Daily Updates: June 2023
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***MSK = Moscow Standard Time
Russia’s top diplomat says Western leaders lack certain cognitive abilities and expose their belief that they are in a direct fight against Moscow. Cities across France burn as Emmanuel Macron takes time out to party at an Elton John concert and only then heads home from an EU summit to deal with the wreckage of three nights of riots that have seen over 600 demonstrators arrested. The UN Security Council agrees to withdraw peacekeeping forces from Mali, after calls from the government and locals of the Western African nation demand those troops be immediately removed. — Back to top
Two people are killed and eight wounded as residential buildings in the Donetsk Republic come under Ukrainian shelling. An RT correspondent addresses a meeting of the UN Security Council, highlighting how shelling of civilians in the Donbass frequently goes unnoticed in the West. 400 protesters have been arrested across France in just 24 hours, as anger continues to boil nationwide over the police shooting of an Algerian teenager. The UN Security Council is set to vote on whether to end the peacekeeping mission in Mali, with the government there demanding the immediate withdrawal of troops, claiming they’ve been wholly ineffective. — Back to top
Greed and ambition, according to a Russian defense official, was the driving force behind the Wagner Group leader’s attempted mutiny after his funding was cut off. Chaos erupts on the streets of France for a second night in a row, with 180 protesters detained over the police killing of an Algerian teenager. Morocco recalls its ambassador from Sweden after Stockholm allows a Koran to be publicly burned outside one of the largest mosques in the country. — Back to top
Russia’s Defense Ministry claims Ukrainian forces have been prevented from redeploying near the Dnepr River, with Kiev’s troops said to have suffered heavy losses. Hunger is said to have claimed the lives of more than seven hundred people in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, after the US and UN put a hold on food aid deliveries. 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 some of the victims. — Back to top
Residential areas in Donbass continue to take a pounding from the Ukrainian military, with at least one woman being killed and several other civilians wounded. A report is up and coming. A government whistle blower says the US Justice Department has obstructed an investigation into Hunter Biden in an attempt to shield the American president. Chaos on the streets of Paris as fury boils over following a fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old French-Algerian. The incumbent president in the Western African nation of Sierra Leone wins re-election, but the top opposition candidate claims the vote was rigged. — Back to top
Millions of Muslims around the world descend on Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage, as the festival of sacrifice is marked throughout the globe. Israel plans for thousands of new homes to be built on Palestinian land across the West Bank despite international condemnation. As debate rages in India over a uniform civil code, the prime minister pushes for its implementation, accusing the opposition of inciting minority communities against the move. A UN representative urges the US to apologize for violating prisoner rights in Guantanamo Bay and demands the closure of the facility. — Back to top
President Vladimir Putin thanks Russian servicemen who countered the Wagner mutiny, saying their loyal service helped save the freedoms of the country’s citizens and prevented a bloody civil war. India’s finance minister calls out Barack Obama over his criticism of minority issues in India, reminding the former US president of the trail of destruction that he left in the Middle East during his term in office. The US plans to stop funding UN investigations into Israeli crimes against Palestinians, as Washington expresses support for its closest ally in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Israelis are expanding their illegal settlements on Palestinian land across the West Bank. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin dismisses the West for expecting bloodshed during the weekend’s failed Wagner mutiny, while also offering the group’s fighters to go with their leader to Belarus or join the Russian army. The Russian Defense Ministry releases footage of Ukrainians surrendering as Moscow’s forces launch their own offensive operation on the Northern frontlines. India’s Finance Minister calls out Barack Obama over his criticism of minority issues in India, reminding the former US president, that he ordered the bombing of countries like Syria and Iraq during his term in office. Iran dedicated an entire week to exposing US duality over human rights, while also highlighting Washington’s actions in the early years after the Islamic Revolution. — Back to top
