Daily Updates: March 2022
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** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
Vladimir Putin has announced that gas contracts with Russia will end if countries don’t comply with new payment terms as Moscow turns to its national currency in gas trade with its partners. Fighting continues in the Donetsk city of Mariupol, as forces work to push the remaining Ukrainian neo-Nazi groups from the city. An Al-Jazeera report appears to accidentally capture Ukrainian soldiers using a civilian ambulance as military transport. A top French bank blocks the accounts of Russian staff of RT France, apparently discriminating on the basis of nationality. That’s as Britain bans two companies that own RT and sister news agency Sputnik, as the blanket crackdown on anything Russian escalates to new highs. Russia invites the US Under Secretary of State and the president’s son to explain the funding of bioweapons labs in Ukraine. Moscow’s representative to the international chemical weapons watchdog says Russia will seek for an international investigation into the matter. — Back to top
Pakistan’s prime minister says the opposition’s threats to his leadership have been orchestrated by Western powers, after he refused to allow a US base on Pakistani territory and declined to condemned Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Human Rights Watch accuses Ukraine of using dangerous tactics in violation of international law, as the army allegedly hides among civilians, with Ukrainians saying they’re being used as human shields. The current US policy on harming Russia without engaging in a real battle literally follows the guidelines from a 2019 report by a prominent American think tank. — Back to top
EU leaders grow increasingly defiant in refusing to pay for gas in rubles, despite dire German forecasts of the catastrophic effects of a cut-off in Russian supply, including a decade-long recession. Russia and China agree to move towards what they call a new multi-polar, fair and democratic world order – at a summit of the two countries’ foreign ministers. An RT crew gets food and essentials to desperate civilians in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, and helps evacuate residents, as the humanitarian catastrophe there grows. — Back to top
Amid an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol, an RT crew helps provide aid to residents in need and assists in evacuations from the embattled city. Ukrainian children are reportedly caught on camera stopping cars to identify Russians. The White House has indefinitely postponed a special summit with leaders from across Southeast Asia, replacing it with a bilateral summit with Singapore, after that country openly condemned Russia. — Back to top
Moscow agrees to drastically reduce its military activity near Kiev, for the sake of successful peace talks, following the latest round of negotiations with Ukraine. Russia’s military will now focus its efforts on the eastern front, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who has also warned European countries against sending weapons to Kiev. Russian-led forces say they’re close to fully re-taking the key Donbass city of Mariupol. As a humanitarian crisis continues to unfold for thousands of civilians still caught in the crossfire there. — Back to top
Joe Biden backtracks on his suggestion that Russia’s Vladimir Putin must be toppled from power, as the US president now claims he was just venting his own personal frustration. Another round of negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials is expected on Tuesday in Istanbul, with Turkish officials expressing hope the meeting could lead to a ceasefire. A humanitarian disaster in Mariupol, as local residents hide in their basements from continuous shelling as they try to cope with a lack of food and water. While the global community rushes to help Ukrainians, humanitarian groups are warning that aid is being diverted from other long-running conflicts elsewhere in the world. —Back to top
Concerns mount over alleged war crimes by Kiev, that’s after unverified video emerges online, claiming to show Ukrainian forces shooting and beating Russian prisoners of war. Putting an end to the crisis in Donbass and the demilitarization of Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlines the goals that Moscow is again seeking in its talks with Kiev this week in an interview to Serbian media. Russian troops raid the house of a Ukrainian far-right battalion commander, discovering a large amount of equipment and neo-nazi memorabilia. Our correspondent reports from the scene. — Back to top
Concerns mount over alleged war crimes by Kiev that’s after unverified video emerges online, claiming to show Ukrainian forces shooting and beating Russian prisoners of war. That as fighting between Russian and Ukraine forces is still ongoing in the southern city of Mariupol. We report from the ground. An Italian journalist, who is reporting on the ground from the Donbass, accuses Western media of distorting its coverage of Ukraine. However, that’s as foreign journalists are increasingly heading to the region, to report on the untold story of eastern Ukraine. Middle East countries criticize the West for turning a blind eye to the suffering of people from the region, claiming it’s paying disproportionate attention to the war in Ukraine. — Back to top
Emergency services in Ukraine say firefighters have put out a massive blaze at a fuel depot in Lvov. That’s as the Russian military confirms it conducted strikes on Ukrainian army facilities in the city. RT’s senior correspondent visits the southern Ukrainian city of Melitopol, which has been under Russian Army control for almost a month – to see what life in the region is now like. A possible consequence of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is ‘division between the global southeast and the global northwest’, so says the EU’s foreign-policy chief. — Back to top
