Daily Updates: March 2023
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** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
Moscow lays out its new foreign policy priorities, branding Western actions against Russia a ‘hybrid war’. Foreign Minister Lavrov adds the country won’t isolate itself and is ready for dialogue in a new, multipolar reality. Saudi Arabia agrees to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner. The move comes amid a recent strengthening of ties between Beijing and Riyadh. Joe Biden rejects the Wall Street Journal’s plea to expel Russian diplomats from the US in response to the arrest of the outlet’s journalist on charges of espionage for Washington. — Back to top
“US citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately” — Russia mocks that warning, saying the US should have mentioned that it applies only to Americans engaged in espionage. Nigeria looks for ways to reintegrate former militants into society as it steps up efforts to eradicate the terrorist group Boko Haram. Former US President Donald Trump says the criminal charges against him are the highest level of political persecution and electoral interference in the nation’s history. RT speaks with victims of Israel’s so-called marriage ban, which forbids Palestinians from obtaining citizenship even if they are married to Israelis. — Back to top
A Wall Street Journal reporter faces 20 years in prison after he’s arrested by Russian authorities, amid claims he may have been spying on behalf of the American government. The US Congress rejects legislation to increase oversight of the tens of billions sent to Ukraine, despite the concerns of regular Americans about why their taxpayer dollars are being sent overseas. Brazil and China strike a deal to bypass the dollar, turning to their own currencies for use in bilateral trade. — Back to top
The US Congress rejects an initiative for increased oversight of the massive funding for Ukraine, despite concerns by regular Americans about why billions of their taxpayer dollars are being sent overseas. Kenya is also engulfed by a wave of protests, with buildings set on fire, businesses shut down amid fears of looting, and police violently dispersing crowds. A former Australian soldier is granted bail after he is accused of the war crime of murdering an unarmed Afghan farmer, as the court believes his life could be in ‘potential danger’ if he is sent to jail. — Back to top
Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is still best of friends with America, despite a number of Israeli officials suggesting ‘Washington involvement’ in the nationwide protests that have swept the country over proposed judicial reforms. A big meeting in Moscow today, as Iran and Russia talk US sanctions, the Ukrainian conflict, and a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. The Prime minister of Poland takes aim at the EU for failing to deliver on the key points of the Western-backed Ukrainian grain deal, resulting in European farmers struggling to survive, as oversupply forces local prices to tank. — Back to top
Iran’s foreign minister, on a visit to Moscow, denounces US economic pressure as an act of terrorism. RT’s Roman Kosarev observes an international volunteer brigade in the Donbass as they utilize drone warfare in their fight for the key town of Avdeevka. The EU lashes out at Burkina Faso for suspending the state broadcaster France 24, after it aired an interview with a reputed al-Qaeda leader, causing uproar among locals. —Back to top
American-made AI-powered search engine ChatGPT lists the 2014 Maidan uprising in Ukraine as a coup that Washington had a hand in, among others. That’s in stark contrast to the US narrative that it doesn’t interfere in other countries. France enters its tenth day of mass protests, as people across the country vent their anger at the Macron government’s controversial pension reforms. As violent clashes grow in the streets of Israel, the nation’s Security Chief pledges to proceed with a controversial judicial reform, even after Prime Minister Netanyahu postponed the move. — Back to top
Violent clashes flare up in Israel despite the government agreeing to put its controversial judicial reform on hold after massive protests engulfed the country. The West is dodging an international probe into the Nord Stream attack despite overwhelming evidence of its role. That is Moscow’s assertion as the UN Security Council fails to pass a Russian-Chinese resolution for an independent investigation. Amid growing turbulence in the US and global economy, we discuss with our panel of guests why many more countries are choosing to ditch the dollar. — Back to top
Israel’s national security minister reportedly agrees to postpone the controversial judicial reform, as protesters besiege the country’s Parliament building. Vladimir Putin accuses NATO of aggressive global military expansion while stressing that Russia’s deployment of its nuclear weapons in Belarus is a purely defensive response to what the West has been doing for decades. In an exclusive interview to RT, Serbia’s health minister issues a stark warning to Ukraine over its planned use of depleted uranium munitions, which the UK has agreed to supply. — Back to top
In a major interview, Vladimir Putin accuses NATO of aggressive global military expansion, denying that Russian and Chinese cooperation is aimed at other states. The President of Israel sends a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘to come to his senses’ as thousands take to the streets in protest over the government’s judicial reform. We continue our special coverage of the legacy of the US-led invasion in Iraq, with a special report from Fallujah, where residents witnessed some of the most brutal fighting of the war. — Back to top
