breaking news overnight. russian officials announce a ceasefire, potentially clearing the way for desperate refugees to escape the violence as the humanitarian crisis reaches levels not seen since world war ii financing the firepower. congress fast tracks millions in aid. plus, the push to stop buying russian oil as gas prices soar here at home caught in the diplomatic crossfire. the growing concerns for the wnba superstar now detained in moscow wicked weather this weekend.

deadly tornadoes leave a trail of destruction across iowa as wildfires rip through the florida panhandle. a milestone in the fight against covid. once the epicenter of the pandemic, new york prepares to drop vaccine and mask mandates "early today" starts right now good morning. i'm steven romo. >> glad you're with us i'm frances rivera we begin with breaking news in ukraine where russian officials announced another attempt at a ceasefire. ukraine has not responded, but the badly needed pause would allow civilians to get to safety over the weekend two previous attempts broke down quickly. residents in a village north of kyiv were caught in shelling by russian forces eight people were killed in attacks there, according to that town's mayor the u.n. now says other a million and a half people have fled the country it is the fastest growing humanitarian crisis on the continent since world war ii molly hunter joins us live from lviv

and molly, tell us more about what's known about the latest ceasefire effort >> reporter: hey, frances, good morning. that's right we should be very clear. this is only from the russian side we have not heard from the ukrainians, the icrc, the neutral party which brokers deals like this or from the city councils mentioned there will be a ceasefire in kyiv, mariupol, kharkiv and s sumi they have laid out humanitarian corridors. they have laid out routes. but in their statement they even say the ukrainians haven't agreed to these routes cease-fires work when both parties decide on all of the perfect specifics. and as you mentioned, the two ceasefires that were announced by both sides over the weekend broke down very quickly because of russian shelling. but we will be chasing the ukrainians and the icrc for any confirmation that this might actually go into effect this morning. >> meantime, the russian forces

have been slowly making their way to the capital we know of that convoy that has been stalled what do we know about their progress now >> yeah, very little progress of that convoy. it has been about 15 miles outside of the capital of kyiv for the last week. it is 40 miles long. apparently dodged by supply issue, fuel, logistical issues that's why we're seeing them make so much progress in parts of the south, frances. overnight we have reports of heavy shell manage the outskirts of the capital which is still in the north. but then in mykolaiv, we're looking at the black sea belt of cities which includes mariupol and president zelenskyy has warned odesa, another big city on the black sea is next >> molly, thank you. well, congress is responding to ukrainian president volodymyr zelenskyy's call for action this morning. late last night, house speaker nancy pelosi detailed the chambers plan in a letter, saying lawmakers are exploring

strong legislation that will further isolate russia from the global economy nbc's brie jackson is in d.c. with the latest. and brie, all this comes after that desperate plea from ukraine's leader. >> that's right. germany, steven. president zelenskyy had a private zoom call with house and senate members on saturday asking for a no-fly zone over ukrainian airspace more economic aid and a ban on russian oil. that ban could come in a matter of delays. speaker pelosi said in her letter that congress is working on a bill that would bar the import of russian oil and energy products and take steps towards denying russia access to the world trade organization. >> we're in active discussions with our european partners about banning the import of russian oil to our countries >> i think there is very strong bipartisan support to cut off russian and gas sales to the united states. >> we should not allow vladimir putin to have the power at any

moment to raise prices on americans by cutting us off; at some point now or in the future. we should cut him off now and replace it with american soil oil. >> the new legislation would focus on mitigating rising gas prices by releasing more oil from america's strategic reserves the national average has climbed to over $4 a gallon, the highest in 14 years. in addition to a ban on russian oil, congress is also working on a $10 billion aid package in ukraine to go toward humanitarian efforts for the flood of refugees. that emergency aid would help ukraine defend its skies poland has russian-fade fighters jets while the u.s. promises to replace them so the u.s. would not be vulnerable. >> thanks for that a million and a half people have already fled ukraine, and the united nations has called it