Ukraine says five people have been injured and a fuel depot is on fire in the Western Ukrainian city of Lvov, following an apparent Russian missile strike. Russian troops tackle scores of mines left behind by Ukrainian forces. RT follows a military engineering unit as it clears one region. The US President slams Vladimir Putin as a “butcher” for his ‘war of choice’ in Ukraine. Although in the past, he was among those who had called for the bombing of Yugoslavia. A new twist in the Ukraine bio labs revelations, as the Russian claim about the involvement of the US president’s son may now be supported by emails obtained from his laptop. They allege Hunter Biden helped raise funds for biological research in Ukraine for an American company. — Back to top
Russia accuses nationalist Ukrainian battalions of launching intensive missile attacks from civilian areas of Kharkov, while much of the city lays in ruins. Paperwork litters the floor, but hi-tech areas are left untouched just one of the contradictions in the claim that Russian forces looted labs at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. We report exclusively from the site. At the same time, as the EU claims to want to de-escalate tensions with Russia, the bloc continues to sanction Moscow relentlessly. It comes as protests erupt in Spain against a surge in gas prices with some countries urging against imposing sanctions which they say could hurt Europe more than Russia. — Back to top
Mass rallies sweep Europe over surging energy prices, caused by punishing sanctions slapped on Russia. Some governments are suggesting people simply turn down their heating. We get reaction in Paris. The UK cancels a trip of high-ranking officials to India amid Boris Johnson’s unsuccessful attempts to get the country to take action against Russia. Despite pressure from the West, New Delhi’s staying neutral, both in the UN and in bilateral relations. — Back to top
Reports emerge of Russian forces taking control of Mariupol’s city hall after a month of intensive battles as fighting with Ukrainian forces continues there. European leaders object to Moscow’s demand to pay for their energy supplies in Russian currency. That’s as the ruble begins to claw back some value lost amid the Ukrainian crisis. China lashes out at America’s “methods” in the conflict, claiming that it was Washington who instigated and inflamed the situation. It comes as Beijing is set to hold trade talks with Russia, despite daily pressure put on Asian countries by the West. We asked some guests for their thoughts. — Back to top
Russia is said to have taken control of Mariupol’s city hall after a month of intensive fighting. Although battles with Ukrainian forces are still ongoing. China lashes out at America’s “methods” in the war, claiming it was the instigator of the conflict. It comes as China will hold trade talks with Russia, despite all the pressure put on Asian countries by the West. We put the issues to our guests. EU leaders scoff at Russia’s demand to pay for its energy in rubles, as a G7 summit takes place in Brussels. Meanwhile, the ruble begins to claw back some of what it’s lost in the crisis. The UK’s left red faced, and demanding YouTube removes a video of a phone call, in which the British Defense Minister talks with Russian pranksters and gives them crucial information. From the conversation it became clear the UK plans to sail its Naval fleet to the Black Sea. — Back to top
Fierce battles rage on in Ukraine’s southern port city of Mariupol. That’s as Donetsk Republic forces continue to take the fight to the Ukrainian military and nationalist battalions. China’s Foreign Minister heads to India for talks. The oil trade with Russia and closer ties among Eastern bloc states are some of the potential discussion points during the visit. In a new bombshell revelation, the Russian defense ministry claims US president Joe Biden’s son Hunter has a direct link to alleged biological laboratories aimed at developing contagious weapons in Ukraine. — Back to top
Russian forces begin clearing huge minefields that have already claimed the lives of many civilians, after they were left by Ukrainian soldiers. Our correspondent reports from the ground. As thousands of people finally escape from Mariupol, one of the most contested cities in the Donetsk republic, RT visits a refugee camp and hears from people about their plight and hopes for the future. And the West seems oblivious to atrocities NATO committed in Yugoslavia when it unleashed its bombing campaign there, 23 years ago today. — Back to top
President Putin says Russia’s gas exports to Europe should now be payed for in rubles aiming to stabilize the currency, while ditching the US dollar in international trading. In Ukraine, Russian-led Donetsk Republic forces say they’ve taken control of more than half of the embattled city of Mariupol amid intense fighting that’s included raids of civilian buildings, to sweep out Ukrainian troops hiding inside. And, Washington steps up pressure on China to join the US-led condemnation of Russia, with Beijing standing firm on its neutral stance, despite threats of American sanctions against China’s economy. — Back to top
The army of the Donetsk Republic says it’s taken control over half of the embattled city of Mariupol, amid intense fighting that’s included raids of residential buildings to sweep out Ukrainian forces. German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall expects robust sales growth, as Berlin is set to increase military spending in response to the Ukraine conflict. And we take a look at others poised to benefit from the war.