At least 3 people are wounded after a Ukrainian drone reportedly explodes in Russia’s Tula region, some 200 kilometers away from Moscow. Vladimir Putin announces Russia will deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus and says Moscow will retain control of the arms. The Central American nation of Honduras establishes ties with China after breaking off decades-long relations with Taiwan. The West is fully aware of the negative consequences that depleted uranium ammunition causes to human health and the environment. That’s according to Moscow, which slammed the UK plan to supply Kiev with radioactive shells. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin announces Russia will deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus and says Moscow will retain control of the arms. The Central American nation of Honduras establishes ties with China after breaking off decades-long relations with Taiwan. The West is fully aware of the negative consequences that depleted uranium ammunition causes to human health and the environment. That’s according to Moscow, which slammed the UK plan to supply Kiev with radioactive shells. — Back to top
The global financial system takes a new hit, as the shares of Germany’s largest bank tumble following the collapse of several US lenders, sparking fresh bailouts and fears of a meltdown reminiscent of 2008. The Biden administration blew up the Nord Stream pipelines to rein-in western Europe, which relied on cheap Russian gas. That’s the latest claim from renowned investigative journalist, Seymour Hersh. US Vice-president Kamala Harris heads to Africa, amid concerns in Washington over the growing Russian and Chinese influence on the continent. — Back to top
Unrest across the global finance system continues, as the largest German bank loses 20% of its value in less than a month. That’s after several US banks crashed, resulting in 2008-style bailouts. The Biden administration blew up Nord Stream pipelines to gain control over western Europe, especially Germany, according to investigative journalist, Seymour Hersh. US vice-president Kamala Harris is set to visit Africa later this week, amid concerns in Washington over the growing Russian and Chinese presence in the continent. — Back to top
Two Russian girls are reunited with their relatives back home, after an agreement is reached with Kiev for their return. That’s after their parents were arrested in Ukraine. US vice-president Kamala Harris is set to visit Africa later this week, amid Washington’s fears that the continent is drifting towards Russia and China. The US turns a blind eye to China’s warning not to cross its red lines, pledging further weapon deliveries to Taiwan. Washington expresses its support for creating a Kosovan national army as Serbia marks 24 years since NATO-led forces bombed Belgrade. — Back to top
Washington pledges support for creating a Kosovan national army as Serbia marks 24 years since NATO-led forces bombed Belgrade. Anger hits the roof as over a million protesters against controversial pension reforms clash with police across France. This as the French President defends his hated bill. TikTok’s CEO testifies in US Congress that the Chinese government has no access to users’ private data as Washington claims the app is a threat to national security. — Back to top
Russia’s Foreign Minister says he doesn’t expect the Western investigation into the Nord Stream sabotage to expose the truth. That’s after award winning journalist Seymour Hersh reveals that the CIA scripted a narrative to cover up Washington’s role in the attack on the pipelines. The president of France disregards the protests that are erupting over pension reform, calling the public’s voice illegitimate and suggesting that only elected officials can steer the country’s policies. New Delhi scales down security at British diplomatic offices after the UK fails to provide adequate protection of an Indian office in London that was attacked by separatists. — Back to top
Yet another revelation by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh as he says the German chancellor and intelligence agencies helped conceal US involvement in the Nord Stream sabotage. Russia warns that Britain’s plan to send uranium ammunition to Ukraine is a path to “nuclear Armageddon,” as London and Washington try to downplay the devastating effects of those weapons. The latest Ukrainian attack on Donetsk hits a water-supply facility vital for the city’s survival. — Back to top
Moscow says the UK is escalating the conflict by promising to send depleted uranium ammunition to Ukraine. Russia highlighted the devastating health consequences for civilians and military after they’ve been used by the West in Yugoslavia and Iraq. Pulitzer winning journalist Seymour Hersh shares new details of the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. He says Germany is Helping America hide the Truth. Tensions between Israel and Palestine continue as Israel bans a Palestinian radio broadcaster and interrogates its journalists. — Back to top
Xi Jinping wraps up his three-day visit to Moscow, saying that China and Russia are spearheading changes that the world hasn’t seen in a hundred years. The IMF approves a three billion dollar bailout for the crisis-stricken Sri Lanka, which defaulted last year as it attempted to fulfil previous obligations to the US-based organization. — Back to top
The UK says it will supply Ukraine with depleted uranium ammunition, despite the devastating health effects the armor piercing rounds have caused to civilians in past conflicts. The Prime Minister of Palestine slams Israel for being driven by an extreme racist policy. This comes just after one of Israel’s top officials said there is no Palestinian Nation.