the fastest growing refugee crisis but here is a bright spot during a difficult situation. yesterday ellison barber had the most adorable photo bomb during her report >> the polish government has asked people if you want to help, don't just send food or water or splice because they have a lot of these. this is one of our friends we've been playing soccer with all morning. they say don't just rush and send things in try to find organized groups, volunteer groups and send money that way thousand they are trying to not have an immediate influx of things, but have a more organized structured approach to where things go from here a lot of families here, a lot of mothers, a lot of children, all of thet them desperately hoping they can go home and go home soon >> barbara later tweeted this, adding and play more soccer we did. >> so great to see that bright spot there

american wnba superstar is detained in russia this morning, arrested in a moscow airport after russian authorities say they found videotape cartridges in her luggage but her arrest could have larger implications here is kathy park >> reporter: growing concerns over wnba star and two-time olympic gold medalist brittney griner arrested by russian federal customs officials on drug charges. this weekend they released a video showing a traveller believed to be greiner going through airport security followed by closer inspection of her suitcase the custom service say they found containers containing hash oil that could carry a ten-year sentence how worried should we be about brittany's well-being right now? >> unfortunately, i think we should be really worried once they figured out who she is given the timing, it's undeniable that she is now being held as part of the pawn in this geopolitical standoff and in the

war in ukraine. >> reporter: her arrest comes amid heightened tensions between the u.s. and russia as the war in ukraine enters another week secretary of state and any blinken when asked about greiner -- >> whenever an american is detained anywhere in the world, we stand ready to provide every possible assistance. and that includes in russia. >> reporter: the 31-year-old center with the phoenix mercury has played in russia during the last seven years during the nba off-season her team tweeting our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health. with reports greiner has been detained for weeks, greiner's wife posted this message comes during one of the most weakest moments of my life we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. >> a wnba spokesperson says aside from griner, all players in the league are out of russia and ukraine. back to you.

>> thank you now it's the united states and its allies discuss banning russian oil imports, the national average for a gallon of gas topped $4 for the first time in 14 years. so how high could prices go? nbc's gadi schwartz has the details. >> reporter: shock at gas pumps. >> it really hurts the people that have to drive 20 and 30 miles every day to and from work. >> reporter: with the biden administration now considering direct sanctions on the kremlin's crude oil, prices will likely climb higher than they ever have before. >> the oil market reacts much like the stock market. it gets very jit when it comes to volatility. we're seeing a lot right now and unfortunately drivers are paying for that at the gas pump. >> reporter: across the country, the national average has rocketed past $4 where drivers are shelling out as much as $7 a gallon, somewhere on board with the sanctions. but they still want to see

washington try and bring relief. >> send all the messages but i think we have oil here we don't need to be buying their oil. >> reporter: and experts say there are options. >> more domestic production and further tapping into the national oil reserve lowering gas taxes a and nuclear deal with iran could potentially release enough oil into the market to ease tensions but tensions with russia might deflect that there are more factors like refineries switching to more expensive summer blends. the world emerging from the pandemic with more people traveling and all on top of rising inflation. >> i think i'mgoing to start walking when it hits six i'm going to max out there >> and experts we talked to say there is a chance that other states will start to see some of these high gas prices. we're talking $5, $6 a gallon in coming months at some gas stations and they also say if the price of gas goes up another 11 cents, we'll officially be in uncharted

territory. which means even though gas prices seem extremely high right now, today might be the day to fill up. back to you. >> got to brace ourselves. thank you. now to the storms that overtook iowa, the deadliest since may of 28. 17 people, including two children were killed on saturday as three tornadoes destroyed communities across the state on sunday, officials from the national weather service were still trying to determine the strength of those tornadoes. but meteorologists said some of the damage suggested wind speeds of more than 135 miles per hour. >> let's turn now to nbc meteorologist bill karins who is here with us is there more severe weather in the forecast, bill >> unfortunately, there is we're not thinking we're going to see a tornado outbreak. yesterday in arkansas we had about four or five reports and there have still been tornado warnings throughout the overnight. there are still potential for isolated areas that could see extreme weather. and even through the overnight

