Daily Updates: July 2022
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*** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
Russian authorities investigate a drone bombing that struck the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in the Crimean city of Sevastopol. Vladimir Putin lays out Russia’s new naval doctrine of national security and self-defense as the country celebrates Navy Day. China steps up its military activity near Taiwan in response to US House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s possible trip to the island as she kicks off her tour of the region. Beijing has warned the move would mean crossing a red line. Russia’s Foreign Minister gets a warm welcome as he visits four African nations. That’s despite Western pressure for them to snub Moscow. — Back to top
As Ukraine’s relentless shelling of the Donetsk capital continues. Russian-led forces de-activate banned anti-personnel mines found in abundance in the city center after Saturday’s attacks. Russia invites international organizations to probe an alleged Ukrainian strike on a Donetsk detentions facility, which left 50 of Kiev’s fighters dead and 73 wounded. Tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi starts her tour of Asia, with a stop scheduled for Taipei despite multiple warnings from China. Russia’s foreign minister received a warm welcome while visiting four African nations despite Western pressure for them to snub Moscow. — Back to top
Western officials are at odds on who to blame for the latest deadly shelling in the Donetsk People’s Republic, while Russia says Ukraine bombarded the POW detention facility to cover up its own war crimes. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi begins her highly anticipated tour of Asia. One of her stops could be Taiwan, which would defy multiple warnings from China that ‘forceful measures’ would be taken in response. RT follows an elite detachment of the Donetsk People’s Militia as it targets Ukrainian troops who have been shelling civilians in the People’s Republic. — Back to top
Moscow blames Kiev’s troops for the shelling of a detention facility in the Donetsk People’s Republic in which 53 Ukrainian prisoners of war died. An RT crew joins Donetsk fighters targeting Ukrainian troops who have long been shelling civilians in the republic. Energy rationing measures kick in across Germany as the EU’s top economy seeks to lead by example, with Europeans gearing up for a cold winter due to the repercussions of their own sanctions against Russia. — Back to top
Moscow blames Kiev’s troops for the shelling of a detention facility in the Donetsk People’s Republic, killing 53 Ukrainian prisoners of war. Russia’s envoy to the UN says Western countries are complicit in war crimes in Ukraine and Donbass as their weapons supplied to Kiev are being used to kill civilians. Energy rationing measures kick in across Germany as the EU’s top economy seeks to lead by example with Europeans gearing up for a cold winter – due to the backlash of their own sanctions against Russia. — Back to top
As US GDP meets the terms of recession, the White House tries to put on a brave face claiming the economy is not struggling. Brutality backfires: A plan by Kiev to encourage anti-war feelings by spreading videos of the murders of Russian prisoners of war instead outraged the international community. An Azov battalion member discloses the exercise. “Don’t play with fire” warns the Chinese president, as Joe Biden holds to his plan to send a delegation to Taiwan. With France hosting Saudi Arabia’s crown prince on his first EU trip since a scandal over a high-profile journalist’s murder. Human rights advocates blast the French president for wooing him to get energy deals. — Back to top
With the French president set to host Saudi Arabia’s crown prince in his first EU trip, since a scandal over a high-profile journalist’s killing. Human rights advocates lash out at Macron for wooing the prince to get energy deals. RT takes an exclusive look at Russia’s newest energy project – which flies in the face of a reported price cap on Russian oil imports, by G-7 countries. Another US Senator urges Nancy Pelosi to proceed with her scheduled trip to Taiwan, despite growing threats from China to take ‘forceful measures’ – if the US House Speaker follows through on her plans. — Back to top
Washington offers Moscow a deal to secure the release of two Americans, reportedly in exchange for convicted arms dealer Victor Bout. Ukraine goes from the begging bowl to the judges bench, with Kiev now demanding charges be placed against several US banks over Russian financing. While G7 reportedly aims to establish a price-capping mechanism on Moscow’s oil exports. Russia’s biggest oil company is beginning a new project in Northern Siberia. — Back to top
