Daily Updates: June 2022
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*** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
A ‘goodwill gesture’: Russia says it has pulled its troops out from Ukraine’s Snake Island to facilitate the UN-backed export of grain, cutting off Kiev’s speculation on the global food crisis. As the conflict rages on, Donbass residents cope with the horrific memories of abuse by Kiev’s troops in their homeland, something Russian President Vladimir Putin branded ‘genocide’. “No written law for freedom fighters.” – that’s how Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany has attempted to vindicate World War Two Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera, who is revered among Ukrainian far-right groups. — Back to top
The Russian president says NATO has been using Ukraine to achieve its own goals. That, as the bloc dubs Moscow it’s ‘most significant and direct threat’, while officially inviting Finland and Sweden on board. Let us manage your oil revenue so you can hold free elections – that`s a suggestion from the UN Adviser on Libya, as a response to the political turmoil in the country that has followed NATO’s 2011 invasion. The UN urges a probe into the death of at least 23 African migrants, after a crowd tried to cross Morocco’s border en masse into Spain’s North African enclave of Melilla. — Back to top
NATO calls Russia its ‘most significant and direct threat.’ That’s as the bloc invites Sweden and Finland to become member states in a further expansion of the alliance’s presence on Russia’s borders. A call for justice over an alleged cover-up of the real number of victims, in a mass killing of migrants. The UN urges a probe into the death of at least 23 Africans at the hands of Moroccan security forces, after a crowd tried to storm the border into a Spanish city. Up to three years in prison for journalism – that’s what a German journalist says she is facing over her independent coverage of the war in Donbass. Alina Lipp tells us she’s being silenced by Berlin because her reports don’t fit the Western narrative. — Back to top
Turkey agrees to admit Finland and Sweden to NATO, lifting its opposition and greenlighting the bloc’s enlargement – something Russia considers a redline. New evidence proves that Russia did not target a shopping mall in Ukraine – but the UN Security Council still deliberates Kiev’s claims. With oil prices continuing to spike, US officials quietly visit Venezuela, despite previously declaring the country a threat to US national security. — Back to top
Russia says a missile strike on a Western weaponry stockpile in central Ukraine caused a fire in a nearby mall. That’s as the local mayor claims the mall had been left open despite blaring airstrike sirens. French President Macron gets caught on camera, breaking the bad news to Joe Biden revealing that some Arab states will not be able to pump out enough extra oil, to help Western countries compensate for the backlash of their own sanctions against Russia. Russian-led forces say they are squeezing Kiev’s troops from the Lugansk Republic city of Lisichansk, forcing them to retreat eastward. An RT crew looks exclusively at how Moscow’s military is operating on the ground. — Back to top
Russian-led forces say they are squeezing Kiev troops from Lisichansk forcing them to retreat east. An RT crew looks exclusively at how Moscow’s military is operating in the Lugansk republic. With US inflation at a record high and Biden cancelling energy contracts left and right, he still says he absolutely won’t “take on the progressives when it comes to drilling in America”. US credit rating firm Moody’s sees Russia defaulting due to its grace period for payments expiring, while the Kremlin says such default would be artificial, as it has both the will and currency to service it. — Back to top
An abundance of NATO weapons and scattered rockets, RT explores what remains at the Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk following the retreat of Kiev’s forces. Beijing denounces the geopolitical machinations of G7 countries after the group announces a worldwide infrastructure project to counter China’s own global Belt and Road Initiative. NATO’s chief announces a massive increase in the number of combat-ready troops for the Alliance – with the escalation coming despite some international efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine. — Back to top
An abundance of NATO weapons and scattered rockets – RT explores what remains at the Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk after Kiev forces retreated. That’s what excites the leaders of G7, not massive crowds of protesters who demand they stop rearming and resolve social issues. The West’s latest attempt to destroy Moscow’s economy: Russian gold – worth around 19 billion dollars a year in exports – now a sanctions target. — Back to top
