Ukraine update: Scarce Russian gains, but an escalating humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to grow, with 1.7 million refugees seeking safety across the border while civilians in Ukrainian cities under Russian artillery and missile attacks remain trapped. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to push forward with only modest gains, and Ukrainian defenders continue their success in reaching far into Russian supply convoys.

International support for even more stringent sanctions against Russia continues to grow as well, with the Biden administration reportedly working with European nations in contemplation of a possible ban on imports of Russian oil and gas. While such a ban would likely have modest effects in the United States, it would roil European markets—but it would also serve to cut off the largest remaining source of funds for Putin's regime.

Here's some of today's Ukraine news:

• Biden administration working with Europe on possible ban of Russian oil imports
   
• Russia accused of widespread war crimes as it blocks civilian evacuations
   
• U.N. says more than 1.7 million refugees have fled Ukraine in span of 10 days
   
• How Russia spread out its invasion force across too many axes
   
• Senate Republicans threaten a government shutdown and delay in aid to Ukraine