Daily Updates: July 2023
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*** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
The Kremlin’s spokesperson is cited by the Russian news agency RIA as saying that President Putin will fully participate in the upcoming BRICS summit via a video link, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expected to attend the event in person in South Africa. Agreeing to disagree: a much-vaunted EU-Latin America summit hits turbulence, as not all countries endorse the final declaration that the blocs had been struggling over for days. And, as the World Bank predicts Iran’s steady economic growth this year, we look at how Tehran is using free-trade zones to fight back against Western sanctions. It may be a hot summer right now in Europe, but the winter will surely be a cold one, as the International Energy Agency warns of yet another, upcoming energy crisis in the EU. — Back to top
Agreeing to disagree: a much-vaunted EU-Latin America summit hits turbulence, as not all countries endorse the final declaration concerning Russia that the bloc had been struggling over for days. ‘A reckless risk of war with Russia’ — that’s how South Africa’s President dismisses calls to arrest Vladimir Putin under International Criminal Court charges if he attends next month’s BRICS summit in Johannesburg. And, as the World Bank predicts Iran’s steady economic growth this year, we look at how Tehran is using free-trade zones to fight back against Western sanctions. — Back to top
Russia conducts retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian port cities, hitting naval drone facilities that Moscow suspects were used in a Ukrainian terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge. Latin American leaders up-end the agenda of a long-anticipated summit with the EU, refusing to denounce Russia over the Ukraine conflict and attesting that Western sanctions violate international law. India refuses to cave into Western pressure and denounce its key trading partner Russia at a G20 conference headed by New Delhi. The EU seeks to prevent migration from North Africa by throwing money at the problem, promising hundreds of millions of euros in assistance to the region. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin vows a military response to the Ukrainian attack on the Crimea Bridge, branding it an act of terror. The incident left a mother and father dead, and their now-orphaned-daughter severely wounded. Iran offers India ‘special priority’ when it comes to oil exports, as the two countries seek to bolster ties despite western pressure. Make ‘equality for Africa’ a reality, not just a buzz word — Kenya’s president says a fair financial system is the only way for the continent to prosper. — Back to top
Russia condemns a Ukrainian drone attack on the Crimean Bridge as an act of terrorism, after it killed a mother and a father, and left their daughter severely injured. Russia says the Black Sea grain deal is basically dead in the water, as Ukraine and its Western backers were not respecting the terms of the agreement. Moscow warns it will no longer guarantee navigation safety in the Black Sea under the grain deal. Meanwhile, Turkiye’s President Erdogan says it was a historic agreement and he would discuss the matter with Vladimir Putin. — Back to top
Two people are killed and a girl is injured following what’s described as an emergency situation on the Crimean Bridge. All traffic on the route has been halted. Washington gives the go-ahead for European allies to train Ukraine’s pilots in using F-16 fighter jets, as Kiev’s counteroffensive fails to bear fruit. Fighters from the paramilitary ‘Rapid Support Forces’ grouping in Sudan claim new victories in their battle against army forces, as the violent conflict in the African nation continues to rage. Is artificial intelligence set to be used in the wars of the future? A question coming to the fore as Israeli Defense Forces reportedly becomes a pioneer of AI choosing what to target. — Back to top
Russian President Vladimir Putin comments on Washington’s decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine despite previously labeling the weapons ‘criminal’. An RT crew comes under Ukrainian shelling while filming on the frontlines in the Lugansk Republic where Russian troops have repelled a Ukrainian assault. UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace says he’s stepping down from politics. The announcement comes days after the NATO summit where he criticized Ukraine’s Zelensky for a lack of gratitude. As tensions rise in the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo, a brawl breaks out in the nation’s parliament during a live debate. — Back to top
An RT crew comes under Ukrainian shelling while filming on the frontlines in the Lugansk Republic where Russian troops have repelled a Ukrainian assault. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says he’s stepping down from politics, the announcement coming days after the NATO summit where he criticized Ukraine’s Zelensky for a lack of gratitude. Russia will extend the Black Sea Grain deal only if the country’s interests are met and the West holds up its end of the bargain. As tensions rise in the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo, a brawl breaks out in the nation’s parliament during a live debate. — Back to top
The Russian Federal Security Service thwarts an assassination attempt on RT’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan and journalist Ksenia Sobchak. The Head of Ukraine’s main Orthodox Christian monastery is placed in custody for 30 days, unable to pay a large bail fee. Washington makes a multi-billion dollar credit pledge to Ankara in return for Sweden’s accession to NATO. That’s according to Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Seymour Hersh, citing an unnamed government official. ‘Under no circumstances with an exclamation point’ – that’s the US response to developing nations requesting climate reparations. We speak to Malians to get their take on the issue. — Back to top