As China and Russia bolster their strategic friendship during Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow, the West sees their worst nightmare coming true. Iran calls on the French authorities to stop attacking protesters who are speaking out against pension reform. Iran says violence against protesters is a violation of the principles of democracy. Shares in European banks plummet as Credit Suisse is bought by its domestic rival, UBS, in a government-backed rescue deal. — Back to top
Chinese President Xi Jinping flies to Russia on his first official visit since re-election and says the two countries strategic relationship is vital and based on historical ties of the neighboring states. Russian President Vladimir Putin says that in case the Black Sea grain deal is not extended, Russia is ready to supply the African countries most in need for free. India increases rice exports to Africa, as the continent suffers from food scarcity amid devastating droughts. South Africa braces for a nationwide labor strike amid calls from the political opposition for President Ramaphosa to resign. — Back to top
As Chinese leader Xi Jinping prepares to visit Moscow, he takes a swipe at Western attempts to dominate the world order, while Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes the strength of their countries’ bilateral partnership. India increases its rice exports to Africa, helping the continent cope with devastating food shortages in certain regions. Africa currently accounts for two-thirds of India’s total rice exports. A senior Russian lawmaker warns that Poland would unleash World War III if it enters the Ukraine conflict. That’s after a Polish diplomat suggests his country could fight in support of Kiev. And, today marks exactly two decades since US-led forces invaded Iraq to impose regime change by force, leaving behind massive destruction and an estimated one million people dead. RT continues its special coverage of the devastating conflict. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin makes a surprise visit to Mariupol in the Donetsk Republic, touring reconstruction projects in the devastated city. Two of Switzerland’s biggest banks, UBS and Credit Suisse, are in talks to merge, as the contagion from the recent banking collapse in the US spreads internationally. Saudi Arabia says the path is clear to restore bilateral ties with Iran, following a deal brokered by China, which brought the two former rivals together. Moscow hosts the second annual Russia-Africa International Conference with delegations from over 40 African nations taking part in the event. — Back to top
Two of Switzerland’s biggest banks, UBS and Credit Suisse, are reportedly considering a merger, as a banking collapse in the US has impacted global financial markets. Saudi Arabia confirms it could very quickly start investing in Iran, following a deal brokered by China between the two former rivals, aiming to restore their diplomatic relations. Reports emerge that the US is resuming reconnaissance drone activity in the Black Sea region, as a senior Washington official suggests the US shoot down Russian fighter jets. — Back to top
As Russia celebrates the ninth anniversary of the Crimean referendum, we take a look at declassified CIA plans to invade Crimea as far back as 1957. An Austrian politician demands Serbia demolish its Memorial to children killed in the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, causing outrage among locals. Former US President Donald Trump claims that he’ll be arrested on Tuesday and uses his social media to call on Americans to protest. Germany cancels the world fencing cup after a ban on Russian and Belorussian athletes is lifted, while athletes from both countries participate in the ongoing women’s boxing championships in India. — Back to top
As Russia celebrates the ninth anniversary of the Crimean referendum, we take a look at declassified CIA plans to invade Crimea as far back as 1957. Ukraine continues to fund a Washington-based organization as they plead for more Western funding. That’s according to a Grayzone investigation. European politicians demand that Serbia demolish its Memorial to children killed in the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, causing outrage among locals. — Back to top
A new era for Russian-Chinese relations, as it is confirmed Xi Jinping’s first trip after re-election will be to Moscow next week. ‘Opening Pandora’s box’ — China denounces the strengthening of nuclear co-operation between Australia, the US and the UK, saying it could threaten global security. We continue our special coverage of the grim legacy left by the disastrous US-led war in Iraq twenty years since then-US President George W Bush’s ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to give up power or face war. — Back to top
A Pentagon job advert for an adviser to Ukraine’s Defense ministry shows the long-time US policy of controlling Ukraine’s affairs, with Washington now pushing Kiev away from peace talks with Russia. Saudi Arabia confirms it could ‘very quickly’ start investing in Iran following a breakthrough after a Chinese-brokered agreement of restoring diplomatic relations between the states. We continue our special coverage of the grim legacy left by the disastrous US-led war in Iraq twenty years since then-US President George W Bush’s ultimatum to Saddam Hussein, to give up power or face war. — Back to top