Russian-led forces advance in Donbass, securing the strategic city of Severodonetsk – it had been a key stronghold of the Ukrainian military in the Lugansk Republic. RT visits heavily fortified positions abandoned by the Ukrainian army near the town of Popasnaya. That’s as Russian and allied forces continue demining territories captured from Kiev’s troops. Thousands protest as G7 leaders gather for a summit in Germany, with crowds also voicing their opposition to NATO’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The UN warns that Somalia is plunging into a severe and enduring food crisis with children starving to death ‘before our eyes’. — Back to top
Russian-led forces take full control of Severodonetsk, including the Azot chemical plant. The move came after Ukrainian troops were ordered to withdraw from the area. All talk and no action – thousands gather in Munich to protest against what they call the G7’s empty promises of economic development, also opposing NATO’s involvement in the war in Ukraine. As Europe starts to tap into its winter gas reserves, some EU politicians see their sanctions policies are having a blow back effect. — Back to top
Lugansk authorities say Russian-led troops have entered the town of Lisichansk, the last stronghold of the Ukrainian army in the republic. Going against the mainstream narrative: a leading French news channel reports on residents of a Ukrainian city hostile to local forces, and waiting for the arrival of Russian troops. India’s courted by the G7 group of advanced economies as it’s handed a special invite to Sunday’s summit in what’s seen as the latest attempted to push New Delhi away from Moscow. Huge protests are held across the US after the Supreme Court overturns the constitutional right of women to access abortion, a decision that’s torn yet deeper rifts in a country already fractured by political division. — Back to top
Russia’s Ministry of Defense says it has encircled Ukrainian forces in Lysychansk, where heavy fighting continues. Our crew on the ground bring you the latest. YouTube takes down a video advertisement on its site that suggests American men take what is theirs, referring to Ukrainian women. An Iranian court orders Washington to pay more than 4 billion dollars for the murders of Iranian nuclear scientists in recent years. Western allies struggle to find common ground on a new anti-Russia sanctions package, as Europe is gripped by fears of a total cut in energy supplies ahead of this year’s winter. — Back to top
Russia claims some two-thousand Ukrainian soldiers, including neo-Nazi formations and foreign mercenaries, have been encircled just 20 kilometers from the heavily-embattled city of Severodonetsk. As fierce fighting comes to a head in Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, RT visits a nearby town taken by Russian forces just days ago. Russia will guarantee Ukrainian grain exports – no matter what the West says. That’s the message from Vladimir Putin, on the second and final day of the BRICS summit of emerging economies. China calls out quote ‘US hypocrisy’, after Washington vows to send medical help to earthquake-stricken Afghanistan, despite huge amounts of Afghan assets still being locked up by America. — Back to top
As fierce battles come to a head in Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, RT visits a nearby town taken by Russian forces just days ago. As the second day of the 14th BRICS summit is about to kick off, the leaders of the five nations stress the need for cooperation despite Western attempts to sow discord among the partner states. A ‘Symbolic Decision’: that’s how the Belgian Prime minister brands the EU granting Ukraine candidacy to join the bloc, as the actual accession may take years. — Back to top
RT reports from the Donbass city of Donetsk, and speaks to emergency services working tirelessly, as the city’s shelled by Ukrainian forces on a daily basis. That’s the message from the Chinese president as an online summit of the BRICS grouping kicks off. The high-level meeting comes despite Western attempts to drive a wedge between the blocs of emerging economies. The European parliament adopts a resolution in support of granting Ukraine candidacy status for the EU. However, some politicians voice concerns the move could offer Kiev false hope. — Back to top
RT reports from the city of Gorlovka in the Donetsk People’s republic as shelling of residential areas by Ukrainian forces intensifies. An online summit of the BRICS group of countries kicks off on Thursday. The meeting is going ahead despite Western attempts to drive a wedge between the emerging economies. The US Federal reserve appears to challenge President Biden’s stance that Russia is to blame for soaring inflation in the US. Despite the EU’s vocal green agenda, the bloc’s demand for rubber imports from Africa is a key cause of deforestation in the region, according to an NGO report. — Back to top
RT visits heavily fortified positions abandoned by the Ukrainian army near the town of Popasnaya. That’s as Russian and allied forces continue de-mining territories taken from Kiev’s forces. The Saudi Crown Prince meets with the Turkish president in Ankara, the final stop of his Middle East tour, as he looks to align views on key issues in the region. The trip comes ahead of President Biden’s arrival in Riyadh next month. The actions of the West hurt all countries globally. Vladimir Putin delivers a message to world leaders, including on sanctions, ahead of a key summit of the BRICS group of major emerging economies, being hosted by China. — Back to top
