Daily Updates: August 2022
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*** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
As the world pays tribute to the late Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev for ending the Cold War, it overlooks a number of key consequences from his policies, such as the eastward expansion of NATO and some allege – the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry says Kiev forces have struck a radioactive waste processing building at the Zaporozhye nuclear plant. That’s as a team from the UN’s nuclear watchdog is on its way there, amid rising concerns over what conclusions it will draw. The EU could be reaching the limits on the weapons available to give to Ukraine and media reports suggest the US could be running low on stocks too, although that claim’s firmly rejected by the Pentagon. — Back to top
The final leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, has died, aged 91, in Moscow’s Central Hospital, after a prolonged illness. We will be looking through his historic legacy, in our special coverage, in just a few moments. The idea of a second civil war in the US does not seem that far-fetched, with over 40 percent of Americans saying they could see that happening within a decade, according to a recent poll. At least 30 people are reportedly killed and over 700 wounded in clashes in Baghdad, following the retirement from politics of a leading Shia cleric who opposes US influence in Iraq. — Back to top
At least 30 people are reportedly killed and over 700 wounded in clashes in Baghdad following the retirement from politics of a leading Shia cleric – who opposes US influence in Iraq. More than 1,200 Ukrainian troops are killed in a botched offensive ordered by President Zelensky in the country’s south – according to Russia. The UN says 6 million Afghans are on the verge of famine as Washington refuses to release more than 3 billion dollars of Afghanistan’s frozen assets. — Back to top
Ukraine’s military has suffered heavy losses after failing in its offensive in the country’s south – that’s according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. Days before an IAEA inspection Kiev pushes Zaporozhye one step closer to nuclear disaster by again shelling a radioactive fuel storage building at the local nuclear power plant. At least 20 people die and hundreds are injured in Baghdad as clashes erupt after protesters storm government offices in support of a leading opposition Shia cleric. Ecuador is joining other Latin American countries in announcing it will sign a free trade agreement with Beijing. RT explores how the West’s grip is weakening in the region as China’s presence grows. — Back to top
A radioactive fuel storage building at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant has been hit by Ukrainian shelling, according to local, Russian-backed officials. Some graphic, distressing images ahead. From Iraq, three people are reportedly killed and dozens injured in Baghdad after protesters storm government offices in support of a leading opposition Shia cleric who’s announced he’s quitting politics. The FSB names a second Ukrainian suspect accused of helping assassinate Russian journalist Darya Dugina near Moscow. Officials say Bogdan Tsyganenko provided the killer with fake documents and explosives. The FBI admits advising private companies on so-called foreign threats which led Facebook to censor the Hunter Biden laptop scandal over a perceived Russian propaganda alert. — Back to top
Nine people are injured after Ukraine again shells residential areas of Zaporozhye, where Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is located. This comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency announces it’s on its way to the facility. As fierce battles in Donbass continue an RT crew gets exclusive access to see how fighters from Russia’s famous Wagner group are operating in the region. Our RT correspondent visits the Central African Republic where Russian instructors are helping President Touadera bring peace and security to the troubled nation. Is America on the brink of a Second Civil War? That’s the concern of the Washington Post senior editor in the wake of a strong public response to the FBI’s search of Donald Trump’s Florida mansion. — Back to top
Ukraine shells a hospital in Donetsk, wounding two civilians, according to local officials, amid annual City Day festivities there. China says its military is on high alert and ready to react to fresh US provocations over Taiwan after Washington sails two of its warships near the disputed island. The latest armed clashes between rival militia groups in Libya claim dozens of lives, as the country struggles to maintain stability, 11 years after NATO helped topple Muammar Gaddafi. Imran Khan speaks exclusively to RT, in the aftermath of the former Pakistani Prime Minister being charged with threatening current government officials, much to the anger of his supporters. — Back to top