hour new tornado watch is issued until 7:00 a.m this area is just to the east of the mississippi river, all alonger as from paducah down through memphis and now it's sliding towards memphis. eventually the line of storms will make their way towards nashville, louisville, southern pennsylvania could even get a strong line of storms. wind damage is the biggest threat as we head from asheville, north carolina. but the southern portions of alabama and north georgia, there is the potential for isolated tornadoes as we go throughout the day. if that's not bad enough, we're still getting a lot of heavy rain in areas that had snow melt, and the rivers were high before this storm. flash flood washes around indianapolis, louisville and pad paducah. highest rainfall totals are expected areas louisiana up through mississippi, alabama, and a little n

ri richmond 83. it's snowing in chicago. dallas, colder air moving in for you. but look at the high temperatures in the southeast. a lot of contrast. stormy weather is the recipe this morning >> that time of year all right, bill, thank you two massive wildfires are burning in the florida panhandle this morning one is named the adkins avenue fire the other as been dubbed swamp road they have burned at least 10,000 acres combined this is video of a home completely destroyed by one of the fires. the fire activity has increased since sunday because of the high winds and dry conditions more companies are taking on anti-russian approaches including tfx neliand tiktok >> also, commemorating the 57th anniversary of bloody sunday in selma, alabama

of touch-activated scent technology. that lasts, even hours later! that's because febreze touch stores scent in your fabrics so you get bursts of freshness with every touch. your whole world will come alive. welcome home to fresh with febreze touch. la, la, la, la, la a jelly bean that's good for you? nature's bounty introduces new jelly bean vitamins. good-for-you nutrients in a tastier for you form. more sweet dreams. more flavorful immune support. new nature's bounty jelly beans. live bountifully. one prilosec otc in the morning blocks heartburn all day new nature's bounty jelly beans. and all night. prilosec otc prevents excess acid production that can cause heartburn. so don't fight heartburn, block it with prilosec otc.

more and more companies have severed ties with russia following the country's invasion of ukraine netflix ramped up its ensanctions on russia, announcing it has suspended its service in that country. the move comes after netflix also stopped production on upcoming russian projects. and tick-tock followed suit in hitting pause on most of its service in russia, adding it will continue to monitor the situation in russia and ukraine with safety as a priority. american express said its globally issued cards will not work in russia and belarus amex joins visa and mastercard who both said over the weekend they would suspend operations in russia visa chairman said in a statement the move comes as a result of, quote, russia's unprovoked invasion of ukraine and the unacceptable events we have witnessed toyota said they are putting a halt to its factory and production in russia this comes as the vehicle imports into the sunday have been suspended indefinitely.

the counting firm kpmg and price waterhouse announce they'd are exiting. and kp said its firm in belarus would also leave its network st stoley is rebranding as they're organizing efforts to support the ukraine people supermodel gig. >> hadid will donate also. >> the latest when it comes to the pandemic rollbacks in new york city. plus, a plea for peace pope francis calls for an end to fighting in ukraine. drops in hol for fast acting sore throat relief ♪ahhh!♪ wooo! vaporize sore throat pain with truth is... i've never really known how to care for my hardwood floors. then i found swiffer wetjet wood.