Russia’s Foreign Minister breaks down the reasons for the global food crisis, as he stops by Ethiopia during his tour of African countries. We get exclusive access to the inner workings of a high-profile Russian private military agency, during its classified operations against Ukrainian forces in Donbass. Amid Europe’s energy crisis, Britain urges two warring governments in Libya to reach an agreement to resume oil exports, as the North African country struggles with the fallout of the West’s 2011 military intervention. — Back to top
RT gets an exclusive chance to join Russian private military company the Vagner Group, currently participating in operations in Ukraine. Russian energy giant Gazprom blames turbine engine repairs as it slashes natural gas supplies via its Nord Stream One pipeline to just 20 per cent of capacity, sending European prices to their highest level since March. Uganda’s president spells out his foreign policy views after talks with Russia’s foreign minister, who’s in the African country on the latest stop of his tour of the continent. — Back to top
Preparing for the worst this winter, Europe commits to a 15% cut in gas consumption until next spring, but on a voluntary basis with numerous exemptions to the energy saving plan. Uganda’s president spells out his foreign policy views, coming after talks with Russia’s top diplomat, who’s in the East African country, on the latest stop of his tour across the continent. The city of Donetsk comes under further shelling from Ukrainian forces. Donbass authorities say a psychiatric hospital and an oil terminal were hit and point to US-supplied weapons being used. — Back to top
‘It’s a firm ‘no’ to blackmail when it comes to foreign affairs’ – that’s the message from Russia and the Republic of the Congo after talks between the countries’ top diplomats with Sergey Lavrov’s African tour in full swing. The Pakistani business community is keen to develop trade relations with Russia. That’s as the President of the Pakistan Business Forum notes the attractiveness of the Russian market for the country’s exports. Russian energy giant Gazprom says it’s taking another gas turbine offline for maintenance, cutting already reduced flow to Europe by almost half and seeing an immediate spike in Europe’s gas prices. — Back to top
Russia and the Republic of the Congo stress their resistance to blackmail in foreign affairs. That’s the message coming after Russia’s top diplomat lands in the country, on the second leg of his African tour. As Western countries apparently attempt to pressure the Arab League, demanding its members break ties with Russia, the country’s foreign minister also receives a warm welcome from more than twenty representatives of the organization. Restricting the flow: Russian energy giant Gazprom says it’s taking another gas turbine offline for maintenance, cutting the already reduced energy flow to Europe by half, from Wednesday, which resulted in an immediate spike in Europe’s gas prices. RT gets access to a number of files from an FSB sting operation, showing a failed attempt by Kiev to get Russian pilots to switch sides. — Back to top
RT gets access to a number of files from a Security Service sting operation showing the plans of Ukrainian military intelligence to bribe Russian pilots to defect. ‘In the interests of their own people’: those were the words of Egypt’s foreign minister after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, who’s on a tour of Africa. That’s to the dismay of US politicians, who rang alarm bells over Russia’s increasing influence. Russia says its artillery has destroyed Ukrainian control centers and ammunition depots across the Donbass front. An RT crew visits a Lugansk artillery unit. Brazilian President Bolsonaro reiterates his country won’t join anti-Russian sanctions. That’s despite Ukrainian President Zelensky’s call for Brasilia to choose a side in the conflict. — Back to top
Russia confirms a missile strike on military targets in the port of Odessa. It follows a barrage of accusations by the west and Ukraine that Moscow’s already breached the new grain export deal, despite Kiev itself admitting wheat stores were not hit. The words of Egypt’s foreign minister following talks with his Russian counterpart in Cairo. Sergey Lavrov’s on a tour of Africa, much to the concern of Washington, which has expressed alarm about Moscow’s influence on the continent. Russia, Iran and NATO-member Turkey hold talks to discuss conflict resolution in Syria with calls for the US to withdraw its troops from the country. — Back to top
A massive blast rocks the city of Gorlovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic after Ukrainian forces allegedly attack residential areas, with more shelling reported in the capital city of Donetsk. Russia, Iran and NATO-member Turkey held talks to discuss conflict resolution in Syria and called on the US to withdraw its troops from the country. In an exclusive interview to RT Russia’s Foreign Minister gives his take on what the US and UK have in store for Ukraine and the EU. — Back to top