“‘The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated’ — that applies to our economy.” That’s the message from Vladimir Putin while addressing Russia’s Entrepreneurs Union, with the President noting that inflation in the country is lower than in the Eurozone. The European Central Bank raises interest rates to its highest level since 2008, as the global financial system is shaken by fears of another meltdown. The world’s atomic watchdog raises the alarm over a massive stockpile of uranium ore that’s gone missing in Libya from a site not controlled by the government. India dismisses media reports that it’s prepared to implement the Western-backed oil price cap against Moscow, as the Asian country’s imports of crude from Russia reach new record-highs. — Back to top
The global financial system is shaken by a plunge in the stock of Switzerland’s second-largest bank, renewing fears of the next worldwide financial crash. Russia’s Minister of Defense calls American drone flights near Russia’s border ‘provocative’, as Pentagon officials contact their Russian counterparts for the first time in months, after the American UAV crash in the Black Sea. Malians are outraged by the Italian government’s attempts to blame the European migration crisis on the Russian private military group Wagner. — Back to top
Credit Suisse shares drop by 30 percent, a historic low, as trading of several European banks’ stocks are halted and fears spread over a looming financial crisis. The key city of Artyomovsk or Bakhmut is further encircled as Russian forces advance in the Donbass, with the Russian Wagner group releasing footage from inside the areas stronghold, the Azom plant, a facility with a deep web of underground passages. Chaos erupts outside the former Pakistani Prime Minister’s residence, as police attempt to arrest the former leader on alleged corruption charges. — Back to top
Moscow says the Russian air force did not bring down an American military drone over the Black Sea, labeling the incident a provocation and stating it crashed after suffering a flight failure. The Nord Stream pipeline bombing was a state-sponsored terrorist attack, while the Western version of events is ‘complete nonsense’, according to Vladimir Putin. Kenya struggles with the ecological fallout of massive electronic waste dumping by Western countries, with the amount of junk rising by more than 17 times since 2012. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin says the West is attempting to diminish Russia’s strength by using terrorists and former Soviet republics to target the country despite Moscow’s efforts to maintain peace. Washington would rather destroy Taiwan’s semiconductor industry than let it fall into China’s hands, if Beijing attacks the island. That’s the message from a former US National Security Adviser. The Federal Reserve must decide whether to continue raising interest rates to save banks or tackle inflation, as prices rise for consumers, according to the US Labor department. Iran launches its first domestically produced military training jet, in defiance of Western sanctions aimed at strangling the country’s defense industry. — Back to top
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visits Ethiopia and Niger to boost US influence in Africa. Eritrea accuses Washington of impeding peace in the Sahel region. Australia’s plan to buy five nuclear-powered submarines from the US draws criticism from China, amid concerns the deal puts non-proliferation agreements at risk. Russia agrees to extend the Black Sea grain deal, which was set to expire this Saturday, for an initial 60 days but says the West must hold up its part of the agreement and allow the export of Russian grain and fertilizers. Multiple US banks see sharp falls in their stocks, as two American banks collapse over the weekend. President Biden tries to steady the boat, assuring Americans their money is safe. — Back to top
After two US banks collapsed over the weekend, the New York Stock Exchange halts trading in a handful of bank stocks that are crashing, coming just after President Biden tries to calm the waters assuring Americans that their money is safe. The President of Belarus says America has strangled Iran for decades. His comments came as he held bilateral talks in Tehran, where the county’s leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a multipolar world. The BBC makes a U-turn, reinstating its top sports presenter Gary Lineker after sidelining him for comparing the nations migrant policy to that of Germany’s in the 1930’s. — Back to top
China’s leader speaks at the conclusion of the country’s important ‘Two Sessions’ political event and compares how the nation was partially colonialized in the past but now is making rapid advances on the world stage. The head of Russia’s Wagner Group says the battle for a key Ukrainian stronghold is intensifying as Kiev sends in reserve forces, while a Ukrainian commander admits that the Russian troops are closing in as supply routes are being cut off. Asian financial markets tumble amid concerns about a global domino effect, as another US bank has collapsed, but the US Treasury reassures clients that they will get their money back for their secured deposits. Iran announces a plan to issue some 6 billion dollars’ worth of oil bonds and proposes enhanced co-operation with Saudi Arabia to develop oil fields. — Back to top
Thousands of protesters take to the streets in Moldova, demanding the nation’s leader resign as authorities clamp down on the wave of demonstrators converging on the capital. Beijing appoints its new Defense Minister – who’s under US sanctions – as the country’s president Xi Jinping makes history being elected for a third consecutive term. Long-time regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies – a move with significant implications as the Multipolar World continues to blossom. Mass protests gripped Georgia this week, as the political opposition calls for the parliament’s resignation. RT breaks down what sparked the tensions and the role foreign actors played. — Back to top