An Italian member of the European Parliament sees her Facebook page blocked after she refused to vote in favor of using humanitarian aid funding to provide weapons for Ukraine. And as Ukraine tries to pressure the EU into banning Russian fuel imports, prices for those commodities have gone sky high. — Back to top
Fighting intensifies for the key Ukrainian city of Mariupol, as the Russian military presses on with its drive to clear out nationalist forces, who are using civilian buildings for cover. One of our correspondents in Ukraine gets hands-on with some of the seized Western weapons which are pouring into the country to wage a proxy war against Russia, despite US-led calls for peace. As Western politicians and the media continue to criticize Russia over its operation in Ukraine, we look at how they covered the US-led invasion of Iraq all-too differently. — Back to top
Ukraine’s President Zelensky suggests NATO has been two-faced in its approach to his country, telling him privately that Ukraine couldn’t join anytime soon, while publicly keeping the door open. RT takes a look at eight years of Western arms supplies to Ukraine, believed to have fueled the conflict in Ukraine. EU countries are split over whether to impose an embargo on Russian oil, as politicians say the measure would severely impact the bloc’s economy. And, rules for thee, but not for me, as Western politicians are quick to castigate Russia over the Ukraine conflict, but are conspicuously silent about the exponentially more devastating US war in Iraq, as its 19th anniversary passes over the weekend. — Back to top
NATO publicly misled Russia into believing the bloc was prepared to accept Ukraine as a member, despite privately telling Kiev that it cannot join the US-led alliance, – admits President Zelensky. We report from Ukraine’s key port hub, Berdyansk, recently captured by the Russian military and now being used for humanitarian relief efforts, to help civilians in the embattled city of Mariupol. Farmers, truckers and trade unions take to the streets of Europe to protest against soaring prices, as a result of sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU. — Back to Top
Ukraine refuses to accept Russia’s plan for evacuating civilians from Mariupol, where an estimated 130-thousand people remain stuck amid intense fighting. RT reports from the outskirts of Kiev, where Russian and Ukrainian forces are getting ready for a fight. Farmers, truckers and trade unions take to the streets of Europe to protest against soaring prices due to sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine conflict. RT obtains evidence that the US was pushing Ukraine to lure Russia into a conflict and spent millions of dollars on preparing Ukrainian military forces. — Back to top
Ukraine’s President cites martial law to temporarily ban 11 opposition parties for their supposed pro-Russian stance. The parties warn Vladimir Zelensky’s move is illegitimate. Civilians in a Donetsk town are trapped in a destroyed hospital after Ukrainian troops allegedly open fire at it from a tank. Hundreds hit the streets of Pisa to protest Italy’s alleged shipping of weapons from there to Ukraine under the guise of humanitarian aid. — Back to top
Ukrainian cities see residential and public buildings destroyed amid reported shelling, with rescue workers struggling to search for survivors. Civilians in the Donetsk town of Volnovakha are trapped in a destroyed hospital after Ukrainian troops allegedly opened fire at it from a tank. The US ramps up pressure on nations that refuse to rule out any friendly ties with Moscow, India being the latest to get lectured and threatened by Washington. — Back to top
The US is upping pressure on nations that refuse to rule out any friendly ties with Moscow. India being the latest to get lectured and threatened by Washington. Moscow and Kiev struggle to come to an agreement on key issues over resolving the Ukraine conflict, that, as fighting continues, with reports of civilian casualties and destruction of residential areas. New York’s Samovar restaurant is attacked, yet another victim of mass assaults on anything associated with Russia or its culture. Since the conflict flared up in Ukraine, the owner says it has been tough. — Back to top
China accuses the US of fanning the flames over the war in Ukraine, as Washington ramps up pressure on countries friendly with Russia. Moscow and Kiev struggle to come to an agreement on key issues over resolving the Ukraine conflict, that, as fighting continues, with reports of civilian casualties and destruction of residential areas. British media regulator Ofcom revokes RT’s broadcasting license, citing the conflict in Ukraine and the network’s, quote, ‘relationship with the Russian Federation’. RT says the watchdog’s move was politically motivated. Russia presents further evidence to the UN that the US and NATO were supporting biological weapons development in Ukraine. We hear the key points. — Back to top