A massive blast is reported in the city of Gorlovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic after Ukrainian forces shell the city, according to local authorities. The Donbass republics get to grips with the aftermath of the retreat of Kiev’s forces – securing abandoned weapons and de-mining explosives hidden in grain fields. Russia and Ukraine seal a deal to resolve the long-standing grain issue – opening up Black Sea ports for Ukrainian wheat exports. That is despite the West’s repeated allegations of Moscow ‘weaponizing’ food, and fueling the global hunger crisis. And, as Russia’s Foreign Minister begins a diplomatic tour around Africa the US is left vexed by Moscow’s presence on the continent, with military chiefs saying it needs to be countered. We look into Washington’s interests in the region. — Back to top
Russia and Ukraine seal a deal to resolve the long-standing grain issue – opening up Black Sea ports for Ukrainian grain exports. That is despite the West’s repeated allegations of Moscow ‘weaponising’ food and fueling the global hunger crisis. Terrorists and criminal groups may use western weapons supplied to Ukraine, Interpol and Europol report. The organizations ring the alarm over the ongoing influx of weapons into the country. The Donbass republics deal with the aftermath of the withdrawal of Kiev’s forces – replenishing ammunition stocks and dealing with mines hidden in grain fields. — Back to top
As a deal is agreed by Russia and Ukraine to open up Black Sea ports for grain exports, Russia’s Foreign Minister says it’s proof that Western accusations that Moscow provoked the food crisis were groundless and false. Both Europol and Interpol ring the alarm over the possible influx of weapons into Ukraine making their way to terrorist and criminal groups all over the world. An RT crew joins Russian-led forces on the front line in Donbass, where the army is currently targeting Ukrainian military positions, locations from where Kiev troops have reportedly been shelling the city of Donetsk. Security forces in crisis-hit Sri Lanka raid the main anti-government protest camp while a senior veteran lawmaker is sworn in as the new prime minister. — Back to top
Hungary’s Foreign Minister says Budapest wants to buy more Russian gas and won’t get through the winter without it. That’s as the EU struggles with the repercussions of its anti-Russian sanctions. Africa criticizes Europe’s U-turn calls to increase energy supplies in an attempt to replace Russian commodities after years of setbacks over fossil fuel development projects across the continent as part of a stalled green agenda. A new bill that will decide Puerto Rico’s future with the US is making its way through Congress. The country is set to choose between becoming a US state, independence or free association status. An RT crew joins Russian-led forces on the Donetsk front line, where the army is now targeting Ukrainian military positions which Kiev uses to shell the neighboring city of Donetsk. — Back to top
Hungary’s Foreign Minister says Budapest wants to buy additional Russian gas and cannot get through the coming winter without those imports. That’s as the EU struggles with the backlash of its economic sanctions. Europe sinks deeper into political and economic uncertainty. That’s after Italy’s Prime Minister steps down and his coalition government collapses. RT reports from the Lugansk People’s Republic where the Ukrainian army has resumed shelling civilians after failing to retake territory from Russian-led forces. We hear from some of the locals caught in the crossfire. — Back to top
The EU pours another 500 millions euros into Kiev’s army, despite struggling to fix its own budget amid the economic backlash of its sanctions against Russia. The US wants a price cap on Russian oil supplies, as Washington looks to declare a climate emergency, which could further cut supplies of the commodity and drive up costs around the world. Ukrainian troops have resumed intense shelling of the Lugansk Republic, in a desperate attempt to reclaim the territory that Kiev’s army recently lost to Russian-led forces. — Back to top
Brussels says the coming winter will be spent without Russian gas and calls on the bloc’s members to rely on other sources of energy. In an exclusive interview to RT Russia’s Foreign Minister shares his take on what the US and UK are planning for Ukraine and the EU. Our correspondent is in the thick of the action amid the latest Ukrainian shelling of the Lugansk People’s Republic, as Kiev’s forces launch an offensive to retake territory there. Mass demonstrations rage on in Sri Lanka, after the acting leader is elected president in a secret ballot by parliament, with protesters burning his effigy, as security forces are on high alert. — Back to top