RT visits heavily fortified positions abandoned by the Ukrainian army near the town of Popasnaya. That’s as Russian and allied forces continue de-mining territories taken from Kiev’s forces. Energy rationing may be a reality for millions – that’s the warning from Ireland’s EU Commissioner amidst the block’s growing energy crisis. A betrayal from Joe Biden — Amnesty International slams the U.S. President’s moral posture in his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. And Mali is in national mourning over the deadly jihadist attack that left over 130 civilians dead. — Back to top
No equivalents in the world – Vladimir Putin gives a military update, saying the newly developed Sarmat intercontinental missiles will be put on duty by the end of this year. We report from ground zero of the latest Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk, impacting just a few feet away from a residential building full of civilians. As Ukraine’s President Zelensky tries to blame Russia for rising food insecurity in the world, the African Union calls on the EU to ease the sanctions on Moscow. That’s as Africa faces a rising hunger crisis as countries are hindered from obtaining grain and fertilizers from Russia. — Back to top
RT reports from one of the most bombed cities in Lugansk, Popasnaya where major buildings have been reportedly heavily damaged by Ukraine. India’s new military recruitment system provokes massive public anger – that’s despite the government saying it will benefit the country’s youth. Russia-China relations are on the rise with China buying a record volume of oil from Moscow making it the country’s leading importer. — Back to top
The Ukrainian military continues its devastating shelling of Donetsk residential areas, hitting civilian buildings while Russia accuses Kiev’s forces of attacking Crimean drilling rigs in the Black Sea, wounding three workers. Russia becomes the top exporter of oil to China, in defiance of Western sanctions, as Moscow finds no shortage of buyers for its energy. While in Germany, the green agenda goes up in the flames of reactivated coal plant fires as Berlin is forced to compensate its energy market for the loss of Russian imports. A former rebel fighter becomes the first left-wing president in Colombia’s history with the traditionally US-allied country now expected to drift away from Washington’s sphere of influence. — Back to top
The head of the British Army issues a rallying cry to troops – telling them they need to be ready to face Russia on the battlefield. The US urges OPEC and other countries to increase oil and gas production in attempt to tackle the surge in energy prices. As the EU commission plots candidate status for Ukraine some countries – long on the fringes of EU membership – see it purely as a political move against Russia. As more civilians are killed by Ukrainian artillery in the Donbass, we discuss the issue with a French army veteran who fought for Donetsk forces in 2015. — Back to top
Russia’s military says it has killed more than 50 top Ukrainian officers, including generals – in a cruise missile strike on a key command post. RT’s exclusive report from the front line in the Donbass city of Severodonetsk – where thousands of Ukrainian troops, plus foreign mercenaries, are believed to be trapped inside a chemical plant. Western sanctions have stirred up an economic storm for the countries that imposed them, while failing to take down Russia’s economy. That’s according to Vladimir Putin, who delivered a key speech at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. As Britain’s Home Secretary approves the extradition of Julian Assange to the US – where he faces up to 175 years in prison – we look at the UK official’s long history of links to the CIA. — Back to top
At least 5 civilians die in the latest shelling of Donetsk residential areas by Kiev forces who are using NATO weapons to target civilian infrastructure. European leaders line up to visit Ukraine to promise many things that they themselves are skeptical of, including supporting Kiev’s EU association. President Vladimir Putin says anti-Russian sanctions have failed, many causing internal grief for the West itself. There’s international outrage after Britain’s Home Secretary orders the extradition of Julian Assange to the US where he faces 175 years in prison. — Back to top
At least five people have been killed and twelve wounded in the latest shelling of Donetsk city – as local officials accuse Ukraine of intentionally targeting civilians. A prominent US media outlet takes down 23 of its articles, after discovering they were full of fake news stories – including allegations against Russia over Ukraine. Julian Assange’s family expresses outrage after London approves the extradition of the whistleblower to the US where he faces 175 years in prison. — Back to top
The West fueled a global inflation storm through its short-sighted policies. That’s according to Vladimir Putin’s comments at the International Economic Forum in St Petersburg. In an exclusive interview, RT spoke to American mercenaries captured during battles in northeastern Ukraine. USA Today is now recognizing that some of its pro-Ukraine articles vilifying Russian troops are based on fake information. — Back to top