Over 200-thousand people pack into a Moscow sports stadium to celebrate the eighth anniversary of Crimea rejoining Russia. British media regulator, Ofcom, revokes RT’s broadcasting license, citing the current conflict in Ukraine and the channel’s – quote – ‘relationship with the Russian Federation’. RT slams the watchdog’s move as politically-motivated. As sanctions pile up against Russia, people across Europe also feel the pinch, with the cost of living soaring. Experts warn the worst is yet to come. Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov talks about his country’s relations with the West, the Ukrainian crisis, and sanctions in an exclusive interview with RT. That’s directly ahead after this news bulletin. — Back to top
As sanctions begin to bite against Russia, people in Europe feel the pinch too, with the cost of living soaring. Experts warn the worst is yet to come. The impact’s being felt half way around the world as well, with Asian countries which aren’t even part of the ‘sanction Russia push, being hit in the pocket. Mariupol officials say 30-thousand people have managed to flee the city, that’s after a safety route was opened several days ago. However, 400-thousand residents are still believed to be trapped there, lacking basic supplies. — Back to top
A Ukrainian official claims everyone who was stuck under the rubble of a bombed Mariupol theatre, has survived. That’s after Kiev blamed Russia for targeting the building housing hundreds of civilians before any details of the incident were revealed. Russia claimed the building was blown up by neo-Nazi Azov militias. There’s outrage after a Ukrainian TV host calls for the massacre of Russian children on air, quoting a notorious Nazi SS officer. Russia makes its first multi-million dollar payment to international creditors since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict – avoiding a much-speculated-about ‘technical default’. — Back to top
The UN says more than three million refugees have now fled from Ukraine to neighboring countries. We hear from some of those who’ve escaped the conflict. People in the Donbass remain trapped in a war zone with estimates claiming around 85-percent of Volnovakha housing has been damaged during the strikes. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has slammed Joe Biden for “unacceptable rhetoric”, after he branded the Russian President a “war criminal”. It comes after some US Senators even called for president Putin to be taken out. — Back to top
Panic and destruction in a residential area of the Donetsk Republic following another alleged ballistic missile strike by Ukrainian forces – the second in 48 hours. Moscow waits to see if its latest Euro-bond payment – worth over a hundred million dollars – has gone through amid sanctions on its Finance Ministry. That, as the Russian president says freezing the country’s foreign assets is an illegitimate move. Russia is reportedly considering scrapping the US dollar in its trade with India. That, as Moscow seeks to reduce long-term dependence on the greenback. With the UK seeking an alternative energy supply after a ban on Russian oil and gas imports Boris Johnson doesn’t shy away from turning to Saudi Arabia – accused by the same PM of human rights violations. — Back to top
RT visits a detention camp where Ukrainian neo-Nazi Aidar battalion reportedly held and tortured people. An ex-prisoner took us on a painful journey into his past. Another alleged Ukrainian missile strike on a residential area in the Donetsk Republic – the second in the last 48 hours – causes panic and destruction. In its drive to punish Russia, the UK appears to be putting aside its human rights concerns, by replacing Russian oil and gas with those from Saudi Arabia, a country which executed more than 80 people over the weekend. The dissenting voices that risk being branded a traitor, or worse, a Russian agent – US media takes aim at anyone not towing the party line over Ukraine with a former congresswoman, and a fox news anchor, all in their sights. — Back to top
RT hears from those fortunate to survive Monday’s ballistic missile attack on central Donetsk – in which 20 civilians were killed and more than 30 injured. Fighting continues across Ukraine with further damage to residential areas and infrastructure. Our correspondents on the ground in the Kiev region are covering the latest developments, and the humanitarian effort to help those most in need. — Back to top