Brussels says the coming winter will be spent without Russian gas and calls on the bloc’s members to rely on other sources of energy. In an exclusive interview to RT Russia’s Foreign Minister shares his take on what the US and UK are planning for Ukraine and the EU. Our correspondent is in the thick of the action – amid the latest Ukrainian shelling of the Lugansk People’s Republic, as Kiev’s forces launch an offensive to retake territory there. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin visits Tehran for a summit with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts, as the trio seeks to work out a solution for peace in Ukraine and Syria. The EU is reportedly set to unfreeze some seized Russian assets, while Ukraine cries foul over what it calls a betrayal, as Western sanctions thaw in the face of a global food crisis. While Kiev’s forces continue their relentless shelling of the Donetsk Republic, RT visits the mother of a 10-year-old girl, who was killed by a Ukrainian strike right in front of her home. — Back to top
Russia and Iran plan to deepen bilateral ties with a new deal to be considered amid Putin’s upcoming visit to the Islamic Republic. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggests ending the EU’s veto policy for individual countries, as he says the bloc needs to be unified on its foreign affairs if it wants to remain a global power. While Kiev’s forces continue their relentless shelling of the Donetsk Republic, RT visits the mother of a 10-year-old girl killed in a Ukrainian artillery strike, right in front of her home. And African and Middle Eastern refugees in France demand to be treated as well as those from Ukraine. — Back to top
Russia says its forces have killed hundreds of foreign mercenaries and destroyed multiple Ukrainian military assets inside the Donetsk People’s Republic with a decisive battle for control of the area in full swing. While in the neighboring Lugansk People’s Republic, our correspondent joins a Russian combat patrol that’s mopping up hostile resistance from Ukrainian troops dressed as civilians, in the recently recaptured city of Lisichansk. Saudi Arabia says its relations with the US and China are not mutually exclusive. That’s in the wake of Joe Biden’s much-hyped, but ultimately lackluster, trip to the Middle East. Sri Lanka’s acting president slams Western sanctions against Russia, saying they are only bringing third-world countries like the impoverished South Asian nation to their knees. — Back to top
Reports of incoming artillery fire in Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border, as Russian-led forces make further front-line advances. Our correspondent follows the troop movements. ‘A failed policy of Iranophobia’: That’s the message from Tehran as it accuses the US of inflaming tensions in the Middle East as Joe Biden wraps up his first presidential visit to the region. Sri Lanka’s government limits petrol sales to its own citizens, as long lines persist outside gas stations amid severe economic turmoil in the South Asian country. We hear from locals struggling to cope with the crisis. — Back to top
Ukrainian forces launch a fresh barrage of at least eighty devastating rockets at Donetsk city on Sunday after five civilians were killed by shelling there, overnight. Kiev cuts loose a convicted neo-Nazi battalion commander, who raped and tortured people in Donbass. So he can return to the conflict zone, despite his criminal record. EU countries panic over Russia temporarily halting the flow of gas through the Nord Stream One pipeline. Although the scheduled maintenance was agreed to in advance. Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister is sworn-in as interim president, replacing the previous leader who resigned amid mass protests, which show no sign of abating. Our correspondent reports from the scene. — Back to top
In the stories that shaped this week, Kiev frees a former commander of a neo-Nazi battalion, convicted for rape and torture in Donbass, as part of an amnesty program for criminals with combat experience. Fueling fears, as EU countries panic over Russia temporarily halting the flow of gas through the Nord Stream One pipeline. That’s despite the 10 days of scheduled maintenance having been agreed upon, well in advance. Sri Lanka’s president caves into increasing political pressure and resigns, with the prime minister appointed in his place. But the mass protests show no signs of abating. RT reports on location. — Back to top
The Russian defense minister orders troops on the frontline to increase their operations to prevent Kiev forces from striking civilian areas. Moscow also says airstrikes have almost entirely destroyed a Ukrainian brigade near a key Donbass city. Saudi Arabia says it has no extra capacity to boost its oil production beyond 13 million barrels a day, denting hopes of high, global energy prices being significantly eased, much to the disappointment of recent ‘gulf kingdom visitor’ Joe Biden. The UK military is to resume joint training in the former British colony of Kenya, adding they will continue using white phosphorus munitions in drills. Locals living near the firing line shared their health fears with us. — Back to top