The West fueled a global inflation storm by its short-sighted policies – that’s according to Vladimir Putin’s comments at the International Economic Forum in St Petersburg. Lugansk Republic officials say some Ukrainian soldiers, surrounded at the Azot chemical plant in the city of Severodonetsk, are beginning to surrender. The EU commission recommends Ukraine be given a candidate status but experts warn Kiev’s addition as a member of the bloc is far from guaranteed. There’s public outrage after Britain’s Home Secretary orders the extradition of Julian Assange to the US, where he faces 175 years in prison. — Back to top
An RT crew reports from the front-line of the Sievierodonetsk chemical plant in the Lugansk Republic, where foreign mercenaries find themselves trapped alongside thousands of Ukrainian soldiers. Big oil companies blamed by the US President for inaction push back against his call to ramp up production saying that he himself had previously encouraged a shift from fossil fuels. Our goods – our rules: That’s the message from Gazprom’s CEO at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, who says the Western-dominated economic system is undergoing drastic changes, and the US dollar is weakening. — Back to top
The leaders of EU states Germany, Italy and France support Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union as well as pledge to send more weapons to Ukraine. That’s what the European countries say during their first wartime visit to Kiev. Our goods – our rules: that’s the message from Gazprom’s CEO at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, who says the Western-dominated economic system is undergoing drastic changes, and the US dollar is weakening. — Back to top
Contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars are already signed on the opening day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. With much more to come as the event, which sees thousands of VIPs gather, enters its second day. RT visits positions used by Ukrainian forces before they retreated into a chemical plant in Severodonetsk where Moscow says a humanitarian ceasefire was violated by Kiev. Mixed messages from Kiev. Ukraine’s armed forces threaten to shell Russia’s Kerch Strait Bridge to Crimea despite President Zelensky claiming there will be no attack on Russian territory. — Back to top
Russian-backed forces accuse Ukraine of disrupting a key evacuation route from Sievierodonetsk, by violating a ceasefire within an hour of it opening. In that speech in front of NATO troops, France’s leader goes on to describe Russia as a ‘strong power’, as he calls for Kiev to negotiate with Moscow to reach a peace deal. NATO itself steps up the rhetoric, with its secretary-general pledging long-range rockets to Kiev and saying Ukraine must switch to the alliance’s weaponry instead of its current Soviet-era munitions. Thousands of high-profile participants gather in Russia’s northern capital for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which kicked off on Wednesday. — Back to top
Russia opens a corridor to evacuate civilians from a chemical plant in the embattled city of Sievierodonetsk. As Lugansk says more than a thousand may be held by Ukrainian forces. We explore a maternity hospital in Donetsk struck by Ukrainian forces, where a doctor stayed to look after a baby born prematurely while the building was being shelled. Australia calls on China to lift damaging trade boycotts but first Beijing demands that its grievances are addressed. Thousands of high-ranking participants are gathering in Saint Petersburg for a key Russian international business forum that kicks off this Wednesday. — Back to top
Pregnant women and newborns come under attack in Donetsk. Local authorities accuse Ukrainian forces of conducting devastating artillery strikes on the city, including the bombardment of a maternity hospital. We hear from people at the medical facility. The head of NATO suggests Ukraine may have to consider ceding territory to reach a peace deal with Russia, as there’s a potential risk of the conflict further escalating. European Commission hasn’t made the decision on Ukraine’s membership to the union, as some EU countries rebuff the war-torn Ukraine fast-track application. — Back to top
A maternity hospital is hit during Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk. The UN calls the attack a violation of international law. Elsewhere in Donetsk, five people are killed and over thirty wounded in Ukrainian shelling, which local officials describe as the worst since the conflict began. The NATO Chief suggests Ukraine may have to cede territory to reach a peace deal with Russia, adding the bloc is aware the conflict could escalate further. New Delhi stands firm against the WTO’s restrictions on subsidized agriculture amid growing pressure from the West. — Back to top