Serbia and Kosovo reach a mutual agreement on a controversial border crossing. That’s according to the EU, which is mediating talks. The International Atomic Energy Agency reportedly plans to visit a nuclear power plant in Zaporozhye next week with Russia saying Ukraine’s continued shelling of the facility amounts to “nuclear terrorism”. Meanwhile, the US shows its intention to prolong the war by striking a new deal to provide Ukraine with Missile Systems in late 2024. In Argentina police use water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters rallying in support of the country’s ex-president, who faces up to 12 years in prison. — Back to top
An RT crew comes under the latest Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk, hitting a local hotel and a university. Serbia and Kosovo reach a mutual agreement on a controversial border crossing, according to the EU’s foreign policy chief. The Pentagon caves in to criticism over its deadly drone strikes on civilians and pledges to simply reduce the number of deaths from its bombings of other countries. Pakistan declares a state of emergency over what’s been called the worst humanitarian disaster of the decade after more than nine hundred people die in devastating floods. — Back to top
Kiev’s forces shell central Donetsk, hitting a hotel and the capital city’s university building. One day after Ukraine shelled residential areas under Russian control leaving five people dead. Explosions ring out in the Crimean sky as Russia’s defense system reportedly goes into action near the city of Yevpatoria late on Friday evening. While the west continues to point a finger at Russia for the global energy crisis, Hungary approves Moscow’s construction of two new nuclear reactors. The country’s foreign minister praises the move. The narrative that “Kosovo is Serbia” needs to be forgotten. That’s the controversial statement from America’s envoy to the Western Balkans during a visit to Belgrade in which he attempts to ease tensions, but instead leaves many perplexed. — Back to top
The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant comes under a fresh round of Ukrainian shelling – according to local officials – with the attack following a previous strike that left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity for hours. Shorter showers and colder offices – that’s the latest solution to the snowballing energy crisis from European leaders as they scramble to fill up their gas vaults, ahead of a winter with less fuel from Russia – due to the EU’s own sanctions. Meanwhile, EU member Hungary approves the construction of two new nuclear reactors in the country – by Russia with Hungary’s Foreign Minister praising the move. — Back to top
Ukraine shells a chemical plant in the Donetsk republic, setting fire to the building and halting production. That’s just weeks after a similar attack on a civilian facility by Kiev led to the leak of a cloud of hazardous gas. US Congress is being asked to consider if future aid to India should only be given if it improves its human rights record. We hear from a former Indian foreign secretary, who questions the motives behind funding, which the country has not even asked for. A major online persuasion campaign uncovered with a new report revealing that both Meta and Twitter deleted accounts pushing Western narratives in the Middle East and Central Asia. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan speaks exclusively to RT, in the aftermath of being charged with threatening current government officials, much to the anger of his supporters. — Back to top
Imran Khan speaks exclusively to RT, in the aftermath of the former Pakistan Prime Minister being charged with threatening current government officials, much to the anger of his supporters. An RT crew is forced to evacuate, after getting caught under artillery fire while following the advance of Russian troops in the Donetsk Republic. A Brazilian cartoonist uses his art to call out Ukraine for what he says are the “war crimes” against the most vulnerable in Donbass. — Back to top
An RT crew gets caught under artillery fire while recording the advance of Russian troops in the Donetsk Republic. That’s as Moscow warns that Kiev’s forces have been hiding heavy weaponry within civilian infrastructure. Fighting terrorism or stealing oil? US forces come under rocket fire in Syria as they continue to illegally plunder oil in the country. A warning of danger, as a Brazilian artist creates a cartoon showing the menace of prohibited Petal Mines used by Ukrainian fighters in Donbass. He shares with us his motives for the work. Russia’s envoy to the UN accuses the West of exacerbating global food insecurity by disrupting supply chains with sanctions against Moscow. Meantime the West continues pumping billions into Ukraine amid an escalating hunger crisis in Africa. — Back to top