Russia’s Foreign Minister slams Washington for trying to manipulate the narrative of events regarding the Wagner PMC’s attempted mutiny during his first exclusive interview since the situation unfolded. Wagner forces are seen returning to the Lugansk region as the chief of the mercenary group abandons a mutiny attempt after agreeing to a deal that will see him leave Russia for Belarus. India’s Finance Minister slams former US President Barack Obama for his comments regarding minority issues in her country, reminding him of bombing six Muslim majority states during his office. Kenya launches an investigation into alleged killings and assaults by security guards at a US owned pineapple plantation. — Back to top
Wagner forces withdraw from Rostov-on-Don and neighboring regions, as the chief of the mercenary group abandons a mutiny attempt after talks with the Belarusian President and agrees to leave Russia for Belarus. Western media claim US officials expected ‘more bloodshed’ in the attempted Wagner mutiny. Russian allies such as China and Iran express support to Moscow over the weekend’s events. Israel summons the Ukrainian ambassador for publicly accusing Israel of not supporting Ukraine with enough aid. — Back to top
Wagner Group fighters withdraw after Saturday’s attempted mutiny in Russia, saying fighters will now head back to their camps. The Belarusian president helped broker the deal to end the crisis, which will see the Wagner Chief leave Russia for Belarus. The first state visit to the US of India’s prime minister touches the hearts of policy-makers in Congress along with President Joe Biden, who puts his hand on his chest as the Indian national anthem was playing. — Back to top
The Wagner mercenary group, which attempted an armed mutiny in Russia, leaves its positions in the southwestern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, saying fighters will head back to their field camps. A deal to end the mutiny was brokered by the Belarusian president in coordination with the Russian president, which will see the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leave Russia for Belarus. A recruiter at the world’s biggest financial giant is caught on camera saying the war in Ukraine brings good profits, adding it’s the banks who really run the world. Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US touches the hearts of policymakers at the US Congress and of President Joe Biden, who mistakenly put a hand on his chest as the Indian anthem was playing. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin addresses the nation, branding the Wagner rebellion an attack on Russia and its people, and vowing the country will defend itself from treason. The Wagner head Evgeny Prigozhin claims all military facilities in Rostov, including its airfield, are under his group’s control, as the Russian MOD urges the soldiers to lay down their arms. RT is on the ground covering the unfolding events. Authorities in Moscow roll out anti-terror measures, strengthening controls on the roads as military vehicles are seen near the Kremlin. — Back to top
The Head of PMC Wagner Evgeny Prigozhin claims in a video that Rostov’s military facilities including its airfield are under control, as the Deputy commander of the Russian Joint Forces calls for the group to stop their “rebellion.” Authorities in Moscow launch anti-terrorist measures, strengthening controls on the roads as military vehicles are seen near the Kremlin. Ukrainian forces are preparing for offensive operations in the area of Artyomovsk – also known as Bakhmut – taking advantage of Wagner chief Evgeny Prigozhin’s provocations, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. — Back to top
Russian forces repel Ukrainian attacks on the front-line, while Kiev blames its allies for its setbacks in its counter-offensive saying they were too slow to supply arms. Niger revises its national anthem dropping lines of gratitude to France as anti-French sentiment grows across Africa. The West Bank city of Jenin has suffered from heavy civilian casualties after a raid by Israeli forces. We spoke to a journalist injured by a sniper. — Back to top
A new twist in the Biden family legal scandal as whistleblowers testify before the US House Committee, alleging the US President’s direct involvement in illegal payment schemes. Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US touches the hearts of policymakers at the US Congress and of President Joe Biden, who mistakenly put a hand on his chest while the Indian anthem was playing. Warring parties in Sudan resume clashes after a failed three-day ceasefire, forcing thousands to flee from their homes as new cities become hot-spots of violence. — Back to top
Russia’s Security Council says Ukraine has lost 13 thousand troops in its attempted counter-offensive so far, with Kiev aiming to fight to the last Ukrainian. That’s as Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, in an exclusive interview to RT, warns NATO not to put boots on the ground in Ukraine. War’s good for business – that’s the admission coming from a recruiter at America’s biggest financial giant, Blackrock, whose comments were caught on a hidden camera. — Back to top