these soft microfiber-like pads absorb dirt and grime deep inside. and it prevents streaks and haze better than my old mop. wetjet wood. also try sweeper wood cloths. ♪ together forever and never to part ♪ ♪ together forever we two ♪ ♪ and don't you know i would move heaven and earth ♪ ♪ to be together forever with you ♪ is now a good time for a flare-up? enough, crohn's! for adults with moderate to severe crohn's or ulcerative colitis, stelara® can provide relief, and is the first approved medication to reduce inflammation on and below the surface of the intestine in uc. you, getting on that flight? back off, uc! stelara® may increase your risk of infections, some serious, and cancer. before treatment, get tested for tb. tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu-like symptoms, sores, new skin growths, have had cancer, or if you need a vaccine. pres, a rare, potentially fatal brain condition, may be possible.

some serious allergic reactions and lung inflammation can occur. lasting remission can start with stelara®. janssen can help you explore cost support options. better skin from your body wash? try olay body wash with skin care super ingredient collagen. olay body wash hydrates to improve skin 3x better, from dry and dull to firm and radiant. with olay body, i feel fearless in my skin. do you struggle with occasional nerve aches with olay body, in your hands or feet? try nervivenerve relief from the world's #1 selling nerve care company. nervive contains alpha lipoic acid to relieve occasional nerve aches, weakness and discomfort. try nervivenerve relief.

we will keep fighting. we will keep organizing. we will keep shouting. we will keep making good trouble.

and we will march on until victory is won >> on sunday vice president kamala harris helped commemorate the 57th anniversary of bloody sunday in selma, alabama the day when more than 500 black demonstrators were met and attacked by dozens of straight troopers as they crossed selma's edmund pettus bridge she also joined the march across the bridge new york city is entering a new phase of the pandemic. the city, once a covid hot spot is doing away with new major covid mandates starting today they'll no longer have to show proof of a covid vaccination to enter indoor businesses also children in kindergarten through the 12th grade will have the option to go maskless in schools. the moves come as a big pandemic anniversary, this week marks two years since the world health organization declared covid-19 a

pandemic coming up, snow for the rest of the country bill karins has your frosty forecast also ahead, having faith during difficult times how one ukrainian city is praying for peace. metamucil psyllium fiber, gels to trap and remove the waste that weighs you down. it also helps lower cholesterol and slows sugar absorption to promote healthy blood sugar levels. so you can feel lighter and more energetic metamucil. support your daily digestive health. and try metamucil fiber thins. a great tasting and easy way to start your day. living with metastatic breast cancer means being relentless. because every day matters. and having more of them is possible with verzenio. the only one of its kind proven to help you live significantly longer when taken with fulvestrant, regardless of menopause status. verzenio + fulvestrant is for hr+, her2- metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after hormone therapy.

diarrhea is common, may be severe, or cause dehydration or infection. at the first sign, call your doctor start an anti-diarrheal and drink fluids. before taking verzenio, tell your doctor about any fever, chills, or other signs of infection. verzenio may cause low white blood cell counts, which may cause serious infection that can lead to death. life-threatening lung inflammation can occur. tell your doctor about any new or worsening trouble breathing, cough, or chest pain. serious liver problems can happen. symptoms include fatigue, appetite loss, stomach pain and bleeding or bruising. blood clots that can lead to death have occurred. tell your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your arms or legs, shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid breathing or heart rate, or if you're nursing, pregnant or plan to be. every day matters. and i want more of them. ask your doctor about everyday verzenio. ready to shine from the inside out? say "yes" to nature's bounty. the number one brand for hair, skin and nails. with our signature blend of health and beauty nutrients to bring out more of your inner beauty. nature's bounty. live bountifully. -dad, what's with your toenail? -oh, that...? i'm not sure...