Ukraine’s accused of a war crime after 20 people are killed and dozens injured in a ballistic missile attack on central Donetsk. Meanwhile people in the city of Mariupol have finally managed to escape the area. Locals tell us what they’ve endured in one of the epicenters of the conflict. RT visits one of the areas near Kiev, where humanitarian efforts are underway, with Russian forces helping those most in need. We look at attempts by Western media to whitewash Adolf Hitler’s crimes as they compare the Russian President to the Nazi leader. — Back to top
At least 20 people are killed, and dozens more injured after an alleged rocket attack on Donetsk by the Ukrainian army. A warning, you may find the following images disturbing. With fighting intensifying in the north Donetsk region, more people are now using humanitarian corridors to flee. RT visits one such area speaking to people who’ve been forced to leave their homes. The mainstream media jumps at the chance to compare Putin to Hitler – but we ask – were the same outlets as harsh in their criticism of their own country’s politicians when they waged wars. — Back to top
As the conflict continues in Ukraine intensive fighting on the ground has been seen in Mariupol, with Russian troops said to be advancing in different directions. As more towns and cities come under the control of the People’s Republics, we hear from locals about how Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly hiding behind civilians. An American journalist, who was a former New York Times contributor, is killed in a city near Kiev, where Russia’s Defense ministry claims civilians have been put in the firing line by local nationalists. Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and map coordinates are seized in ships left by retreating Ukrainian navy personnel. — Back to top
The Donetsk army says it’s regained control over the key city of Volnovaha after intense fighting. Much of the area is in ruins, as residents try to cope with the losses of their loved ones. RT’s Maria Finoshina visits a Donetsk Republic town, recently reclaimed by the local military after heavy fighting. She takes a look at how residents are trying to return to a peaceful life, after eight years of violence from the Ukrainian military. Petrol prices in the US have soared, following a ban on Russian energy imports by the White House. Leaving some Americans struggling to keep their rides on the road. — Back to top
The Donetsk army says it’s gained control over the key town of Volnovakha after intense fighting. Much of the area is in ruins, as residents try to cope with the losses of their loved ones. RT’s Maria Finoshina visits a Donetsk Republic town recently claimed by the local people’s militia. She takes a look at how residents are trying to return to a peaceful life after eight years of violence from the Ukrainian military. Amid the escalating conflict, NATO gears up for joint military and computer assisted exercises with Georgia, which, like Ukraine, borders Russia and has been striving for membership in the Western military alliance. — Back to top
As Russia’s military operation in Ukraine enters its third week more and more unarmed locals are being caught in the crossfire. We spoke with a doctor who says a shelter full of civilians was deliberately targeted. RT’s correspondent becomes the first to enter what’s believed to be a torture facility, run by Ukraine’s notorious Aidar battalion. Ukraine’s president slams statements from EU officials who’ve brushed off Kiev’s bid to join the Union ahead of time. While NATO’s chief says there’s no shortcuts for Kiev into the military bloc, either. — Back to top
The situation in Ukraine remains drastic as the war enters its third week, with numerous cities under attack and civilians seeking shelter in metro stations. Residents share their concerns about moving to a safer place. Meanwhile, the town of Volnovakha, which has endured some of the most intense fighting on the Donbass front, is claimed to have been taken by the Donetsk Republic’s forces. We hear from a local doctor. ”There’s no such thing as fast-tracking accession”. EU leaders brush off the Ukrainian president’s bid to frantically join the bloc. A damning indictment by Russia’s UN envoy at a Security Council meeting convened by Moscow, alleging that biological weapons were made in Ukrainian laboratories, with US funding, in a potential threat to all of Europe. — Back to top
