... growing up in Ukraine, he knew he couldn't sit on the sidelines while destruction plagues his people.

Andrey says he's even drafted a will on his laptop while the attacks rage on ... knowing these uncertain times are a matter of life or death.

Volodymyr Zelensky is winning hearts with his bravery -- but he may be winning in fashion too ... because another national leader seems to be taking some dress cues from him.

Here's French President Emmanuel Macron taking care of business in the Golden Room of the Élysée Palace ... where he's hard at work in his office, taking international calls and dealing with the Ukraine crisis -- all while looking super gruff and incredibly dressed-down.

Compared to how Macron normally gets done up --suited, booted and clean-shaven -- this is kind of the exact opposite appearance ... the guy's in a hoodie and jeans for crying out loud!

No shade on Macron (these threads actually work for him) ... but some think Zelensky may have something to do with his attire choice here, because as you know -- VZ has been all about the casual, man-of-the-people getup throughout all this.

Zelensky has constantly been seen rockin' green T-shirts and hoodies and the like ... all while letting a little stubble grow on his mug. Here, too, Macron is growing out his beard and sporting a similar appearance.

Like we said ... this may be perceived as Macron ripping off Zelensky's style -- perhaps even for some brownie points with the international community -- but even if that's the case ... you could consider it the ultimate compliment and the utmost flattery, which ain't terrible.

Fact is ... the dude is a total badass, and the world seems to have caught on to that. So, if some presidents wanna pay homage with a little mirror imaging ... so be it! The more the merrier.

A pregnant woman and her baby were killed when Russian forces bombed a maternity ward in Ukraine last week -- and the images of the destruction are shocking.

The expecting mother -- who has gone unidentified -- lost her life last Wednesday shortly after her child was delivered via emergency C-section following an airstrike that rained down on a hospital in Mariupol, which treated some soon-to-be moms.

Unfortunately, shortly after the newborn was delivered, it was declared dead. While everything was going on, the expectant mother realized she might lose her baby and reportedly cried out ... "Kill me now!"

After the baby died, medics attempted to save the woman, but after 30 minutes she succumbed to her injuries.

It's just a snapshot of the horror being inflicted in Ukraine right now -- highlighting that the most vulnerable of people are being targeted and killed in this ongoing war.

BTW, the moment this woman was being rushed out of the destroyed hospital on a stretcher was captured on video by AP reporters ... and it's incredibly difficult to watch.

The woman appears pale as volunteers run to try to get her to safety. She's bleeding from the waist down and seems completely out of it as she stares off into space. Unclear how many months along she was, but she appeared to be in at least the 2nd trimester.

As far as what Russia is saying about this ... they're claiming they bombed this hospital because it was being used as a hideout for Ukrainian extremists -- also insisting that no patients or medics were left inside. Clearly, that's BS.

"The Challenge" star Jordan Wiseley is finding more ways to make an impact on the ground in Ukraine ... distributing much-needed supplies brought over the border from Poland.

Check out these images from Ukraine, where Jordan and his actor roommate Kevin Pasdon are making a daily trek across the border to aid the humanitarian efforts underway.

Jordan's routine includes loading up vans with boxes full of supplies ... driving the goods in from Poland and handing them out to the Ukrainians, who are having their cities and towns shelled by the Russians.

Remember ... Jordan and Kevin flew to Poland earlier this month with the goal of helping out in Ukraine, but they didn't have a plan ... and they quickly found work transporting supplies, thanks in part to their U.S. passports, which allow them to cross the border with ease.

As you see in the videos, the folks in Ukraine are desperate to get their hands on whatever supplies they can ... and Jordan's working hard to unload the boxes and distribute essential items, like food and blankets.

They have started a fundraising campaign for donations that will go towards Ukrainian aid for both military and humanitarian relief.

'SNL' managed to walk the line Saturday night, with a hilarious cold open about TikTokers making the trek to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., advising the Prez on how to fight the Russians.

The premise -- President Biden meets TikTok stars in the Oval for a brainstorming meeting on how to fight the Russian disinformation campaign and Putin himself.  After all, these are influencers, so maybe they can influence the right folks.

It's actually a real thing ... White House officials briefed 30 social media influencers this week about the Russian invasion.

Well, in the skit, a CW actress goes all AnnaLynne McCord and suggests the best way to tame Putin is with a poem.

Not to be outdone, another TikToker suggests the solution is a prank ... throwing Putin down a flight of stairs.

Another influencer seems to swing far right, as she suggests Hunter Biden started the war.

There's a hysterical mix-up when a dude named Charles D'Amelio said he didn't know why he was there, but he assumed they meant to invite Charli. Honest mistake ... on his way out he asked if there were any extra stimi checks.

And then the influencer with the plunger ... you just gotta watch it. Super funny.