Biden’s mission to ease Americans’ pain at the pump is incomplete, as he says the meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince during his Middle East trip is unlikely to reduce gas prices back home. With the British army resuming its joint military training program in Kenya, locals fear the white phosphorus claimed to be used ‘legally’ by UK troops in the area, is posing a grave threat to people’s health. An RT crew visits a town in the Donbass recently taken by Russia-led forces, and hears from locals who say the town was under fire every day. — Back to top
Moscow confirms new strikes against military targets in Ukraine, including the bases of nationalist battalions – with around 500 troops killed. That’s as Russian-led forces advance in the Donetsk Republic. From ‘pariah’ to partner – Joe Biden touches down in Saudi Arabia on the last leg of his first Middle East tour as president, hoping to persuade Riyadh to boost oil production. The backdrop to that being petrol prices in the US reaching record highs. A new US defense bill gets the green light from Congress. Yet more military supplies are heading to Ukraine, but comes at the expense of ‘humanitarian aid deliveries’ to Afghanistan. A new interim leader is appointed in Sri Lanka after the president fled the country and resigned. But the economic crisis there rages on. We report from the ground. — Back to top
Apparent green colonialism – African countries least responsible for the climate crisis will have to ramp up spending on green technology as developed states continue to strive for green goals with limited success in reducing emissions. From ‘pariah’ to strategic partner – Joe Biden visits Saudi Arabia this Friday during his Middle East trip to persuade Riyadh to boost oil production as petrol prices in the US reach record highs. That’s as Saudi Arabia – as well as Turkey and Egypt – plan to join the BRICS group of emerging economies – according to the president of the international forum. An RT crew follows Russian soldiers on a cleanup operation in the Lugansk Republic – with troops searching for bodies, any remaining Ukrainian fighters and explosives. — Back to top
Two civilians are killed and six more injured after Ukraine shells the city center of Donetsk – local officials claim Kiev forces used NATO artillery to target civilians. A Moroccan-state probe claims that the deaths of 23 migrants – who were attempting to reach Spain from Africa last month, were not the result of police violence. That’s despite Human Rights groups reaching the exact opposite conclusion. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are planning to join the BRICS grouping of fastest emerging economies – according to the president of the BRICS international forum. She says that such an enlargement, can only be a good thing. RT visits what’s left of a former base of a Ukrainian neo-Nazi battalion. That’s as Kiev releases a notorious, nationalist commander from jail, to fight on the frontlines. — Back to top
RT visits what’s left of a former Ukrainian neo-Nazi battalion base – as Kiev releases one of the most notorious nationalist commanders from jail. A CIA whistle blower is convicted of the biggest leak of classified information in history shedding light on the agency’s international smartphone hacking software. Opposition parties in the UK slam the Defence ministry and call for a probe into the recent BBC bombshell report of unlawful killings by the Special Air Service in Afghanistan. Joe Biden’s trip to Israel kicks off with a gaff, with the US President mistakenly honoring the Holocaust. We see if his visit will help allay tensions in the region. — Back to top
Donald Trump’s former national security adviser opens a Pandora’s box with a stunning ‘coup d-etat confession’. We look at what other places John Bolton may be speaking about. Sri Lanka’s President bows to pressure and quits his post. That’s as the country declares a state of emergency with the Prime Minister temporarily taking charge, much to the continued anger of protesters. In the Donetsk Republic, a kindergarten takes a direct hit from Ukrainian shelling, while another missile strike kills two civilians. As Joe Biden touches down in Israel as part of his first presidential visit to the Middle East we look at how rising tensions with Washington, may throw a spanner in the works. — Back to top
Kiev releases a convicted commander of a far-right battalion, who was sentenced for rape and torture in the Donbass – as part of an amnesty for criminals with combat experience. With Joe Biden soon to begin his first presidential visit to the Middle East we look at how rising tensions may throw a spanner in the works, with Israel being the first stop. The Euro slides to parity with the US dollar for the first time in twenty years – with some European politicians now saying the sanctions imposed on Russia are a ‘mistake’. Sri Lanka’s President has reportedly fled the country after his decision to step down amid widespread riots over the country’s economic turmoil. We visit the residence of the Prime Minister, which has been occupied by protesters. — Back to top