Meta breaks its own rules and allows calls for violence against Russian soldiers amid the Ukraine conflict, with the Instagram owner insisting this won’t target ordinary people. However, this U-turn has sparkled concerns in the UN Human Rights office. Western countries step up their fight against ordinary Russian citizens, as the country’s musicians are now barred from international piano competitions. We get feedback from the Russian public. ”There’s no such thing as fast-tracking accession”. EU leaders respond to the Ukrainian President’s bid to frantically join the bloc. — Back to top
Moscow says it’ll open humanitarian corridors for Ukrainian civilians to Russian territory on a daily basis, without Kiev’s approval. That’s as the sides struggle to agree on other evacuation routes amid the continued fighting. An RT crew visits families who have had to hide in their basements, in an area that’s seen some of the most intense fighting on the Donbass front. Meta breaks its own rules and allows calls for violence against Russian soldiers amid the Ukraine conflict, but the social network giant insists it isn’t taking action against Russians in general. — Back to top
No breakthrough in peace talks as the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers meet in Ankara. That comes as Ukraine’s president blames Russia for an air strike on a children’s hospital in the southern city of Mariupol that reportedly wounded more than a dozen civilians. Moscow strongly denied the claims. Despite humanitarian corridors being opened, many civilians are still unable to flee, as they fear for their lives. RT visits families hiding in basements in the war-torn Lugansk Republic as shelling continues to hit residential areas. — Back to top
Ukraine lodges accusations against Russia after a hospital was devastated in an apparent airstrike in Mariupol. Moscow insists it previously warned the UN that the building was being used as a military facility. Despite humanitarian corridors being opened, many civilians are still unable to flee, as they fear for their lives. RT visits families hiding in basements in the war-torn Lugansk Republic as shelling continues to hit re sidential areas. — Back to top
Russia urges the US to disclose materials on its biological research programs amid earlier allegations of military programs in Ukraine based on documents obtained there during the offensive. That comes as Washington admits Ukraine possesses so-called biological research facilities. Russia says it has taken control over Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, in southern Ukraine. RT gets an exclusive glimpse into the huge arsenal stored at the plant, but unused by the Ukrainian army. While Ukraine confirm 6 humanitarian corridors are now in operation, Donbass officials say they’re not working properly. President Zelensky insists every effort will be made to ensure safe evacuation, and the delivery of aid. Unlike the US and UK: Germany’s top diplomat rejects an immediate ban on energy imports from Russia, saying it might ground the whole country to a halt. That’s as record gas prices already have a crippling effect on European households. — Back to top
Russia claims it’s taken full control over Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, in southern Ukraine. RT gets an exclusive glimpse of the massive arsenal stored at the plant after the Ukrainian army laid down its arms. Massive destruction in Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkov, with a residential building left only partially standing after intense shelling. Devastated towns also in the Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, as residents flee the fighting and fear for their lives. Joe Biden announces a ban on all oil and gas imports from Russia to the US. But the move exposes divisions between America and the EU, as the bloc says it won’t go along with Washington’s strategy. — Back to top
The first evacuation corridors in Ukraine are finally open as Moscow and Kiev strike an agreement to begin evacuation. Uncovering the grim secrets of the past – the mass graves containing the victims of eight years of war in Donbass. Russian cultural figures are being cancelled in Europe for refusing to take sides amid the Ukrainian conflict. — Back to top
A third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, ends with both sides committing to reopen humanitarian corridors. However many people remain trapped in their cities, amid claims the Ukrainian army are continuing to shell areas where civilians reside. Uncovering the grim secrets of the past – the mass graves containing the victims of eight years of war in Donbass. With Europe mulling ways to sever its dependence on Russian energy resources, and the US discussing a ban on oil imports from Russia – industry experts fear such a move could lead to another global recession. — Back to top