US president Biden welcomes Indian Prime Minister Modi at the White House, laying out a lavish state dinner, hoping to bring New Delhi into the fold. A recruiter at the world’s biggest financial giant was caught on camera saying the war in Ukraine brings good profits, adding it’s the banks who really run the world. We take a closer look at the investigation. A 15-year-old Palestinian girl dies after an Israeli raid in Jenin. We hear from the girl’s mourning father. Cameroon denounces a visit by the French ambassador for LGBT rights to promote western values in a country where homosexuality is criminalized. — Back to top
President Putin announces upgrades to Russia’s nuclear arsenal, saying nearly half of the country’s Strategic Missile Forces are nuclear-capable. India’s Prime Minister receives a warm welcome from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, as Modi arrives in America for his first state visit to the country, and a meeting with president Biden. A new wave of fighting erupts in Sudan, after a 72-hour ceasefire deal comes to an end. — Back to top
A Russian assault group holds back attempted advances by Ukrainian forces towards Zaporozhye and South-Donetsk, as Moscow says at least 263 attacks have been repelled this month. India’s Prime Minister has touched down in the US for his first state visit to the country as Washington tries to get New Delhi on its side over the war in Ukraine. The US President’s son Hunter has reportedly reached a plea deal allowing him to skip any prison time for illegal gun possession and tax evasion. The UN warns of the consequences of the ongoing war in Sudan, as another ceasefire, backed by the US and Saudi Arabia, breaks down with both sides accusing each other of violations. — Back to top
Ukrainian forces are planning to strike Russia’s non-conflict zones with western-made Storm Shadow missiles and HIMARS rockets, according to the Russian defense ministry, which says that the move would vastly escalate NATO’s involvement in Ukraine. RT hears from one of the many families whose lives have been shattered by Ukrainian shelling. Burkina Faso praises Mali for calling to remove UN troops from its country, while Western states are apparently pinning the blame for Mali’s decision on Moscow. — Back to top
RT hears from one of the many families whose lives have been shattered by Ukrainian shelling. India accuses the US and the EU of ‘protectionism’, claiming it obstructs developing nations switching to clean energy. Kenya signs a new trade deal with the EU, but it comes as growing mechanization is increasingly putting manual jobs on the line. — Back to top
At least 18 people are wounded in a Ukrainian attack on a Donbass school and humanitarian storage facility, with the attack reportedly using US-supplied HIMARS missiles. An Israeli raid on the west bank city of Jenin ends in bloodshed with 5 Palestinians killed and 91 wounded. Chinese Leader XI Jinping stresses that the United States must respect China and its legitimate rights and interests, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the mainland. RT speaks to one of the journalists traveling on the South African plane that was stranded in Poland for several days. She says there is no such thing as coincidence. — Back to top
As a refugee center in the Kherson region is destroyed by NATO-supplied missiles, leaving two dead including a child, one of the survivors recounts the horrors of the attack. Vote counting’s underway in Mali in a referendum over changing the constitution, which would see a move away from military rule and back to a civilian government after the nation expelled French troops last year, which failed to bring stability to the country. As India proposes that the African Union be given full membership in the G20 ahead of its upcoming summit, we hear from guests who believe it’s a logical step in the continuing move to a multipolar world. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin reveals a treaty ensuring Ukraine’s neutrality, saying Kiev signed and then scrapped it under pressure from Western backers. That’s as Russia hosts an African peacekeeping delegation, fresh back from Ukraine. Mali revises its constitution to give governance to civil institutions, after years of military rule and political unrest. Officials in the capital blame former colonial power France for the turmoil. As the multipolar world continues to flourish, India’s Prime minister proposes the African Union be given full membership into the G20 ahead of its upcoming summit. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin reveals a draft agreement on Ukraine’s neutrality that he says Kiev signed and then scrapped under pressure from its Western backers. That’s as Russia hosts an African peacekeeping delegation a day after it had been to Ukraine. South African officials reject claims by Ukraine, which were quickly echoed in much of the media, that Russia targeted Kiev during their peace mission to the city on Friday. This year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum wraps up in Russia’s northern capital. RT has been providing extensive coverage of the major annual event that unites economies from around the world. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin has made public a copy of the peace plan initialed by Moscow and Kiev last year, which Ukraine then discarded under pressure from its Western patrons. That’s as a top-level African delegation is in Russia promoting its initiative for peace. The Iranian President wraps up his Latin American trip, signing dozens of agreements with like-minded nations that have suffered from US actions. Mali’s foreign minister calls on UN peacekeeping troops to leave the country without delay, claiming their mission has failed to deal with security challenges there. — Back to top