Our correspondent reports from a Donetsk shopping center engulfed in a massive blaze, after local officials report shelling by Ukrainian forces. RT gains access to the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant – which Russia has been calling on the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency’ to visit – as constant missiles being fired at the plant stoke fears of a ‘Chernobyl-esque’ nuclear disaster. The World Health Organization warns the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia is worse than what’s happening on the ground in Ukraine, despite most of the ‘aid available’ flowing to Kiev. India will forge its own way in the world and not give in to external pressure – that’s what the country’s ambassador to Russia, tells RT. — Back to top
Our RT crew is among the first to visit the embattled Zaporozhye nuclear power plant as the IAEA says intensive shelling of Europe’s largest facility prompts the need for an immediate mission to the site. Russia speaks at a UN Security Council meeting, accusing Western powers of covering up Ukrainian military attacks on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. Your YouTube post might be deleted if it includes news coverage about Ukrainian military attacks on civilians. That’s according to reportedly leaked content rules recently issued by Google. The US pledges support for the training of police in Colombia, on how to abide by human rights standards. Meanwhile, US authorities investigate a violent arrest by Arkansas police officers, caught on camera, beating a suspect they were detaining. — Back to top
Authorities state at least three civilians have been killed after the city of Donetsk came under Ukrainian shelling on Tuesday, with the city’s administration building and residential areas hit. Russia’s foreign minister condemns the killing of journalist Darya Dugina – stating those found guilty will be shown no mercy. That’s as Moscow says it will raise the ‘car-bomb-assassination’ at a UN Security Council meeting. Arrests are made in Latvia, as people make a last ditch effort to save a memorial to soviet soldiers who battled Nazi forces in World War Two. — Back to top
The UN calls for an urgent investigation into the death of Russian journalist Darya Dugina, as Moscow releases evidence that she was killed by someone working for Ukrainian special forces. The EU plans to host special military training camps for the Ukrainian armed forces, as the bloc gets increasingly involved in the conflict. India seeks to curb the dominance of US big tech companies, suspecting them of conducting illegal, monopolistic business practices. Pakistan’s ruling elite appears to take a page out of the US playbook on how to beat a political opponent, as ousted premier Imran Khan faces arrest, censorship and criminal charges, much like former US President Donald Trump. — Back to top
Russia says the Ukrainian secret services were behind the killing of Darya Dugina, the daughter of Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin. Footage of the prime suspect has been released. As Imran Khan’s followers continue to rally in his support in Pakistan the country’s former Prime Minister is granted protective bail by a high court in Islamabad, after police file terror charges against him. But with the court-ruling expiring on Thursday – he still faces arrest. Local officials report two people have been killed and 16 injured – with three more missing – after the Ukrainian army shells a bridge in the Kherson region. A nearby village is also hit by debris. — Back to top
Thousands of supporters of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan gather near his residence to block police attempts to arrest the politician, as they threaten to take over the capital. Russia’s foreign ministry says Kiev will bear full responsibility if it’s found to be behind the killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of renowned Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin. Moscow says if proven, this would amount to state terrorism. Russia’s strides in strengthening ties in Africa spark criticism from former colonial powers that are losing influence on the continent. — Back to top
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says Kiev will bear full responsibility if it’s found to be behind the killing of Daria Dugina, the daughter of Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin. Moscow says if proven, it would amount to state terrorism. The journalist’s killing has been picked up by western media, resulting in rather cynical headlines, choosing to focus on Mr Dugin himself, portraying him as the driving force behind Russian foreign policy. Intense fighting continues in Donbass with Russian-led troops pushing further west from the city of Donetsk. RT visits captured positions. A new report claims UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo raped young women and abused locals for years. — Back to top