-it's a nail fungus infection. -...that's gross! -it's nothing, really... -it's contagious. you can even spread it to other people. -mom, come here! -don't worry about it. it'll go away on its own! -no, it won't go away on its own. it's an infection. you need a prescription. nail fungus is a contagious infection. at the first signs, show it to your doctor... ... and ask if jublia is right for you. jublia is a prescription medicine used to treat toenail fungus. its most common side effects include ingrown toenail, application site redness... ... itching, swelling, burning or stinging, blisters and pain. jublia is recognized by the apma. most commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 copay. go to jubliarx.com now to get started. lactaid is 100% real milk, just without the lactose. so you can enjoy it even if you're sensitive to dairy. so anyone who says lactaid isn't real milk is also saying mabel here isn't a real cow. and she really hates that. ordinary tissues burn when theo blows. so puffs plus lotion rescued his nose. mabel here isn't a real cow.

with up to 50% more lotion, puffs bring soothing relief. a nose in need deserves puffs indeed. america's #1 lotion tissue. well, good morning on this monday we are watching snow in areas that had record highs just a few days ago 23 million people under winter weather alerts from kansas city through southern portions of iowa, the quad cities, to cadillac, michigan and the snow is falling right over the top of lake michigan into michigan itself all the way back towards kansas city and des moines, even a little snow to greet you not a lot. you're going to have to shovel a little bit from milwaukee and musk again that's where we could see isolated totals of 2 to 3 inches of snow. the gift that keeps giving, winter >> thanks. pope reference mentions

rivers of blood as the wldor prays for peace in ukraine introducing dawn platinum ez-squeeze. it's a new, upside-down bottle... with no cap. you just grab and squeeze. platinum's upgraded, more powerful formula breaks down and removes grease 4 times faster. nice! no flip, no mess. platinum is also a go-to grease cleaner fo your countertops, and to pre-treat stains on laundry. faster. easier. new dawn platinum ez-squeeze. flip the way you clean dishes. up at 2:00am again? tonight, try pure zzzs all night. unlike other sleep aids, our extended release melatonin helps you sleep longer. and longer. zzzquil pure zzzs all night. fall asleep. stay asleep. what makes febreze air effects different? while cheaper aerosols rely on artificial propellants... febreze uses a 100% natural propellant. check it out! pressure created by what's in your air makes the bottle spray. which means freshness everyone will love.

febreze. during his weekly address on sunday, pope francis called for peace, negotiation and common sense to preview in ukraine. he initially rejected the claim that it is a military action and called for humanitarian corridors to be safely open and for humanitarian aid to be allowed to flow freely. >> even as the blasts continue to shake the streets, communities are still holding

strong to their faith. a church service in a deeply religious town of rivnais. >> the small city is praying for peace but preparing for war. just two hours from belarus, a russian ally and the people here are returning to church this sunday. what did you come to pray for today? >> i come to pray for our soldiers, our army, my brother who is fighting in the east. and of course for ukraine. >> ol' good's son slava is only a few years shy of conscription age. of course i'm afraid of joining the army >> the ukrainian military has impressed the world with its stall work defense with its overwhelming force many in ukraine's bible belt see this as a blessing from god. >> i always say to people we have two guns. we have a real gun and a player as a gun

>> reporter: for many in ukraine, war is hard to forgive. >> sometimes we will forgive them we will fight and protect our country and everybody who break our borders will be killed >> the whole town involved in the war effort >> the grand old opera house is staging you a very different kind of production. >> the cloakroom hosts donated clothing for displaced families. and the theater's manager remember thes a centraling effort ukrainian ukraine is a small country. we will win with the world's support. like much of ukraine, rivner runs on faith and community. nbc news, ukraine. >> incredible to find a way to come together. >> turning to a higher power like so in the world are these days. >> so much faith thanks for starting your monday

morning with "early today. i'm steven romo. >> and i'm frances rivera. coming up on the "today" show, former attorney general bill barr will speak to have that that's his first live interview since resigning from the trump administration over the former president's false claims of voter fraud. for now have a great

carving out a path for safety for ukrainian civilians as russia continues its brutal assault. plus a desperate plea for help the ukrainian president pushes for a no-fly zone over the country as congress passes military aid. gas prices skyrocket past $4 a gallon. and caught in the diplomatic crossfire. the growing concerns for wnba superstar who's now detained in moscow. plus