Moscow blames Kiev for what it calls a ‘cynical attitude’ towards its people, saying Ukrainian officials didn’t notify them of evacuations through agreed humanitarian corridors to Russia. That’s as a third round of negotiations begins. An explosion at a Lugansk oil depot was reported early this morning with local authorities blaming a Ukrainian missile strike, saying it hit two fuel tanks. We hear from an ex-Ukraine Army paramedic, who’s returned to Donbass. She claims the army’s actions shocked her so much during the ongoing war that she quit – and she now just wants to be at home. Gas and oil prices jump to record highs amid Western threats to cut Russia off from their markets. — Back to top
The Russian Defense Ministry claims documents found during a military operation show Ukraine was allegedly developing biological weapons with US help. The latest attempt to evacuate people from the city of Mariupol in south-eastern Ukraine, once again ends in failure, with locals stuck in a blockade and fearing for their lives. We hear from an ex-Ukraine Army paramedic, who’s returned to one of the now calm Eastern Republics. She claims the army’s actions shocked her so much during the ongoing war, she quit – saying she now just wants to be at home. — Back to top
Locals from south-eastern Ukraine blame Ukrainian forces for the failed evacuation. Only 300 civilians managed to leave today according Donetsk Republic officials, as both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. In a chaotic retreat from their bases, Ukrainian servicemen leave vast amounts of equipment behind as they flee Russia’s offensive. Vladimir Putin says Russia’s offensive in Ukraine will end as soon as Kiev is ready to stop fighting. That’s as the Ukrainian president asks NATO countries to impose a no-fly zone and provide combat aircraft – something the West isn’t prepared to do. Russian-speaking Germans protest rising discrimination as a Munich medical clinic says it will no longer treat Russian patients later apologizing for the move. — Back to top
In a chaotic retreat from their bases during Russia’s offensive, vast amounts of equipment are left behind by Ukrainian servicemen. America’s top diplomat meets the Ukrainian Foreign Minister on Poland’s border with Ukraine with Kiev’s envoy pleading for fighter-jets and air-defense systems. While battles in Donbass continue RT visits towns that have come under the control of the Lugansk army, where locals claim they were used as human shields. — Back to top
Few people manage to escape Mariupol through agreed humanitarian corridors as Russian Defense Ministry says fighters from the far-right Azov battalion are stopping refugees from leaving. RT visits a town, which spent 8 years in the firing line between Ukrainian and Donbass forces speaking to locals on the ground. Ukraine’s President slams NATO’s decision not to introduce a no-fly zone over the country, as the Russian foreign minister claims Zelensky is trying to push NATO into direct conflict with Russia. Thousands of Serbs take to the streets of Belgrade in support of Russia while an ‘opposite’ rally is seen in Georgia with Ukraine’s president, via a live link-up, urging more people to protest against Russia’s offensive. — Back to top
RT visits a town which spent 8 years in the firing line between Ukrainian and Donbass forces and talks to locals, now hoping for a brighter future. A NATO Emergency summit rejects Ukraine’s request to impose a no-fly zone in the country. In response, Kiev slams the alliance for weakness and a lack of direction. Russian embassies worldwide find themselves the target of hate over the country’s military actions in Ukraine with staff receiving death threats, and even explosive projectiles thrown onto their territory. Thousands of pro-Russian Serbs take to the streets of Belgrade, while an ‘opposite’ rally is seen in Georgia with Ukraine’s president, via a live link-up, urging more people to protest Russia’s offensive. — Back to top
Russia’s defense ministry claims that a military provocation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was allegedly an attempt by Ukrainian forces to blame Russia for creating a radioactive hotbed. That’s after sabotage groups attacked the Russian-controlled plant overnight. Amid battles between the Ukrainian army and local military forces, homes in the Lugansk and Donetsk republics are caught in the crossfire. Russia starts supplying humanitarian aid to the city of Melitopol. RT speaks to the people on the ground. Anti-Russian rhetoric ramps up, with some prominent western politicians calling for Putin’s removal to end the conflict in Ukraine. — Back to top