The Head of Ukraine’s main Orthodox Christian monastery is placed in custody for 30 days, as Kiev accuses the Metropolitan of supporting Russia. Washington makes a multi-billion dollar credit pledge to Ankara in return for Sweden’s accession to NATO. That’s according to Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Seymour Hersh, citing an unnamed government official. A food emergency is declared in Nigeria as prices in the country skyrocket. We speak to some local people about the food crisis. A three-day theater festival kicks off in Gaza, as Palestinians try to take some respite from the violence. — Back to top
An RT crew comes under Ukrainian shelling while filming on the frontlines in the Lugansk Republic, where Russian troops are pushing back a botched Ukrainian offensive. India launches an unmanned mission to the far side of the Moon, marking the country’s second attempt to reach the Earth’s natural satellite. A state of emergency on food is declared in Nigeria as citizens continue to suffer from skyrocketing prices. The EU’s Executive rejects a resolution to launch a European wide search-and-rescue operation, following the sinking of a migrant ship near Greece last month. We put the issue up for discussion. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin reveals details about his meeting with Wagner PMC commanders, saying both their track record on the front and failed mutiny were discussed. Russia will extend the Black Sea grain deal only if the country’s interests are met and the West holds-up to its end of the bargain. Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK criticizes President Zelensky for his reaction when accused of not being grateful enough for NATO support, saying that internal issues should not be aired publicly. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin says Russia will extend the Black Sea grain deal only if the country’s interests are met and the West holds its end of the bargain. Sergey Lavrov pulls no punches on the Western military bloc that seeks to expand its presence and nuclear grip in the Asia-Pacific region. Torrential rains wreak havoc in northern parts of India, leaving dozens dead. Sudanese citizens take up arms following an official call to help protect the country from a rival paramilitary group as Egypt hosts a peace-building summit to prevent a regional crisis. — Back to top
Iran’s Supreme leader accuses the West of fueling the war in Ukraine for its own benefit. That’s as the country proposes a zero precondition peace plan for the conflict. Russia’s Foreign Minister warns the West against supplying Ukraine with nuclear-capable F-16 jets, saying Moscow would view the move as an existential threat. China praises its relations with Russia, saying they’ve grown beyond the outdated NATO-bloc Cold War model. Torrential rains in the northern parts of India are getting worse. Our correspondent brings details of the disaster later in the program. — Back to top
Vague words replace a roadmap to membership as the NATO summit in Vilnius leaves Ukraine disappointed at not being offered a spot in the bloc. The last Palestinian family in a building inhabited by Israeli settlers has been evicted from their Jerusalem home, after a 45-year-long legal battle. The Iranian President is on an African tour in an effort to deepen ties with the world amid US sanctions. We’ll get the latest details from a member of the President’s delegation. — Back to top
Ukraine is disappointed with the NATO summit as it doesn’t meet Kiev’s expectations of joining the bloc soon. The US tries to justify its plans to supply Kiev with highly controversial cluster munitions despite strong opposition from the public and even its closest NATO allies. The FBI colluded with the Ukrainian Security Service to censor free speech in America, according to a US House of Representative’s report. We talk to a Palestinian fighter turned peace activist, who’s calling for an end to the violence between Palestinians and Israelis. — Back to top
As the NATO summit officially kicks off in Lithuania, the host nation’s President has said Ukraine’s prospects of joining the military bloc still remain out of reach. While NATO members pump up Kiev with ever more devastating weapon supplies, we hear from an EU parliament member who insists that security guarantees for Moscow would stop the conflict. As developing countries of the Global South switch their reserves from US dollars to gold, Russia’s top diplomat says the American currency is losing its reputation around the world. At least 70 people are reported killed, and bridges and other infrastructure are destroyed, in the worst flooding in decades in northern India. — Back to top
Conflicting, misspoken and contrasting views ahead of the NATO summit being held in Lithuania. We break down what could be ahead. Today marks 80 years since the Volyn massacre where tens of thousands of Poles were killed by Ukrainian nationalists, a group Kiev now celebrates as heroes. Iran launches a major petrochemical plant where more than 80% of its needs are covered by home-built equipment, despite western attempts to pummel industry in the nation. — Back to top
The Kremlin reveals that President Putin met with the Wagner Group’s commanders, including Prigozhin, a few days after the attempted mutiny. Putin discussed their fate with them. Washington’s decision to send widely-banned cluster bombs to Kiev, not only angers a host of countries including Russia, China and Cambodia – but also America’s close NATO allies. China is a strong, friendly shoulder for Russia to rely on – that’s the message from the Russian Parliament chairwoman, after talks with president Xi Jinping in Beijing. Seething in Seoul – demonstrators and opposition figures make their feelings clear over Japan’s plan to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. — Back to top