Seven civilians are killed and scores more injured, after Ukrainian forces target a Russian-controlled city in the Kherson region, using American-supplied rocket launchers. The US president meets with his Mexican counterpart amid very tense relations – complicated by numerous disagreements including the conflict in Ukraine, migrant issues, inflation and alleged human rights violations. The Euro slides below the value of a dollar for the first time in twenty years – as some European politicians now claim the sanctions imposed on Russia are a ‘mistake’. — Back to top
Seven civilians are reportedly killed and 60 injured as the Ukrainian army hits a town in the Kherson region, local authorities say US-delivered high-precision weapons were used. EU officials sound the alarm over Ukraine-bound Western weapons ending up on the black market, putting the continent’s security at risk. Australia rejects a plan suggested by China to restore relations between the two countries, saying that Canberra doesn’t respond to ‘demands’. African leaders slam Europe’s rush to buy African natural gas – while seemingly having no plans to invest in local infrastructure. — Back to top
Berlin makes fresh accusations against Moscow, as Russia temporarily shuts down a key gas supply route to Germany for scheduled maintenance. That’s amid a fuel crisis caused by the backlash of Western sanctions. We investigate a hastily abandoned Ukrainian army position, where US-made heavy weapons were apparently used to shell Donbass. The US tries to pin the blame for the crisis in Sri Lanka on Russia, as the South Asian country’s President confirms he’s stepping down, amid widespread riots over the country’s economic turmoil. — Back to top
Russia temporarily shuts down a key gas supply route to Germany, the Nord Stream pipeline, for scheduled maintenance, as Berlin braces for its energy crisis to only get worse. RT examines abandoned Ukrainian army positions on former Donbass front lines as Kiev’s forces retreat westward. Sri Lanka is gripped by a wave of mass riots as long-term economic problems devolve into an unprecedented crisis. However, the US reverts to its usual narrative, grasping at straws in an attempt to put the blame on Russia. Protesters take to the streets of Paris, arguing that Ukrainian refugees are being treated substantially better than those from war-torn countries in the Middle East and Africa. — Back to top
At least four children were killed in Ukrainian artillery attacks on the Donetsk Republic as civilian casualties mount. Grieving families struggle to endure the pain of their loss. Assassinated on the campaign trail: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after being shot by a lone gunman. The party’s over for Boris Johnson, who says he’s stepping down as Britain’s Prime Minister. That’s after he failed to impress fellow Conservatives on the home front, despite drumming up military support for Ukraine. — Back to top
Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister both announce they’re resigning as months-long protests culminate in the storming of the leaders’ residences by enraged demonstrators. At least four children were killed in Ukrainian artillery attacks on the Donetsk Republic as civilian casualties mount. Grieving families struggle to endure the pain of their loss. Assassinated on the campaign trail: Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after being shot by a lone gunman. The party’s over for Boris Johnson, who says he’s stepping down as Britain’s Prime Minister. That’s after he failed to impress fellow Conservatives on the home front, despite drumming up military support for Ukraine. — Back to top
Thousands of furious protesters in Sri Lanka’s capital storm the President’s home and office, over the government’s failure to solve the country’s worst economic crisis in decades. We report from the scene. That’s as Sri Lanka’s police resort to tear-gassing the demonstrators, with dozens injured amid the ongoing chaos. Our correspondent explores a once-embattled oil refinery in the Lugansk city of Lisichansk, where he discovers scores of banned munitions allegedly planted by Ukrainian troops before they fled. China’s yuan gains ground on the US dollar, as a new survey shows 85 percent of the world’s central banks either hold or intend to hold the Chinese national currency. — Back to top
Our correspondent explores a once embattled oil refinery in the Lugansk city of Lisichansk, where he discovers scores of banned munitions allegedly planted by Ukrainian troops before they fled. China’s yuan gains ground on the US dollar, as a new survey shows 85 percent of the world’s central banks either hold or intend to hold the Chinese national currency. Kenya’s government passes blame for its food crisis on the far-away conflict in Ukraine, as protesters in the Eastern African country express outrage over struggling to afford basic foods. — Back to top
