For You: The Comedian-Turned-President Is Seriously in Over His Head

Plus, Piece by Piece, Russia's Rationale for a Ukraine Invasion Is Put in Place

February 23, 2022 Hello. Every day, we'll send you stories we think you'll love. Let us know what you're interested in to improve your recommendations. CHOOSE YOUR INTERESTS   WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED TODAY Piece by Piece, Russia's Rationale for a Ukraine Invasion Is Put in Place Putin issues demands as Russian lawmakers approve use of military force. Europe Sanctions Russia Over Ukraine Crisis, Coordinating Squeeze With the U.S. Ukraine Enclaves Long Steeped in Conflict Face New Peril U.S. Soccer and Women's Players Agree to Settle Equal Pay Lawsuit Go to homepage GUEST ESSAYS FROM OPINION Olga Rudenko The Comedian-Turned-President Is Seriously in Over His Head Volodymyr Zelensky has been badly miscast. Alexandra Horowitz Finnegan, Dog Known for His Exemplary Nose, Dies at 14 In life, animals are rarely treated with the respect due these fellow travelers on earth; when they die, we have one last chance to do so. Erica Dhawan Ignoring a Text Message or Email Isn't Always Rude. Sometimes It's Necessary. Ignoring a Slack, email or text message feels rude, but should it? BASED ON YOUR INTERESTS Alexandra Jacobs Ambitions and Emotions Run Hot in 'The Founders,' a History of PayPal Jimmy Soni's book tells the story of how an ensemble of entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, helped the online payment system prevail. Kwame Anthony Appiah How Much Help Do I Owe My Debt-Ridden Dad? The magazine's Ethicist columnist on the duties we have to our parents. Melissa Eddy Germany puts a stop to Nord Stream 2, a key Russian natural gas pipeline. Germany halted certification of the pipeline linking the country to Russia in response to the Kremlin's recognition of two separatist regions in Ukraine. Tim McKeough It Was Supposed to Be a Spec House. Then the Builder Got Emotionally Involved. Building a house in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood of Philadelphia was a business opportunity — that's all. But something changed along the way. Tracy Wan Try New Fruit. The Weirder, the Better. Each tasting is a chance to be rendered wide-eyed and wordless. IMPROVE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS Science The wonders of humans and our world International News from around the world Health & Fitness Health news and expert advice TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT Eduardo Medina In Twilight of Life, Civil Rights Activists Feel 'Urgency to Tell Our History' Young people who marched and organized during the civil rights movement are now in their 70s and 80s. With fewer and fewer remaining, historians rush to record their stories. Katie Benner Justice Dept. Is Set to Modify Trump-Era Program Aimed at Fighting Chinese Threats Critics said the China Initiative unfairly targeted Asian professors and contributed to a rising tide of anti-Asian sentiment. Jason Bailey 'Ride the Eagle,' 'Bergman Island' and More Streaming Gems Put these off-the-radar movies on your radar. Priya Krishna The Diet Worked For Them. Now Their Pets Are on It. Paleo, vegan, gluten-free: Owners are putting animals on human regimens and fueling a huge pet-wellness industry. But some health experts are concerned. Katherine Dykstra How a Death-Row Inmate's Embrace of Conservatism Led to His Release In "Scoundrel," Sarah Weinman examines the right-wing support network that helped free Edgar Smith from prison until he struck again. TAKE A BREAK, PLAY A GAME The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Tiles Match visual elements and keep your chain going. See all our games THAT'S IT FOR TODAY Help us find the best stories for you.   CHOOSE YOUR INTERESTS   To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to the Times   |   Get the NYT app Change Your Email   |   Privacy Policy   |   Contact   |   Advertise   |   California Notices The New York Times Company 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018