Authorities confirm that a car bomb has killed the daughter of Russian political philosopher Alexander Dugin, known for his anti-Western rhetoric. Reportedly, he had planned to be in the vehicle with his daughter. Russia accuses Ukraine of chemically poisoning its soldiers in Donbass, as it prepares a package of proof to send to international authorities. A new report claims UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo raped young women and carried out other abuse of locals for years. A group of 9/11 victims’ families condemn Biden’s plan to give them confiscated Afghan state assets, saying the war-torn country needs the money to rebuild itself. — Back to top
Moscow accuses Kiev of ‘chemical terrorism’ saying Ukraine has used a weaponized toxin against Russian troops with Moscow to provide proof to the world’s chemical weapons watchdog. A Ukrainian drone is shot down over Crimea – crashing into the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet without causing any serious damage or casualties. As the UN and US voice concerns over the Israeli raiding of Palestinian NGOs we investigate why Ukraine’s deadly treatment of Donbass isn’t getting the same criticism in the West. Turkey threatens to block Sweden and Finland from joining NATO as Ankara accuses the Nordic countries of failing to stick to an extradition deal. — Back to top
Russian Air Defense systems repel multiple drone attacks by Ukraine in Russia’s Crimea peninsula, that’s according to local authorities. The US announces additional military aid to Ukraine worth $775 million while Russia underlines that Kiev is using such weapons to shell residential areas. The Iran nuclear deal is being torpedoed by US claims that Tehran is targeting political opponents and American diplomats. EU gas prices surge after Gazprom shuts down the Nord Stream One pipeline for repairs while Europeans cry foul over the backlash from their governments’ sanctions. — Back to top
Ukrainian barrier troops execute 100 of their own soldiers – according to Russia’s Defense Ministry while the latest Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk kills at least 6 civilians. Up to 15 years in Ukraine’s prison for receiving humanitarian aid from Russia – that’s according to a new law by Kiev. We speak to some of the civilians who could be affected. A new report exposes multiple cases of rape and sexual abuse of minors allegedly committed by UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We hear from some of the victims’ families. — Back to top
A nuclear crisis is narrowly avoided after at least seven shells exploded near the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant overnight. As de-mining operations continue across Donbass RT takes a closer look at the work of Russian sappers in the area. Sexual abuse and rampant misconduct – UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo raped locals – that’s according to a new report. We heard the victims’ desperate stories. — Back to top
Up to 15 years in Ukraine’s prison for receiving humanitarian aid from Russia, that’s according to a new law by Kiev – designed to stop people in pro-Russian regions from getting vital supplies. A top German lawmaker slams Berlin’s sanctions against Moscow as ‘economic harakiri’, which will bring the EU country to its knees while doing nothing to help Ukraine. The White House refuses a new request to release seven Billion dollars in frozen assets seized by Washington from Afghanistan, despite the struggle of locals a year since the US abandoned the country. — Back to top
De-mining operations and much more: As fighting in Donbass continues, RT takes a look at the duties of the Russian National Guard there. A bloody business: A Ukrainian company makes thousands of dollars offering deadly munitions as a canvas to deliver people’s hate messages to Russian soldiers. The Biden administration again refuses to return billions of dollars in frozen Afghan funds to its owners, dashing the hopes of desperate locals. Destroy forests or go hungry: In Kenya, a spike in gas prices has essentially turned environmentally damaging charcoal into the only energy source Kenyans can afford. — Back to top
One person is killed and three others wounded, including a child, in the latest Ukrainian shelling of a civilian building in Donbass. We bring you the story of just one of the war’s many, young victims. Warsaw accuses Germany of plotting to take over Polish lands, in the latest challenge of unity among EU members, which are struggling with the backlash of their sanctions on Russia. As New Delhi pushes back against Western efforts to dissuade it from buying Russian oil, we investigate the controversial legacy of Britain’s rule of India. — Back to top