South African officials reject Ukrainian allegations that Russia targeted Kiev during their peace mission to the city, while Western media outlets ramp up the claims, accusing Moscow of trying to scare the African leaders. Mali’s foreign minister calls on UN peacekeeping troops to leave the country without delay, claiming their mission has failed to deal with security challenges there. — Back to top
Russia will look at how to hit back if F-16 jets used in hostilities are based outside Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the St Petersburg Forum touches upon a wide range of topics from economic success to the Ukrainian counteroffensive. An African delegation visiting Kiev refutes Ukrainian claims of a Russian attack, which were echoed by the Western media, saying that no strike actually took place. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s convoy is obstructed by Ukrainian shelling during a special mission to inspect the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. — Back to top
The International Atomic Energy Agency states that there are still serious concerns about safety at the Zaporozhye power plant, as the IAEA convoy had to stop its mission due to Ukrainian shelling in the region. Western delegations at an OSCE forum in Vienna refuse to see Ukrainian war crimes in the Donbass, with some delegates later admitting they can’t support Russia openly, according to the head of the Russian commission. In our exclusive coverage of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman discusses the benefits of a multipolar world, as the Russian president is set to speak at the plenary session today. Iran develops the biggest copper deposit in the Middle East, despite US sanctions aimed at crippling the country’s mining industry. — Back to top
RT speaks with Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman regarding the new world order, de-dollarization and the conflict in Ukraine, during the second day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage here on RT. The Israeli army reprimands an officer involved in the shooting of a three year old Palestinian boy earlier this month, claiming that the killing of the toddler was a mistake. Kenya pushes for further de-dollarization in trade within Africa and reignites calls for a single African currency to simplify commerce. — Back to top
Fractures are increasingly appearing in NATO’s ranks, as Türkiye remains firmly opposed to Swedish membership and a US Senator blocks arms deliveries to Hungary for obstructing Stockholm’s accession. In Russia’s northern capital, the 26th annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has kicked off its second day, as representatives from 130 countries showcase their groundbreaking technology and ideas. We’ll be bringing you exclusive coverage here on RT. We take a look at Namibia’s ban on critical mineral exports to utilize its own resources at home. — Back to top
RT examines how Russian forces are repelling the Ukrainian offensive on the frontline of the Lugansk Republic. The West tries to suppress Iran with sanctions but is failing — that’s the statement by the Iranian President as he stops off in Nicaragua as part of his Latin America tour. The 26th annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum kicks off in Russia’s northern capital, as over 17,000 participants from 130 countries attend the major economic event. We bring you special coverage here on RT. — Back to top
From the ongoing counter-offensive to the Black Sea grain deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with war correspondents to discuss the Ukrainian conflict. RT examines how Russian forces are successfully repelling the Ukrainian offensive on the frontline of the Lugansk People’s Republic. Donald Trump dismisses his indictment, as he pleads not guilty to charges of mishandling classified documents. — Back to top
The US is spending tens of billions of dollars on nuclear weapons, including to maintain around 150 warheads across Europe, according to a new report by a group which aims to abolish nuclear arms. US former President Donald Trump is set to appear in a Florida federal courthouse in connection to charges of retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. An ‘outright lie’ – that’s the reaction from India to accusations from former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who’s alleging that New Delhi threatened to shut down Twitter in India if it didn’t take down certain accounts. — Back to top
