5 things to know for Feb. 24: Russia-Ukraine war, Federal workers, Pope Francis, Israeli hostages, German elections

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Italian Air Force jets had to escort an American Airlines plane to Rome because of a security concern, which ultimately proved to be “non-credible.” The flight was on its way from New York to New Delhi, India, on Sunday when it was abruptly diverted, causing panic in the cabin. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukraine’s “absolute heroism” as the country today marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. “Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine!” Zelensky wrote on X alongside a video showing scenes from the front line. The grim anniversary comes with Ukraine facing great uncertainty about its future after President Donald Trump pivoted toward Russia and US officials insisted that Europe can no longer rely on Washington for its defense. Zelensky also said Sunday that he was “ready” to resign as leader if it meant it brought peace to his country, suggesting he could swap it for NATO membership. Federal agencies across the US government are scrambling to respond to an ominous email ordered by Elon Musk. Amid scores of firings, the Office of Personnel Management sent a mass email Saturday demanding federal employees provide five bullet points detailing what they did on their jobs last week. By late Sunday, leaders at the Pentagon, FBI, State Department, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Energy had all instructed their staff not to reply. The email does not mention consequences, but Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, warned in a social media post that workers who don’t respond by the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline today would be dismissed. The Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition and is experiencing “mild” kidney failure due to a complex medical issue that landed him in the hospital over a week ago. While officials say he is responding to treatment, it’s another unwelcome health complication for the 88-year-old pontiff. Francis is currently fighting pneumonia in both lungs and suffered an acute respiratory crisis on Saturday, which is “currently under control,” the Vatican said. The Pope continues to be “vigilant and well oriented,” the Vatican added, though he did not deliver the weekly Angelus prayer Sunday — for only the third time in his almost 12-year papacy. A senior Hamas official tells CNN that any future peace talks with Israel are “contingent” on the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. They were meant to be freed after Hamas handed over six Israeli hostages on Saturday, but Israel said it would not release the prisoners unless Hamas guarantees the end of “humiliating ceremonies” during hostage releases. As the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza comes to an end, Israel is also warning that it could resume intense fighting “at any moment.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has military plans ready to go if needed.