Moscow says Kiev is raising the risk of a nuclear disaster, worse than Chernobyl, as Ukrainian forces shell a radioactive waste facility at the embattled Zaporozhye Power Plant. Arson, violence and riots. Kenya faces political deadlock as a defeated presidential candidate refuses to concede. From colonialism to Independence – India sends a powerful message that it’s only natural to defend one’s interests. We investigate the British empire’s controversial legacy. And Money first: As tensions soar between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, it seems the actual purpose of the provocative US visits to the island was to expand microchip production. — Back to top
Sabotage sparks explosions at a military stockpile in Crimea – seeing thousands of people evacuated, according to Russian officials. We report from a devastated town in the Lugansk region – which Ukraine’s troops abandoned in their retreat with Russian-led forces now mopping up the area. German households will have to cover the government’s refusal to buy Russian gas as Berlin slaps a special levy while the media reports on what it calls ‘Ukraine crisis fatigue’ among Europeans. Violent riots erupt in Kenya where William Ruto has netted a controversial, narrow victory in the race for the presidency. — Back to top
Russia warns that Ukraine may conduct a massive provocation around the embattled Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, as Moscow calls on the West to get Kiev’s forces to stop shelling the facility. RT visits a Lugansk town deserted by Kiev’s troops after heavy fighting, as the local militia now deals with the daunting task of clearing away the Ukrainian munitions. Kenyans are deeply split over William Ruto’s presidential election win, with joy greeting the result in some areas while riots take place in others. Mass celebrations in Afghanistan’s capital, marking one year since the botched US pull-out and local efforts to overcome that deadly legacy. — Back to top
An explosion in the Afghan capital leaves two people injured – it comes as the country marks the first anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, following the botched US withdrawal. Moscow urges Western countries to ‘stop playing irresponsible games’, and push Kiev to halt the shelling of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. An RT crew visits the front line in Donbass where Russian-led forces are battling Ukraine’s nationalist Kraken battalion. India and Pakistan celebrate Independence Day, 75 years after colonial rule came to an end. We look at how the nations tried to forge their own paths forward, following the partition that ripped ‘British-India’ apart. — Back to top
Our crew visits the front line in Donbass where Russian-led forces are fighting Ukraine’s far right Kraken battalion. A scathing report blaming the White House and US Intelligence services for botching the Afghanistan evacuation is leaked to the media on the anniversary of Kabul’s fall to the Taliban. India and Pakistan celebrate Independence Day, 75 years after British colonial rule came to an end. — Back to top
Kiev forces reportedly shell a residential area near the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant again, leaving one civilian dead and another injured. Two people are killed and scores more injured in a series of explosions at a market in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. A subsequent fire has yet to be brought under control, with the smoke said to be intensifying. Former Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan vows to fight for freedom and topple what he calls “foreign powers” running his country – that’s as Pakistan prepares to mark 75 years of independence. After much external pressure Amnesty International steps back from its report that the Ukrainian army has been using civilians as human shields, saying its claims will now be examined by quote ‘independent experts’. That’s after Kiev accused the organization of ‘immoral selectivity’. — Back to top
Nuclear disaster hangs over the continent as the Ukrainian military shells Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant, that’s according to Russia’s envoy to the UN. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken looks to confirm America’s commitment to Africa earlier in the week, while blaming Russia for the continent’s food problems. As India prepares to mark 75 years of Independence from British rule and the partition of the country into India and Pakistan – we hear the story of one man, whose family was split between the states. — Back to top
Ukraine shells the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant once again, according to local authorities – just days after it attacked the same site with rocket launchers and artillery. Russian-led forces take full control of the key town of Peski near Donetsk as the ‘military advance’ continues in the republic. Roger Waters speaks to RT days after an interview to CNN by the legendary rock star, he told us, was significantly edited. As India prepares to mark 75 years of Independence from British rule – but also the partition of the country into India and Pakistan – we hear the tragic tale of one man, whose family was torn apart by the move. — Back to top