Three people, including a child, are killed and several others wounded in what local authorities say was a Ukrainian artillery attack on a marketplace in the Donetsk Republic. Amid fierce clashes on the front lines, RT reports from a battlefield near a Ukrainian army stronghold on the outskirts of Donetsk. A leading Italy newspaper identifies individuals it says are involved in so-called Russian propaganda. We hear from an Italian photographer outraged to find himself on the list. Former McDonalds restaurants reopen in Russia, with the new owner re-branding it to the name “Tasty, full stop”. RT visits one of the fast food joints to take a look at the changes, and try out the menu. — Back to top
Four civilians are wounded in Melitopol after what local authorities claim is a terrorist attack by Ukrainian forces against its own citizens. Amid fierce clashes on the front lines RT reports from a battlefield near the Ukrainian army’s stronghold on the outskirts of Donetsk. A leading Italian newspaper identifies individuals who it says are involved in so-called “Russian propaganda”. We hear from an Italian photographer who was outraged to find himself on the list. Refugees in the UK stand between a rock and a hard place as the government is set to deport them to Rwanda – or send them back to their own war-torn countries. We hear from a member of the UK Syrian community. — Back to top
An RT crew finds documents stating neo-Nazi fighters from a Ukrainian army unit, were planting landmines in civilian areas of Donbass back in 2016 with European security grouping, the OSCE, seemingly aware of that information. A Donetsk court issues death sentences for three foreign fighters captured during the siege of Mariupol. The men, two Britons and a Moroccan, had pleaded guilty but plan to appeal the ruling. While the Russian economy rebounds from an initial shock, Western countries are coming to terms with the fallout from their own sanctions against Moscow, amid soaring energy prices and a looming food crisis. — Back to top
An RT crew delivering humanitarian aid to locals takes shelter from shelling in a monastery basement near the city of Donetsk. A Donetsk court sentences three foreign fighters captured during the siege of Mariupol to death. The men had pleaded guilty and plan to appeal the sentence. The Pentagon releases a document showing how the US has been funding 46 biolabs in Ukraine, allegedly to help the country’s ‘security’. China urges NATO to compensate the victims of the 1999 Yugoslavia bombing, saying the alliance should “reflect on its crimes and stop wreaking global havoc”. — Back to top
Ukraine shells residential homes in a city near Donetsk, wounding at least 5 civilians. Western media outlets start waking up to the real numbers of just how much money is being made by arms suppliers to Ukraine with NATO already sending more than 8 billion dollars in aid. As the UK agrees to send a new batch of heavy weapons to Kiev, we hear from Russia’s ambassador to Britain, who says he doubts London’s willingness to support Ukraine when the conflict ends. A prominent US political analyst accuses China of snubbing the Ukrainian president’s speech at an international summit but later apparently deletes her own tweet. — Back to top
US President Joe Biden blames Vladimir Putin for the highest inflation in the US in more than four decades, while a US senator say it’s the Biden administration itself that can’t deal with the crisis. 19 civilians die and dozens are wounded in Donbass in the latest Ukraine army shelling, according to local authorities. China claims a US arms package to Taiwan undermines peace in the region and threatens all-out war if the island declares independence. — Back to top
Ukraine’s army shells the center of Donetsk city, damaging a residential building near the office of the Republic’s leader. An uproar on social media, after a mainstream news article showed a random Ukrainian resident with a swastika on his arm despite Western denial of a neo-Nazi presence in the country. African countries back Russia in opposing a Western unipolar world. That’s according to one of the architects of Moscow’s foreign policy – senator Konstantin Kosachev who’s given an exclusive interview to RT. — Back to top
The average gas price in the US reaches an all-time record of more than 5 dollars per gallon with the cost at its highest in California. US media blasts Washington for dumping billions of dollars worth of weapons into the black hole of the Ukrainian military. That’s as Kiev now accuses the EU of deliberately stalling arms deliveries. Protests break out in the Pakistani capital after an Indian ruling party spokeswoman is seen to insult the Prophet Muhammad. — Back to top
A Donetsk court has sentenced three foreign mercenaries to death, after they pleaded guilty to charges of preparing a coup in Donbass. The foreigners had been glorified in the Western media for fighting for Ukraine. At least 13 people are killed in the latest Ukrainian shelling of the Lugansk Republic, hitting vital infrastructure and civilian homes. A top Russian arms control official says Western weapons supplies to Ukraine are ending up in the hands of terrorists, through the black market and could end up being used against the very countries that sent them. — Back to top