The Russian Embassy in Washington says the US will be committing war crimes by sending widely-banned cluster bombs to Kiev. The decision’s not sitting well with America’s NATO allies either. Seething in Seoul – demonstrators and opposition politicians make their feelings clear over Japan’s plan to release into the sea, treated contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Digging for riches, but at what cost? As a major Canadian mining company expands its presence in the African copper belt, questions are raised about the environmental impact and alleged violations of human rights. — Back to top
The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing Ukrainian armored vehicles being destroyed during a counter-offensive operation by Kiev’s forces. The UN chief refuses to retract his criticism of ferocious Israeli raids on a refugee camp in Jenin, as the organization’s Human Rights Council calls it a potential war crime. RT visited the scene in the aftermath. The White House spokeswoman shuts down questioning from a reporter, inquiring on the Biden family’s possible involvement in the White House cocaine scandal – giving an incorrect account of their whereabouts at the time. Senegal’s president says he won’t run for re-election next year, after rumors of his potential candidacy for a third term, sparked widespread protests in the West African nation. — Back to top
Moscow condemns Washington’s decision to supply cluster bombs to Kiev, saying it poses a great threat to civilians. The Pentagon though says it’ll help Ukraine towards victory. The UN chief refuses to retract his criticism of ferocious Israeli raids on a refugee camp in Jenin, as the organization’s Human Rights Council call them a potential war crime. RT visited the scene in the aftermath. As Japan’s set to pump treated contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear disaster into the sea China moves to clamp down on seafood imports from the island nation in protest. Senegal’s president says he won’t stand for reelection next year after rumors of his running for a third term, sparked widespread protests in the West African nation. — Back to top
The Russian military repels Kiev’s counter-offensive attacks on the front lines of Donbass, as the Ukrainian President tours NATO member states with a fresh appeal for arms and ammunition. Protests erupt in Kenya as a prominent opposition member leads a movement against the current government’s economic polices amid rising costs of living. Claims of hypocrisy are leveled at the US Treasury Secretary following her criticism of China’s barriers to foreign firms. Janet Yellen’s visit to Beijing comes amid inflamed tensions between the two countries. Protesters denounce US support for Israel outside the UN headquarters, while Palestine condemns US plans to open a new embassy on Israeli-occupied territory. We hear reactions from Jerusalem residents. — Back to top
The Russian military repels Kiev’s counter-offensive attacks on the front lines of Donbass, as the Ukrainian President tours NATO member states with a fresh appeal for arms and ammunition. Claims of hypocrisy are leveled at the US Treasury Secretary following her criticism of China’s barriers to foreign firms. Janet Yellen’s visit to Beijing comes amid inflamed economic tensions between the two countries. As the United Nations sends more emergency aid to help refugees from war-torn Sudan, some find themselves stranded in the warzone, after their passports being held at the US embassy were destroyed when Washington pulled its staff out. — Back to top
Double standards from Washington as the US reportedly plans to supply cluster munitions to Kiev, after having previously condemned the use of that weaponry. China clamps down on seafood imports from Japan amid concerns about plans to dump water contaminated by the Fukushima nuclear disaster. — Back to top
The Russian army gains strongholds on the frontlines of the Ukrainian conflict. That’s as Kiev calls out NATO for not doing enough to meet its security demands. Amid the White House drug scandal, bookies say the odds are increasingly favoring the President’s son, Hunter Biden, being the alleged owner of the cocaine recently discovered near the Oval Office. It’s day two of the US Treasury Secretary’s visit to China, as trade and chip wars ramp up between Washington and Beijing. A toxic gas leak in South Africa leaves 17 people dead, including children. We report from the scene. — Back to top
Russia says Western arms sent to Kiev have made their way into France and were used in the riots last week, as NATO states continue to flood Ukraine with weapons. As China introduces measures restricting the export of rare-earth metals necessary for chip production, US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, touches down in Beijing amid rising tensions between Washington and the People’s Republic. RT visits a refugee camp in the West Bank city of Jenin as Israeli forces withdraw from the site following a massive raid. — Back to top
Russian troops push Kiev’s forces back in the Lugansk region. RT obtains exclusive Ukrainian army bodycam footage showing their soldiers surrendering in battle. RT visits a refugee camp in the West Bank city of Jenin as Israeli forces withdraw from the site following a massive raid. As Joe Biden meets the Swedish Prime Minister to reiterate Washington’s support to Stockholm, the country faces more outrage in the Muslim world over the Quran-burning protests. — Back to top