Ukrainian army shelling of residential buildings in Donetsk leaves two civilians dead and three injured, according to local officials. India could be set to become Asia’s strongest economy in the next two years – vitalized by economic reforms and business investments, according to Morgan Stanley. US arms sales hit $20 billion in two weeks – with one third going to countries previously slammed by Biden as “autocracies”. — Back to top
Nationalist forces are again accused of using civilians in Donbass as human shields. That’s as an RT crew visits the front line with the Wagner private military group. A British writer who provoked the wrath of the Muslim world with a controversial book in the 1980s – and was previously issued with a death sentence by Iran – is stabbed in front of an audience in New York. German officials warn about possible social unrest, which could be worse they say than the protests over the Covid pandemic – that’s as electricity prices are already five times higher than a year ago. India’s on course to be the fastest-growing Asian economy over the next year, according to global market analysts. It comes as the country increasingly chooses an independent policy in its own affairs, such as refusing to join Western sanctions against Russia. We analyze why. — Back to top
Nuclear disaster threatens the continent as the Ukrainian military shells Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant. That’s according to Russia’s envoy to the UN. The EU foreign policy chief says politics are about “applying double standards” as the bloc discusses a ban on visas for Russians. The US President comes in for criticism after claiming the country’s inflation rate is at “zero” percent despite statistics showing it’s at a 40-year record high. — Back to top
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant again comes under the shelling of Ukrainian forces, according to DPR officials. The fresh assault comes just hours before the UN Security Council convenes to discuss the attacks. Long-awaited grain shipments from Ukraine bypass hardest-hit African nations, where people are dying from hunger, heading instead to European ports. Estonia plans to close its borders to Russian citizens holding Schengen visas issued by Tallinn, while the European Commission also mulls the idea, continent-wide. While the US approves a new, mammoth aid package for Kiev, people from another country pumped full of US cash — Afghanistan — claim they’re not getting the same level of treatment as that being handed out to others. — Back to top
Ammonia spreads over the city of Donetsk after an attack by Ukrainian troops on a local brewery, leaving one dead and two other injured. RT’s crew witnesses the aftermath of the shelling. Concerns mount as the US approves another package of military aid to Ukraine amid revelations Washington sent billions of dollars to unknown Afghan recipients for decades. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi brushes off the fallout from her visit to Taiwan, which pushed Beijing and Taipei to the brink of military confrontation. South Africa slams the EU over newly imposed import regulations that could be putting its citrus industry at risk, as the already serious global food crisis continues to deepen. — Back to top
American-made kamikaze drones show up for sale on the Darknet after more than 700 such weapons were supplied to Ukraine by the US. William Ruto leads in the preliminary results of the presidential election in Kenya. That’s amid a financial crisis pushing some voters to allegedly succumb to bribes as candidates seek to win by any means. Pakistan’s opposition cries foul over a crackdown on ousted Prime Minister Khan’s allies as his former aide is arrested for allegedly ‘abetting mutiny’. — Back to top
International experts visit a POW detention camp after an alleged Kiev strike kills dozens of Ukrainian soldiers there. With the survivors demanding answers from their own government. Polls officially close in Kenya’s elections. That’s amid a financial crisis pushing some voters to allegedly succumb to bribes as candidates sought to win by any means necessary. The FBI is accused of a witch-hunt against Republicans, while turning a blind eye to Democrats’ wrongdoings after a raid on ex-President Donald Trump’s private resort in Florida. — Back to top
The mainstream narrative on Ukraine gets shaken up by the UN, which admits that many more refugees have been crossing into Russia than heading West. As the EU implements its emergency plan to slash gas consumption by 15% to compensate for the energy crisis, an Austrian presidential candidate tells RT that Europe’s policy of sanctions against Russia is to blame. South Africa won’t be pushed around – that’s the message from the country’s top diplomat. This comes as Washington tries to woo Africans away from co-operating with Russia and China.