An RT crew visits a strategic front line city in the Lugansk Republic shelled for a month reportedly by Ukrainian artillery. The former Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner says she “overdid” claims of sexual abuse by Russian troops, admitting her goal was to get more aid and weapons for her country. Washington wants to restrict imports from a Chinese province over forced labor allegations. That’s despite a long history of US corporations using sweatshops abroad. — Back to top
“No obstacles from Moscow”: That’s the message from Russia’s top diplomat as he condemns Kiev for its lack of action to resolve the grain export issue. He met with his Turkish counterpart to discuss ways to facilitate grain exports from Ukraine. We inspect tones of burned grain in the port of Mariupol, which Russia says was destroyed by retreating Ukrainian forces. An RT crew finds documents saying Ukrainian neo-Nazi battalion fighters were planting mines in civilian areas of the Donbass back in 2016, with the OSCE seemingly aware of that information. Angry activists join in the chorus of international condemnation of the US-hosted Summit of the Americas, after Washington cherry-picked which countries are allowed to attend. — Back to top
Russia slams as “food terrorism” what seems to be the deliberate destruction of more than 50,000 tons of grain by Ukrainian troops. That comes amid a worsening global food crisis. The UN admits there’s no proof to Western claims that Moscow is plundering Ukraine’s grain and shipping it to its own buyers. This, however, doesn’t stop Washington from reportedly warning African countries against buying Russian supplies amid the food deficit. An RT crew finds documents saying Ukrainian neo-Nazi battalion fighters were mining civilian areas of the Donbass back in 2016 with the OSCE aware of this information. Our correspondent sees the evidence for himself. The Chilean president has slammed a US move to exclude countries from a regional meeting as a “mistake”, after Washington provoked massive backlash among Latin American leaders by not inviting some key states. — Back to top
Moscow says that about 97 percent of the Lugansk Republic is now under the control of Russian-led forces. Further south, major ports on the Black Sea are said to have been demined and are preparing to make long-awaited grain shipments. Washington allegedly pressures African countries to refuse to buy grain from Russia, seemingly ignoring a worsening food crisis on the continent, with millions on the brink of starvation. A massive backlash ignites among several Latin American leaders after the US decides not to invite Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua to a summit aimed at improving unity in the region. — Back to top
Nine civilians are killed in the Donetsk People’s Republic as Ukraine launches dozens of missiles at the area, according to local authorities. RT looks at who’s fighting on the Ukrainian side. As the conflict grinds on, a number of Western media and politicians move away from their previous “Kiev will win” stance to questioning whether there’ll be a victory for Ukraine at all. We discuss why with a panel of guests. “Policy of interventionism and disrespect”: The Mexican president slams a US decision not to invite Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua to a summit supposed to improve unity in the region and refuses to show up himself. — Back to top
Three civilians are killed in the Donetsk People’s Republic, as the area continues to come under intense artillery fire. The dozens of missiles were reportedly launched by Ukrainian forces. Russia’s foreign minister warns the West against its continuous flow of weapons to Ukraine. As the conflict grinds on, a number of Western media and politicians move away from their previous ‘Kiev will win’ stance to questioning whether there’ll be a victory for Ukraine at all. — Back to top
In his first interview since the start of the conflict, Vladimir Putin criticizes the huge amount of weapons being sent to Ukraine, saying Russian forces are “cracking them like nuts”. This comes as more voices from the US call on Kiev to make concessions to Moscow, as a retired US general says Ukraine lacks the military capability to defeat Russia. As intense fighting continues in Ukraine, RT follows Russian forces using drones to locate and attack Ukrainian positions. The US provides training and equipment for almost every Saudi unit engaged in the bombing of Yemen, despite numerous accounts of civilian deaths. That’s according to a newly released study. — Back to top
In his first interview since the start of the conflict Vladimir Putin takes aim at the huge amounts of western arms being shipped to Ukraine, but claims Russian defenses are “cracking them like nuts”. Five civilians are killed this weekend as the Donetsk People’s Republic comes under Ukrainian shelling – that’s according to local officials. We report from the scene. Ukraine fires its human rights commissioner, in part, for spreading unverified information about alleged war crimes by Russia. A Canadian journalist covering the Ukraine conflict is added to a notorious Ukrainian vigilante website and labelled an “enemy of Ukraine”. Eva Bartlett tells RT why she won’t be swayed by the threat. — Back to top