Three civilians are killed and 47 wounded, including three children, in the latest Ukrainian strikes on the Donetsk Republic. Nine healthcare facilities in the region are also damaged. The BRICS group is set to introduce a new currency backed by gold, as the list of countries interested in the alliance and initiative is growing. That call from Israel comes amid an ongoing escalation in violence, with an attack in Tel Aviv and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. As the IDF leaves the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank after a deadly military operation. — Back to top
Three civilians are killed and 46 wounded, including three children, in the latest Ukrainian strikes on the Donetsk Republic. Nine healthcare facilities in the region are also damaged. That call from Israel comes amid an ongoing escalation in violence, with a terror attack in Tel Aviv and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. As the IDF leaves the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank after a deadly military operation. Artificial Intelligence could significantly increase unemployment rates in India and Indonesia according to a new report. We speak to our panel of guests on what the future holds for the technology. — Back to top
A car ramming and stabbing attack hits Tel Aviv leaving 7 people wounded. The suspect is neutralized, and emergency services are working on the scene. At least 10 people are killed in Jenin following one of the largest Israeli raids on the West Bank, with the Palestine Red Crescent Society saying that the IDF isn’t allowing humanitarian organizations to properly treat injured civilians. Breaking away from the dollar’s hegemony is a top priority — that’s the first message from Iran’s leader after Iran was admitted as a full-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. A UK law firm reports that the country’s SAS commander destroyed potential evidence of war crimes committed by British Special Forces in Afghanistan against the civilian population. — Back to top
Iran becomes the ninth fully-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Its formal admission to the bloc is expected at today’s summit chaired by New Delhi. Massive clashes erupt in the West Bank city of Jenin after the Israeli military enters a local refugee camp, claiming to target Palestinian terrorist groups. UK media report that the country’s SAS commander has destroyed potential evidence of war crimes committed by British Special Forces in Afghanistan against the civilian population. — Back to top
Israeli Defense Forces strike the West Bank city of Jenin, leaving 8 dead and 27 injured according to the Palestinian Health ministry. Ukrainians are being taken from streets and sent to the war – that’s according to a POW who says that’s how he ended up on the front-line, warning he might have been speaking under duress. India’s Foreign Minister praises trade relations with Russia, stressing that his country only acts in the best interests of its people, and that includes building ties with Moscow. ‘We’re in a war today, we’ll be the resistance tomorrow’: French police warn as they desperately try to quell week-long riots. One politician has even claimed the country is about to be torn apart. — Back to top
Israel Defense Forces conduct a military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, with 4 people killed and 27 injured according to Palestinian Health ministry. ‘We’re in a war today, we’ll be the resistance tomorrow’ – French police warn as they desperately try to quell week-long riots. That’s as some politicians claim the country is about to be torn apart. The US state department releases a new report on the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, blaming the Biden Administration for the chaos and violence that unfolded in the process. — Back to top
The French National Police Alliance says calm must be imposed by force, against what it calls ‘the dictates of violent minorities’. That’s after 5 days of ongoing riots over the police killing of a French-Algerian teenager. An RT correspondent addresses a meeting of the UN Security Council, highlighting the suffering inflicted on civilians in Donbass, by Ukraine’s use of Western weapons. The Organization for Islamic Cooperation calls for collective action against repeated acts of Islamophobia, following the latest burning of the Koran during a sanctioned protest in Sweden. — Back to top
More than four hundred people are arrested overnight as France continues to burn in the wake of a fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old French-Algerian on Tuesday. An RT correspondent addresses a meeting of the UN Security Council, highlighting how the shelling of civilians in the Donbass frequently goes unnoticed in the West. A Kenyan human rights body launches an investigation into alleged mass atrocities by security guards at a local US-owned pineapple farm. We hear from one of the victims. — Back to top
Over a thousand arrests in 24 hours as France continues to burn in the wake of a fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old on Tuesday. Civilian areas are under attack again by Ukrainian forces, with at least nine people wounded in the Donetsk Republic. Israel’s Supreme Court rules that a Palestinian family is to be evicted from the home they share with Israeli settlers in Jerusalem. Argentina settles a multi-billion dollar payment to the IMF with the Chinese yuan, as steps towards a global trend of de-dollarization accelerate. — Back to top
French cities once again become cauldrons of rage over the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old youth on Tuesday. More than a thousand people have been arrested since the killing. At least 9 people are injured after a town in the Donetsk Republic comes under Ukrainian shelling. Burkina Faso suspends a French television news channel, claiming it lacks objectivity, following a report it made on rebel groups in the country. — Back to top