Assassinated on the campaign trail: Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe succumbs to his wounds, after being shot by a lone gunman who says he had planned the attack. Russia’s Foreign Minister urges Western powers to make up their minds about what they really want for Ukraine – be it peace talks, or a fight till the end. African nations struggle with fuel shortages and rapidly escalating costs, with Western sanctions against Russia wreaking far-reaching collateral damage. — Back to top
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been shot during a campaign speech and taken to a hospital in serious condition. Vladimir Putin warns against hindering Moscow’s peace talks with Kiev, as Russian troops continue their advance in the Donbass. “Technological terrorism” – that’s what Beijing says Washington has been waging against it in response to US and British claims that China has been determined to steal their technology for competitive gain. African nations struggle with fuel shortages and rapidly escalating costs, as the West’s sanctions against Russia have wrought far-reaching collateral damage. — Back to top
The party’s over for Boris Johnson who says he’s stepping down as Britain’s Prime Minister. That’s after he failed to impress fellow Conservatives on the home front despite drumming up military support for Ukraine. President Biden says he’s scrapping Afghanistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally, almost a year after the disastrous US military pullout left the country in disarray and with no cash. Our correspondent discovers an abundance of US-supplied weaponry, hastily abandoned by Ukrainian troops on the front line, as Russian-led forces took control. — Back to top
Three children are killed and several other people wounded in reported Ukrainian military shelling of residential areas in the Donetsk Republic. Our correspondent discovers an abundance of US-supplied weaponry, hastily abandoned by Ukrainian troops on the front line, as Russian-led forces took control. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson plays the Ukraine card while refusing to step down, despite dozens of his top officials quitting en masse, as he says he needs to remain in power to help Kiev. — Back to top
The European Parliament backs a proposal to add gas and nuclear energy to the EU’s list of ‘climate-friendly’ sources. That’s as the bloc’s energy crisis sends electricity prices soaring to all-time highs. As Donetsk again comes under heavy shelling from the Ukrainian army, the UK’s Daily Mirror newspaper blames Moscow for it – despite the city being under the control of Russian-led forces. An RT crew films Russian helicopters striking Ukrainian military positions on the front lines – as the Russian-led forces continue their advance Westward. Boris Johnson fights for his political life, pleading with his party not to dump him as Prime Minister, claiming the war in Ukraine means it’s not the right time for him to go. — Back to top
As civilian casualties mount in the Donbass a ten year old girl is killed by Ukrainian shelling in a residential area of Donetsk. The UK’s Daily Mirror newspaper has apparently published a fake article blaming Russia for shelling in Donetsk despite the city being under Russian control, and local officials blaming the attack on Kiev. Ukrainian officials confirm that some of the military aid provided to the country by the West appears to have been stolen with the Russian defense minister adding the weapons are increasingly appearing on the black market. With gas prices in the EU reaching record levels, German officials urge locals to limit energy consumption as citizens prepare for a long term crisis. — Back to top
The death toll mounts as heavy shelling by Ukrainian forces continues on Donetsk city. Several people are killed in the attacks, including 10 years old girl. RT reports from a chemical warehouse destroyed by the Ukrainian army in the Lugansk Republic – a region now under the full control of Russian-led forces. Beijing slams Washington for accusing China of spreading disinformation. That’s after the US ambassador pressed the country to stop promoting quote ‘Russian propaganda’ over the Ukrainian conflict. The IDF exonerates itself over the killing of a Palestinian journalist, saying it wasn’t intentional. It comes after the US handed Israel the fatal bullet for investigation despite Palestinian objections. — Back to top
Three civilians are killed and 27 injured in the latest Ukrainian shelling of the Donetsk Republic with Kiev using NATO weapons to target civilian areas. RT visits what was once a chemical warehouse in the Lugansk republic, following its destruction by American-made howitzers. A not so festive Independence Day in the US, as deadly shootings, record price hikes and a subdued speech from the President overshadow celebrations. India accuses the US of misrepresenting facts and a lack of understanding of its national specifics – that’s in response to the human rights abuse allegations and classification as a ‘state of concern’. — Back to top