South Africa will not be pushed around – the country’s top diplomat responds to the US Secretary of State as he tries to convince Pretoria to sever ties with Russia and China. As the US excuses Israeli attacks on Gaza as ‘self-defense,’ we look at how Western countries turn a blind eye to Palestinian victims, but bend over backwards when it comes to the conflict in Ukraine. Pro-Kiev social media shares a video that appears to show Ukrainian troops dropping a bomb on Russian soldiers as they retrieve a body from the battlefield. Dubbed an ”economy game changer,” RT reports from Kenya, where polls open in a hotly contested race for the presidency with hopes pinned on a solution to the country’s financial crisis. — Back to top
Search and recovery efforts are underway in Gaza after three days of Israeli bombing that killed at least 44 people and left hundreds wounded as a ceasefire with the ‘Islamic Jihad’ group reportedly holds. ‘An act of nuclear terrorism’ – Moscow accuses Kiev’s forces of shelling a Russian-controlled nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine sparking fresh fears of a Chernobyl-style disaster. CBS News is forced to delete a documentary in which the outlet revealed that most Western weapons sent to Ukraine are failing to reach the front lines. The move comes after Kiev lashed out at the US channel’s exposé. — Back to top
A ceasefire is breached between Israel and the Islamic Jihad group in Gaza with rockets fired just minutes after it went into effect. An RT correspondent is targeted and shot at by Israeli military as firing intensifies at the Israel-Palestine border. Multiple victims and buildings ablaze, as Ukraine continues its relentless attack on the Donetsk republic with more than 400 shells launched in a single day. The US could easily remove any need for the Ukraine war to continue – that’s how a co-founder of the rock band Pink Floyd stresses Washington’s role in the conflict, turning the tables on a CNN journalist during an interview. — Back to top
Ukrainian rockets fall near a nuclear power plant in the country’s south – controlled by Russia – for the second time in two days sparking fresh fears of a potential disaster. Kiev and the Western media pressure Amnesty International into saying ‘sorry’ over its report – exposing the use of human shields by Ukraine’s military but the NGO says it will still uphold its damning revelations. Israel says it has accomplished its objectives in Gaza, with a ceasefire reportedly due to begin. At least 31 people have been killed there – including 6 children – amid a lack of condemnation from the West. China flexes its military muscles around Taiwan – in response to a provocative visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi despite Beijing warning against the move. — Back to top
The death toll in the latest wave of Israeli-Gaza violence has reached 24 as an exchange of rocket strikes between Tel Aviv and Islamic Jihad continues for the second day in a row. Tensions remain high with large-scale Chinese military drills in the Taiwan Strait after Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to the island that pushed Beijing and Taipei to the brink of military confrontation. Donetsk republic forces claim they’ve taken control over most of a key town used by Ukrainian troops as a firing position to target the Donetsk region. RT reports on the ground. — Back to top
We visit a hospital where some of the latest victims of Ukraine’s devastating shelling of Donetsk city are being treated – to get some of their first-hand accounts. Israel’s military pummels Gaza with bombs for a second day in a row – as Tel Aviv says its forces are prepared for a week of fighting, against what it calls a local terrorist group. As global humanitarian aid is redirected to Ukraine, almost one million Africans are reportedly under threat of starvation. We get some insight from the local Red Cross unit’s spokesperson. — Back to top
Israeli-Palestinian violence escalates after Tel Aviv hits Gaza killing 10 – including the leader of the Islamic Jihad group. Palestinian militants reportedly launch more than 100 rockets at Israel in response. The Russian Investigative committee accuses Kiev of shelling a hospital in the center of Donetsk, leaving several people injured – including a child. Russia and China call on the US to reduce its nuclear deployments and stop expanding its military infrastructure abroad, saying it poses a threat to international peace and security. Africans slam comments by the US Ambassador to the United Nations who warned nations could be held responsible if they trade in US-sanctioned commodities such as Russian oil. — Back to top
The Russian Investigative committee accuses Kiev of shelling a hospital in the center of Donetsk, leaving at least 10 people injured including a child. Eight people are killed, including a 5-year-old child, and more than 50 are injured in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. That’s according to the territory’s health ministry. The Islamic Jihad group in Palestine – who Israel say they targeted – has threatened to attack Tel Aviv in response. Turkey’s president expresses hope his country can open new pages in bilateral relations with Moscow while Vladimir Putin says Europe should thank Ankara for a flow of ‘uninterrupted gas’ from Russia. That’s as the two leaders wrap up key talks in Sochi. Beijing severs communication with Washington in a wide range of military and civilian areas, as China ramps-up retaliation for Nancy Pelosi’s controversial trip to Taiwan. — Back to top