One woman is killed and six injured as Ukrainian forces bombard an area near a railway station in Donetsk. Ethiopia lashes out at the UN Food Programme and the US for suspending food aid, accusing them of causing suffering to the population. ‘A cover-up for Biden’s crimes’ — Donald Trump slams his indictment on mishandling classified documents as he prepares to appear in a Miami court. — Back to top
A young mother is killed and her toddler son injured, as a result of Ukraine’s shelling of Donetsk using NATO-supplied weapons. China backs WikiLeaks founder and famed whistle-blower, Julian Assange, and calls for charges against the US, describing it as a ‘hacker empire’. The controversial figure who transformed Italian politics, Silvio Berlusconi dies at the age of 86. The former Italian prime minister passed away in hospital in Milan. A political decision brings harm to millions of people — those are the words of an Ethiopian official in response to the suspension of a joint US-UN Food aid program to the state. — Back to top
As over 60,000 people are evacuated from Western Russian territories under relentless Ukrainian artillery fire, RT visits a refugee camp in the Belgorod region. China slams US media allegations that Beijing has struck a deal with Cuba to set up spy stations on the island. ‘Washington is losing its position and credibility on the political arena – with the majority of the world’s population supporting Russia,’ according to the author of the report on the Nord Stream pipelines sabotage. — Back to top
Russia repels a Ukrainian naval drone attack on its warship in the Black Sea that has been safeguarding Russian-European energy infrastructure. This comes as American intelligence drone activity has increased in the area. Economists warn that South Africa could lose up to 32 billion dollars in trade revenue for remaining neutral on the Ukraine conflict and not caving in to Western pressure. Romania apologizes and recalls its ambassador to Kenya, after the diplomat joked that a troop of monkeys were Africa’s representatives at a local meeting of United Nations envoys in Nairobi. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin says the much-touted Ukrainian counter-offensive is underway but is failing, with scores of Western-supplied vehicles, including advanced German Leopard tanks, destroyed. Romania apologizes after its ambassador to Kenya makes a racist joke, equating an African delegation to a troop of monkeys, at a local meeting of United Nations envoys in Nairobi. Australia’s most decorated soldier is found guilty of murdering civilians during the Afghan war, shedding further light on atrocities committed by the Western coalition there. A report finds Instagram has been connecting a vast network of pedophiles, allowing access to a trove of child-sex material, while bringing together buyers and sellers of the illicit pornography. — Back to top
Russia repels the Ukrainian counteroffensive at the Southern front line, destroying at least four German Leopard tanks and killing more than 500 Ukrainian soldiers. South Africa supports China’s proposal to settle the Ukrainian conflict, while the West dismisses the plan and adds fuel to the crisis. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in everyday life, discussions over its potential impact and the necessity for regulation are heating up. — Back to top
A temporary shelter for people evacuated from the massive flooding in the Kherson region again comes under Ukrainian shelling, leaving at least one person dead this Saturday. Vladimir Putin claims the Ukrainian counter-offensive is failing, as Moscow shows dozens of Western-supplied vehicles destroyed, including advanced German Leopard tanks. Beijing scolds the US for provoking bloc confrontation. We examine how Washington is seeking to preserve its dominance in the world, despite acknowledging emerging powers. As the use of artificial intelligence begins to increasingly creep into everyday life, debates are heating up over its potential impact and the need for regulation. — Back to top
We’re getting commentary from the Russian president now, saying Kiev’s counter-offensive hasn’t achieved any of its objectives as Ukrainian forces have suffered substantial losses. Russia also plans to position nuclear weapons in Belarus next month as Western powers cry foul over the very same strategy they have been using for decades. India shrugs off a US Congressional panel’s suggestion to join NATO, saying the bloc’s framework is not applicable for New Delhi. Sudan declares the UN Special Representative to the country ‘persona non grata,’ as skepticism towards the organization grows across the continent. — Back to top
More civilians are wounded in Russia’s border, Belgorod region, after Ukrainian shelling of the area. Russia’s Defense ministry says hundreds of Kiev’s troops have been killed and dozens of tanks destroyed, in a failed offensive in the Zaporozhye region. Donald Trump goes on the offensive, slamming an investigation against him as a witch-hunt. He’s federally indicted over his alleged mishandling of classified documents. The man who was Libya’s voice to the world during the former government of Muammar Gaddafi shares with RT the challenges the destabilized country is still facing since the NATO invasion in 2011. — Back to top
Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers are killed and dozens of tanks destroyed, as Kiev’s counter-offensive is repelled by Russian forces, according to the country’s Defense Ministry. Two Palestinian journalists are among the dozens injured by IDF soldiers in clashes that erupted following an Israeli raid on the Palestinian city of Ramallah. A bit of the cold shoulder, as Ukraine’s President Zelensky is not invited to attend the G20 this year, as confirmed by host India. — Back to top
Ukraine released massive amounts of water into the Dnepr River on purpose, according to Moscow – doing so prior to an attack on a key dam in the Kherson region to guarantee the staggering levels of flooding now being seen. Leaked Twitter emails reveal the FBI apparently conspired with Ukrainian Security Services to block users with a pro-Russian stance on the platform, with Kiev seeking the details of the users too. The US special climate envoy claims the world will no longer be sustainable in less than 30 years due to ever-growing populations, saying Africa is a particular problem. But not everyone agrees. Smoke from Canadian wildfires casts a sickly pallor over the US East coast, with New York air quality for periods topping the charts as the most polluted city in the world. — Back to top
Russia’s Defense Ministry says a Ukrainian sabotage group has blown up a key ammonia pipeline in the Kharkov region, adding that there are casualties among the civilian population. Weapons and a dash of sanctions – Iran has unveiled its new hypersonic “Fattah” missile, as Washington tightens the grip on Tehran’s defense industries. Recent data shows how the Taliban has succeeded in its policy to cut down on opium production in Afghanistan, by replacing poppy fields with wheat. — Back to top
Russia’s envoy to the UN calls for an international investigation into the destruction of a key dam on the Dnepr River, which has left homes flooded and surrounding areas swamped in water. Moscow’s accused Kiev of attacking the facility. New Delhi demands the repatriation of an Indian toddler from Germany, who’s spent 20 months in foster care. Her parents claim the girl was wrongly separated from her family, and wracked by grief. The devastated family of a two-year-old Palestinian boy lay him to rest. He died some days after being shot by Israeli soldiers in a botched security operation, sending shockwaves across the community. — Back to top
A dam at a hydro-electric power station is critically damaged following Ukrainian attacks in the Kherson region, leaving hundreds of houses submerged. Moscow says the incident is a ‘deliberate act of sabotage’ perpetrated by Kiev. After seven years of closed doors, Iran has re-opened its embassy in Saudi Arabia. A Former Slovakian Minister of Justice may now be facing jail time for refusing to recant pro-Russian statements. — Back to top
A section of dam at the Kakhovskaya hydro-power station is damaged following Ukrainian strikes in the Kherson region. Peace in the Middle East, but on Washington’s terms — the US Secretary of State sets out to mend Riyadh-Jerusalem ties, emphasizing US national security interests while blasting Iran for its alleged plans to obtain nuclear weapons. A three-year-old Palestinian boy dies after being shot by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. His father – who was also a victim of the attack – says there is no justification for the killing. — Back to top
Ukraine’s military suffers a defeat in the failed offensive on the Donetsk front, with Russian officials saying Kiev lost at least 300 soldiers and dozens of military vehicles. Western officials start waking up to the reality that some of the weapons they’ve sent to Ukraine are being used to attack Russian territories, contrary to Kiev’s pledges when receiving the arms. India attempts to move forward after one of the deadliest train crashes in its history, which left at least 275 dead and 1,000 injured, as operations resume on the now repaired tracks. RT spoke with people still struggling to find their relatives. And a 2-year-old Palestinian boy dies from wounds sustained during an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank. — Back to top
Ukraine’s military suffers a defeat in a failed offensive on the Donetsk front, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry, with officials saying Kiev lost over 250 soldiers and dozens of military vehicles. Several Russian border towns face intense shelling by Ukrainian forces, with civilians forced to evacuate en masse to other nearby regions. One of the deadliest train crashes in India’s history leaves at least 275 dead and more than 1,000 injured as passenger trains resume operations on the repaired tracks. — Back to top