A fire at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been fully extinguished with no casualties, and radiation levels are said to be normal. Ukraine claims the plant was hit by Russian tanks. Homes are caught in the crossfire in the Lugansk and Donetsk republics, following a battle between the Ukrainian military and local militia forces. Meanwhile, a second round of peace talks has ended in Belarus. Both Moscow and Kiev agree to the setting up of humanitarian corridors for evacuees and a possible temporary ceasefire to allow citizens to leave. While the West continues with its indignation towards Russia’s actions, a French journalist who’s covered the conflict in Eastern Ukraine for years claims the Ukrainian government has been targeting civilians there. — Back to top
Russia’s Foreign Minister warns that Western media and politicians have taken a totally unbalanced approach to covering the crisis in Ukraine. Day 8 of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Locals flee the fighting, as scores of homes are devastated by shelling. A key city in the Donetsk People’s Republic, is Ukraine’s latest target. The European Union is preparing a fourth package of anti-Russian sanctions that could significantly hit the economy of the EU itself. While the West continues to push a heavily russophobic narrative, a French journalist steps forward to note the Ukrainian government has actually been targeting civilians in the Donbass. — Back to top
As Russia’s military operation in Ukraine enters its eight day, local residents flee the fighting, with many finding their homes devastated by shelling. And on the other side of the conflict. Residents in the Donetsk and Lugansk republics suffer amid intense fighting and explosions reported in several cities. A Russian delegation waits for the Ukrainian side to begin a second round of peace talks supposed to take place within hours on the Belarusian border. — Back to top
The Ukrainian President’s office confirms a second round of talks with Moscow is set to start on Wednesday evening. Kiev adds it’s ready to negotiate but not accept Russian ultimatums. Day 7 of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Moscow confirms it attacked a television tower in Kiev. Russia also claims to have taken control of the southern city of Kherson but the Ukrainian side says the fighting is still ongoing. Horrific destruction of homes in the aftermath of a battle in the Donbass region, where the wounded including children require medical assistance. EU politicians demand even harsher sanctions against Moscow after the bloc bans RT and associated networks with Brussels also moving to cut some Russian banks out of the international financial transaction system – SWIFT. — Back to top
As Russia’s military operation in Ukraine enters its seventh day, explosions have been reported at a Kiev TV tower and in the Kharkov region, amid heavy fighting. Horrific destruction of homes in the aftermath of a battle in the Donbass region, where a village has come under the control of the Lugansk militia. EU politicians demand even harsher sanctions against Russia after the bloc decides to ban RT and cut some Russian banks out of the international transaction system SWIFT. However, there are voices in the bloc opposing the establishment’s approach to the Ukraine crisis. — Back to top
The West is destroying the very rules it created. That’s according to Russia’s top diplomat, as he addressed UN officials about nuclear non-proliferation and human rights. Day six of the special operation in Ukraine. Civilians caught between the front lines. We report from the war-torn Donetsk People’s Republic where homes and lives are still being lost every day, eight years since Ukraine began shelling. Ukraine’s President makes an impassioned plea to join the EU but Brussels officials have held back on any assurances. However the EU pledges support for Ukraine, including ammunition, medical supplies and weapons with even traditionally neutral Switzerland joining European sanctions against Russia. — Back to top
The sixth day of violence in Ukraine, with civilians caught between the front lines. We report from the war-torn Donetsk Republic, where homes and lives are being lost every day. More than half a million people have fled Ukraine since last week, seeking refuge in neighboring countries, Poland, Moldova, Romania and Russia. Positions voiced with a plan to meet again – Russian and Ukrainian delegations conclude their first round of negotiations in Belarus, near the Ukrainian border. The EU pledges support for Ukraine, including ammunition, medical supplies and weaponry, even traditionally neutral Switzerland has joined European sanctions against Russia. — Back to top