Five civilians are killed by Ukrainian shelling in the Donetsk People’s Republic – that’s according to local officials. We report from the scene. “An attempt to turn everything upside down” –Vladimir Putin slams Western attempts to blame Russia for the global food crisis in his first interview since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine fires its human rights commissioner, in part, for spreading unverified information about alleged war crimes committed by Russian soldiers – claims echoed by western media and politicians. A Canadian journalist covering the Ukraine conflict is added to a notorious Ukrainian vigilante website and labelled an “enemy of Ukraine”. Eva Bartlett tells RT why she won’t be swayed by the threat. — Back to top
De-mining efforts continue in Mariupol to make the area safe for civilians. That’s as two locals are killed on Friday in an explosion on a beach in the port city. A nationwide survey reveals a majority of Greeks oppose their country sending arms to Kiev – while the opposition claims it could pose a risk to security at home. A teenager is facing up to 5 years in prison in Latvia for waving a Russian flag in protest over the demolition of a Soviet soldiers monument. RT hears from his mother. — Back to top
Demining works continue in Mariupol to finally make the area safe for civilians. That’s as two locals die in an explosion on the city beach. US officials from both parties share growing concerns about where the financial and military aid for Ukraine is actually ending up, pushing the Pentagon to keep track of the weapons shipments. The majority of Greeks oppose NATO’s weapons deliveries to Ukraine, claiming it could pose a risk to Greek security. — Back to top
Crews from RT and the Reuters news agency come under Ukrainian artillery fire – a driver’s killed and two Reuters journalists are injured. As US arms and monetary aid to Ukraine continue to increase, so too are concerns about what exactly is happening to it – with worries shared by both Republicans and Democrats. The US embassy in Greece is accused of trying to pressure a local geopolitical analyst, after he published an article criticizing Athens for sending weapons to Kiev. A threat to Africa’s food security, which could leave the continent without adequate access to grain and fertilizers – so says the head of the African Union, rebuking the sanctions slapped on Russia. — Back to top
Kiev admits Russian and allied forces have almost completely taken the city of Severodonetsk in the Lugansk Republic. US suggests adopting more organic farming methods – in an attempt to compensate for its lack of fertilizers, a plan that previously saw yields in Sri Lanka drop by a third. We hear from frustrated farmers. Inflation breaks all time records in the Euro zone, with some EU politicians questioning the effect of anti-Russian sanctions as the blowback hits the EU economy. — Back to top
Ukraine fires its human rights commissioner, in part for spreading unverified information about alleged Russian war crimes. Her statements had been widely picked-up by western media outlets. A Ukrainian MP says Kiev can’t guarantee new rockets it’s receiving from the US, won’t end up targeting Russian territory, despite Washington claiming it has commitments from Ukraine against that happening. While the US encourages the EU to ditch Russian oil, president Biden appears to back track on his own pledge, mulling buying the fuel at a cheaper price. A British citizen faces extradition to the US after allegedly violating American sanctions on North Korea. He shared his fears with RT, about the global impact of such a move. — Back to top
A tunnel used to deliver Western weapons and supplies to Ukraine in the Lvov region is reportedly targeted by Russian missiles. Ukraine fires its human rights commissioner over spreading unverified information about alleged Russian army war crimes – that’s after western media based their stories on her statements. Germany pledges to send state-of-the-art air defense systems to Kiev – despite admitting it doesn’t currently have them in stock. China slams the US for its “deep-rooted hegemonic mindset” as Washington once again raises concern over Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific region. — Back to top
Kiev’s demands for Western long-range rocket launchers may have dire consequences – warns Russia’s top diplomat. Desperation amid the destruction of the Ukrainian military’s deadly shelling of civilian areas in the Donetsk Republic. Ominous warnings of summer fuel shortages go unheeded, as Western leaders press on with a ban on Russian oil imports, despite ordinary people facing soaring prices. — Back to top
Destruction and desperation following Ukrainian military deadly shelling of civilian areas in the Donetsk Republic. The White House is to send a new batch of highly advanced weaponry to Ukraine, reportedly after Kiev promised it wouldn’t use the arms to attack Russian territory. An Indian community in Russia provides critical medical supplies to people in the Donbass. We hear from the founder later in the program. Brent oil prices exceed 125 dollars per barrel as the EU moves to impose a partial oil embargo on Russian imports, shaking the bloc’s already weakened economy. — Back to top