Russia’s defense ministry says a Ukrainian sabotage group is repelled and withdraws as the Russian military launches an artillery strike against it in the Belgorod region. Attacks on Russia’s territory intensify, as Russia’s border town of Shebekino is repeatedly hit by Ukrainian shelling, leaving 2 dead, and Moscow is targeted by long-range drones, damaging several apartment buildings. The BRICS group of nations is open to enlargement – that’s the stance of the organization’s foreign ministers at a meeting in South Africa. Meanwhile, Russia’s top diplomat expands his African tour. — Back to top
Russia’s border town of Shebekino is hit by repeated Ukrainian shelling, leaving 2 dead, and the Russian capital is targeted by long-range drones that damaged several apartment buildings. The BRICS group of nations is open to enlargement – that’s the stance of the organization’s foreign ministers at a meeting in South Africa. That’s as Russia’s top diplomat expands his African tour. In India, an accident involving three trains in the eastern state of Odisha becomes the country’s worst rail disaster in decades, claiming the lives of 288 people, and leaving nearly one thousand injured. Tensions simmer in Kosovo, where local police backed by NATO peacekeeping forces, clashed with Serbian protesters, leaving more than 50 people injured. Moscow says, the West is continuing its one-sided approach to the standoff. — Back to top
India suffers its worst train disaster in decades with the death toll rising to 288 people and nearly one thousand injured. The mass evacuation of civilians begins from parts of the border region of Belgorod, an area under constant shelling from Ukrainian nationalists. 10 people die in Senegal after violent clashes erupt, following the sentencing of the main opposition leader to two years in prison for corruption. YouTube dumps its censorship policy against criticism of 2020 US elections results. The decision sparks outrage from the left-wing platforms that call the move dangerous for democracy. — Back to top
India suffers its worst train disaster in decades with the toll rising to 288 people dead and 850 injured. Two civilians are killed and six wounded as Ukraine shells a village in the Russian region of Belgorod. This comes as attacks in the area intensify. 10 people die in Senegal after violent clashes erupt following the sentencing of the main opposition leader to two years in prison for corruption. Burkina Faso is listed as the world’s most-neglected displacement crisis, for the first time, as Western states continue to focus aid efforts on Ukraine. — Back to top
A passenger train derailment in India reportedly leaves dozens dead and more than 130 injured. Two people are killed, and two others injured, as Ukraine shells a busy road near the Russian border region of Belgorod. In Senegal, at least nine people have been killed in clashes between police and supporters of an opposition leader, following a court sentencing him to 2 years in prison. The US imposes economic sanctions on Sudan in order to ‘help’ the nation amid a raging conflict, which has thousands in need of crucial aid. — Back to top
Multiple Ukrainian drones are shot down over the Russian city of Kursk. Local officials say no damage or casualties have been reported. As Moldova hosts a European summit and continues its drive to become an EU member, protesters take to the streets to highlight the country’s apparent opposition crackdown, lack of transparent elections and freedom of speech. With Greece set for another parliamentary election later this month, we speak to the founder of the Democratic National Liberation Movement party, who’s calling for an independent foreign policy and an exit from the EU and NATO. The Russian FM slams reports of the possible relocation of the BRICS summit from South Africa due to the ICC warrant for Vladimir Putin’s arrest. That’s as the organization’s top diplomats hail their commitment to promote a just and multi polar world. — Back to top
Three attempts by Ukrainian militants to cross the border into Russia’s Belgorod region are said to have been repelled, while eight civilians are wounded after a nearby town comes under shelling. Russia’s top diplomat meets his Indian, South African and Saudi counterparts in Cape Town, as the foreign ministers seek to strengthen ties ahead of the planned BRICS summit in August. Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is cleared of wrongdoing by the sport’s governing body, after he gave a message of support to Serbia during a match at the French Open. France claimed his move was politically motivated. — Back to top
Russia’s Foreign Minister is in South Africa for a meeting with his BRICS counterparts ahead of the organization’s summit in August. That’s as Pretoria considers legislation granting immunity from the ICC for all participants. Ugandan students protest the US president’s decision to sanction the country if it introduces a stringent anti-LGBT law. We discuss the topic of Western interference in foreign affairs with a panel of guests. As Washington announces yet another military aid package to Ukraine, a NATO anti-tank system, provided in the thousands to Kiev, is allegedly spotted in the hands of a Mexican drug cartel. RT gets an exclusive look inside Iran’s Astan Quds manuscript library, home to one of the oldest and most complete versions of the Koran. — Back to top