Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy summoned the memory of Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as he appealed to the U.S. Congress to do more to help Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine projected optimism ahead of another scheduled round of talks, even as Moscow’s forces rained fire on Kyiv and other major cities in a bid to crush the resistance that has frustrated Kremlin hopes for a lightning victory.

Here’s a look at the coverage from our journalists in Ukraine, Washington and beyond. All times Eastern. You can find all our text, photos and video by going to our Russia-Ukraine war hub on AP Newsroom.

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ONLY ON AP

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RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR MARIUPOL’S CURSE - The bodies of the children all lie here, dumped into this narrow trench hastily dug into the frozen earth of Mariupol to the constant drumbeat of shelling. There’s 18-month-old Kirill, 16-year-old Iliya, the 6-year-old who was among the first of Mariupol’s children to die in a Russian attack. Each airstrike and shell that relentlessly pounds Mariupol – about one a minute at times in recent days – drives home the curse of a geography that has put the city squarely in the path of Russia’s domination of Ukraine. In the more than two weeks since Russia’s war began, two AP journalists have been the only international media present in Mariupol, a seaport under siege that has become a symbol both of Putin’s relentless drive to crush Ukraine and of fierce resistance on the ground. By Mystyslav Chernov and Evgeniy Maloletka. SENT: 2,300 words, photos, video.

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TOP STORIES

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-CONGRESS — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy summoned the memory of Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as he appealed to the U.S. Congress to do more to help Ukraine’s fight against Russia. But he acknowledged the no-fly zone he has sought to “close the sky”to the Russians over his country may not happen. Livestreamed into the Capitol complex, Zelenskyy said the U.S. must sanction Russian lawmakers and block imports. But rather than an enforced no-fly zone, he instead sought other military aid to stop Russian airstrikes. By Lisa Mascaro. SENT: 1,060 words, photos. WITH: RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-CONGRESS-IN THE ROOM — U.S. lawmakers says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s dramatic plea for help has hardened their resolve to support the country against the weekslong Russian invasion. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 4 p.m. WITH: US-WAR UKRAINE ZELENSKYY REACTION — Ukrainian-Americans react to Voldomyr Zelenskyy's address the U.S. Congress. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos by 3 p.m.; RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-CONGRESS-TRANSCRIPT — Transcript of Zelenskyy address. UPCOMING by 2 p.m.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR — Both Russia and Ukraine projected optimism ahead of another scheduled round of talks, even as Moscow’s forces rained fire on Kyiv and other major cities in a bid to crush the resistance that has frustrated Kremlin hopes for a lightning victory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, went before the U.S. Congress via video and, invoking Pearl Harbor and 9/11, pleaded with America for more weapons and tougher sanctions against Russia, saying: “We need you right now.” By Andrea Rosa. SENT; developing: 1,000 words, photos, videos. WITH: RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-THE-LATEST; RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-THINGS TO KNOW.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-ISRAEL — Just a year ago, Naftali Bennett was struggling for his political survival as Israel headed toward its fourth consecutive election. Today, the Israeli prime minister is at the forefront of global efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Just as Bennett took advantage of unique circumstances to become to become the most unlikely of prime ministers, he has managed to leverage Israel’s good relations with both Ukraine and Russia and his personal rapport with their leaders to turn himself into an unexpected mediator. By Josef Federman. SENT: 945 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-ENFORCING SANCTIONS — Announcing tough sanctions against Russian oligarchs over the war in Ukraine was step one. Now the U.S. and its allies are creating new teams to act on the vow to “seize and freeze” the giant boats, estates and other pricey assets of Russian elites. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland for the first time convene a multilateral task force known as REPO, one of several new entities dedicated to enforcing sanctions. By Fatima Hussein. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos by 5 p.m.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-NATO - NATO defense ministers are weighing options for bolstering the alliance’s eastern flank near Ukraine and Russia for the next 5-10 years. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says that Russia’s “brutal invasion” is set to “have long-lasting consequences for our security.” In talks at NATO headquarters Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his counterparts will consider what kind of longer-term defenses to set up in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, and how to help Black Sea region allies like Bulgaria and Romania. By Lorne Cook. SENT: 520 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-KIDS-AND-NUKES — On social media, in classrooms and at the playground, children who hear about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are wondering where the war could lead. Questions about nuclear weapons can sometimes make this moment feel reminiscent of growing up during the Cold War. By Leanne Italie. SENT: 1,065 words, photos.

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MORE RUSSIA-UKRAINE STORIES

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-NATO — NATO defense ministers are weighing options for bolstering the alliance’s eastern flank near Ukraine and Russia for the next 5-10 years. SENT: 520 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-WORLD COURT -The United Nations’ highest court ordered Russia to stop hostilities in Ukraine, granting measures requested by Kyiv although many are skeptical that Russia will comply. SENT: 495 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-COUNCIL-OF-EUROPE — The Council of Europe has expelled Russia from the continent’s foremost human rights body in an unprecedented move over its invasion and war in Ukraine. SENT: 350 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-EU-LEADERS - The prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia have returned safely back to Poland after a visit to the embattled Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. The visit was meant to show support for Ukraine as it faces heavy bombardment. The leaders met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to send the message that Ukraine is not alone and that they support the nation’s aspirations to one day join the European Union. By Vanessa Gera. SENT: 200 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-TV PROTEST - An employee of Russian state television who interrupted a live news program to protest the war in Ukraine has been released from custody and fined about $270. SENT: 300 words.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-FLAG RAISING — The mayor of one of Michigan’s largest cities is planning to raise a Ukrainian flag at city hall. The event in Warren is expected to draw members of the Detroit suburb’s sizable Ukrainian-American population. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos by 3 p.m.

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-ECONOMY

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-DEFAULT-EXPLAINER – Ratings agencies say Russia could default on its dollar-denominated bonds, billions of which are owed to foreigners. That prospect, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, recalls Moscow’s 1998 default that fueled wider financial disruption. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.

GETTING MORE MPG — Any motorist who has had to fill up lately could be forgiven for wincing in disbelief. Fueled largely by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, gas prices worldwide have skyrocketed. In the U.S., they’ve reached record highs above $4.30 a gallon. That’s 50%, or $1.43 per gallon, more than they were a year ago. There are steps you can take to make an old car, truck or SUV perform better, go farther and perhaps save some money on fuel. SENT: 565 words, photos.

FINANCIAL-MARKETS — Wall Street is adding to its gains as markets start to gather hope that there may be better news on the horizon on inflation, the war in Ukraine and other worries that have been keeping investors unsettled. SENT: 515 words, photos developing.

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PHOTOS

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DCSA406 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak to the U.S. Congress by video.

XSG109 -- Ukrainian firefighters work by a destroyed apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

XSG112 — A Ukrainian firefighter works near a destroyed apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

XSG111 — A Ukrainian firefighter works by a destroyed apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

XSG110 — A Ukrainian firefighter works near a destroyed apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

XSG105 — A damaged Russian military vehicle in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

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VIDEOS

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Here are links to some of the top VIDEOS.

Zelenskyy to Congress: ‘We need you right now.’

EU leaders visit Kyiv, meet Zelenskyy.

Red Cross helps evacuate Ukrainian city of Sumy

Art gives space for young refugees in Moldova

— The AP