China accuses the US of threatening international peace and security by spending trillions on nuclear arms development and basing nuclear weapons around the world. Russia opens a probe into Thursday’s deadly shelling of Donetsk by Ukrainian troops, which killed eight people, including a 12-year-old girl. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban slams the liberal global order, saying the west is at war with itself and calling for conservatives to unite across the Atlantic. — Back to top
Officials in Donetsk accuse Kiev of targeting the city, leaving at least six people dead. One of the areas hit was a hotel housing media with an assistant to an RT cameraman left with concussion. Amnesty international reveals it’s documented how Kiev has endangered its own civilians, by allowing its forces to base themselves at schools and hospitals. Beijing encircles Taiwan with large-scale military exercises, in direct response to the visit to the island of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Chinese Defense Ministry has confirmed the use of ballistic missiles in the drills. — Back to top
The US warns China not to escalate the situation in Taiwan into a crisis after Pelosi’s visit to the region. That’s as Beijing begins large-scale military exercises and halts trade with Taipei. The Ukrainian army attacks civilian areas in Donetsk but reportedly suffers setbacks in the towns of Peski and Avdeevka, which are used as firing positions to target the Donbass. In an exclusive interview with RT – former Austrian foreign minister Karin Kneissl shares how she had to flee Europe after facing death threats over her ties with Russia. — Back to top
Tensions, sanctions and military drills follow in the wake of Nancy Pelosi’s footsteps, as she leaves Taiwan. China warns that both Washington and the self-governed island will face consequences over the US house speaker’s controversial visit. Meantime a wall of silence goes up from EU officials over Pelosi’s trip, with the only statement being that there’s no change to the bloc’s policies towards China. At least four people are killed in South Africa, as violent protests erupt in a township over skyrocketing electricity costs. — Back to top
New footage shared by Chinese media reveals China preparing for military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. That’s as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi begins her official visit to Taipei, despite numerous warnings from Beijing. China strongly condemns the visit, saying it will ‘resolutely’ defend its territorial integrity and accuses the US of provocations. People in Taiwan tell us Pelosi’s visit plays to the US domestic audience and will not benefit Taiwan at all. — Back to top
China warns it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its ‘sovereignty and territorial integrity’. It comes after the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi touched down in Taiwan with the visit triggering increased tension between China and the US. In response to the visit, China is set to hold military drills around Taiwan today, saying it’ll conduct missile launches off the sea, east of the island. Beijing had already been boosting its activity near the self-ruled territory. While Taiwan’s islands are said to have been put on full combat alert. People in Taiwan itself are anxious over the US House Speaker’s trip. Members of the public told us the US just wants to spread its power and influence, not help them. — Back to top
The US sees no issues with its House Speaker visiting Taiwan, which she’s apparently set to do on Tuesday, despite China seeing the move as a breach of its sovereignty. We need BRICS: The Algerian president says the country’s ready to join the alternative, rapidly-growing economic bloc. That’s in contrast to US-led alliances which appear to be losing global influence. OPEC Secretary General describes Russia as a vital member in the alliance, this despite continuing Western sanctions on Moscow’s crude. RT visits Moscow’s new neon facility as Russia ramps up its production, amid an acute global shortage of semiconductors. — Back to top
A confrontation in the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo is narrowly avoided after authorities in Pristina postpone a controversial plan to ban entry to anyone with Serbian documents. The first grain shipment has left the Ukrainian port of Odessa and is expected to reach Istanbul by Tuesday as part of a deal between Kiev and Moscow. RT reports from the front line in the Ukraine conflict, as artillery is fired day and night by both sides with Ukrainian batteries reportedly hitting residential areas. Iraqi police and military are on high alert while protesters occupy the parliament building for a third day in a row, angered at a coalition currently trying to form the next government. — Back to top
Officials of the self-proclaimed republic of Kosovo postpone a plan to make Serbians obtain permission to enter. That’s as the Serb leader stresses Belgrade’s intent to defend his countrymen. That’s as in the Serb-populated north, sirens and gun shots are reported, as Serb protesters set up barricades while police close crossings connecting it to mainland Serbia. Winter is coming: Germans call for the Nord stream 2 pipeline to be opened ahead of an expected severe energy shortage as Europe enters its coldest part of the year. Allegations of France’s national news agency supporting fascism blow up on social media after a recent Twitter post by AFP about Ukraine that contained Nazi symbols. — Back to top