Multiple people are shot at an Independence day parade in a suburb of Chicago. The shooter is reportedly still at large. Heavy shelling by Ukrainian forces continues on Donetsk city and its outskirts. One person is killed in the attacks. An RT crew explores what had been the last Ukrainian stronghold in the Lugansk Republic on the same day Russian and allied forces secured full control of the region. As the price for natural gas in Europe reaches more than 17-hundred dollars per cubic meter, top German officials warn the worst is yet to come. That’s as Berlin turns to Qatar, seeking an alternative to Russian gas supplies. — Back to top
Our crew visits the last Ukrainian stronghold in the Lugansk republic on the very day Russian and allied forces took full control of the region. Arms supplied to Ukraine are increasingly appearing for sale on the darknet. RT reaches out to one dealer who tells us what weapons are available. “Social explosives!” – that’s what the German Chancellor has called rising energy prices in Europe as more than 20 million people in the country remain at risk of energy poverty. — Back to top
Russian-led forces establish full control over ‘Lugansk Republic territory’ after the last key city there is taken. At least four civilians, including three citizens from Ukraine, are killed in the deadliest-ever Ukrainian missile attack on Russian territory. After thousands take to the streets and clash with police in Uzbekistan, the president drops plans to curb the autonomy of a large republic within the country. A call for justice amid claims of a cover-up over the number of fatalities. The UN demands an investigation into the deaths of at least 23 Africans at the hands of Moroccan security forces, after a crowd tried to storm the border of a Spanish enclave. — Back to top
Russian-led forces take control of the city of Lisichansk, according to multiple reports. The city was the last major stronghold of Ukrainian forces in the Lugansk republic. NATO claims Russia is a major threat to European security in its new strategic concept, also highlighting the challenge allegedly posed by China. Hundreds are wounded and dozens killed as crowds in Morocco are repelled by Moroccan and Spanish law enforcement while trying to cross the country’s border with Spain. — Back to top
Thousands take to the streets in India after the beheading of a Hindu shopkeeper was filmed and posted online. Two Muslim suspects have been arrested over the killing. Thousands also gather across Spain to voice outrage against police violence, following the killing of dozens of African migrants, who tried to storm the Morocco-Spanish border, but were brutally prevented by Moroccan security forces. Teetering on the brink of anarchy: bandits rampage across Nigeria, killing and kidnapping. Some claim the seed of the unrest was planted more than a decade ago, when NATO intervened on the African continent. — Back to top
Millions remain at risk of starvation, as the UK pledges another billion pounds in funds to Ukraine, diverting aid from African and Asian countries. Thousands take to the streets in India after the beheading of a Hindu shopkeeper was filmed and posted online. Two Muslim suspects have been arrested over the killing. Hundreds gather in Madrid, in a protest against police violence resulting in the deaths of 37 migrants who tried to cross the Moroccan-Spanish border. — Back to top
Despair among Donetsk residents as the Ukrainian military shells civilian areas, while in the neighboring Lugansk Republic, Russian forces advance on the key city of Lisichansk. RT reports from the front lines. Despite emphatic claims that EU membership is within Kiev’s reach, the European Commission cautions that Ukraine must first tackle its entrenched corruption. The UK wants to send another one billion pounds’ worth of aid to Ukraine, taking that money from state funds for impoverished countries in Africa and Asia. That’s as the activist charity OXFAM says the world’s most powerful nations are leaving millions of people on the verge of starvation. — Back to top
Fighting continues in the Lugansk People’s Republic, with Russian forces advancing on Kiev’s positions in the city of Lisichansk. A ‘goodwill gesture’: Russia says it has pulled its troops from Ukraine’s Snake Island to facilitate the UN-backed export of grain, cutting off Kiev’s speculation on the global food crisis. We must not promote a famine – that’s the message from the Pakistani Foreign Minister, as she urges the US to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets amid a severe economic crisis. The pentagon is scrambling to fill its worst recruitment drive in decades while the latest US hypersonic missile test ends in failure. — Back to top