Beijing appoints a new Defense Minister – who’s under US sanctions – as the country’s leader Xi Jinping makes history becoming China’s first president to be re-elected for a third consecutive term. A father and son are killed in Donetsk, as civilian areas once again come under Ukrainian shelling. Long-time regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies – a move with important geopolitical implications. Mass protests have gripped Georgia this week, as the political opposition calls for the government’s resignation. RT breaks down how these tensions emerged – and the role of foreign influence. — Back to top
The emerging multipolar world brings long-time regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia together as they agree to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies, a move with enormous geopolitical implications. A run on the bank in the US leaves scores of companies and individuals holding the bag as the country’s largest lender to collapse since the 2008 financial crisis is shut down by federal regulators. A father and son are killed in Donetsk, as civilian infrastructure again comes under Ukrainian shelling. As South Africa deals with rolling blackouts, it’s now faced with a shortage of water, as reservoir levels continue to decline, adding to the list of problems in the country. Our correspondent reports from the scene. — Back to top
Long-time regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies, in a move brokered by China with enormous geopolitical implications. US President Joe Biden meets with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to discuss Washington’s contentious Inflation Reduction Act and its potential effects on the European Union. South Africa struggles with water shortages due to uneven distribution and dwindling reservoir levels, as the country already suffers from near-daily electrical power outages. Our correspondent reports from the scene. — Back to top
In a move with enormous geopolitical implications, Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies after years of tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping makes history as the country’s first leader to be elected for a third consecutive term. RT embeds with Russian troops as they advance in Donbass and artillery forces strike front line Ukrainian positions. — Back to top
Chinese leader Xi Jinping makes history as the country’s first president to be re-elected for a third consecutive term. The political opposition in the republic of Georgia says it will end its mass protests only if the current government resigns. RT breaks down how these tensions have emerged, in particular the role of the US. A US health official admits during a hearing about the origins of Covid-19 that Washington was funding research into coronaviruses in a Chinese lab. It’s a revelation that flies in the face of the mainstream US narrative. And, one civilian is killed and two wounded in a Ukrainian artillery attack on a town in the Donetsk Republic, reportedly using a US HIMARS rocket system. — Back to top
Moscow strikes key targets in several Ukrainian cities including in the country’s capital Kiev, as a response to terrorist attacks in Russia’s Bryansk region, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. Political opposition in the republic of Georgia refuse to end mass demonstrations, despite the national parliament pulling the controversial legislation that ignited the protests. Our correspondent witnesses the chaos in the nation’s capital. An assassination attempt in Moldova’s Transnistria region targeting senior officials has been thwarted — that’s according to local authorities who say Ukrainian agents were behind the plan. — Back to top
Riots erupt in the republic of Georgia for the second night in a row, as protesters accuse the government of clamping down on civil society with its new ‘foreign agents’ bill. Police unleashed tear gas and water cannon on the crowds. Our correspondent is there, reporting from the streets. Washington reiterates its view that China is a direct threat to US national security, particularly considering Beijing’s close ties with Moscow. The head of the UN calls for the grain export deal between Russia and Ukraine to be prolonged, as Moscow insists that all sides must abide by the agreement. — Back to top
Two teenage boys are seriously injured in the latest Ukrainian attack on Donetsk as shells hit residential buildings in the city. Western intelligence knew Ukrainian suspects were behind the Nord Stream pipelines blasts, but chose to stay silent. That’s the latest revelation as Western media continue to dodge alternative versions of the attack, a month after journalist Seymour Hersh reported that Washington was to blame. Protests in Georgia against a new foreign agent law enter their second day following Tuesday’s violent unrest, as demonstrators tried to storm the country’s parliament. — Back to top
Protesters in Georgia attempt to storm the country’s Parliament, amid clashes with police, as they rally against a draft law that would brand some media outlets ‘foreign agents’. US and German media outlets claim a ‘Pro-Ukrainian group’ was behind the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines. However, Russia dismisses it as an attempt to shift the blame from the alleged Western involvement. ‘The free people of the world demand dignified treatment from colonialist Europe’ — The former Bolivian president praises his Congolese counterpart for defending his country against former colonial imperialism. — Back to top
China blames the West for escalating the Ukraine conflict and says Washington is pursuing its own geopolitical agenda, while undermining Beijing’s peace plan. A Polish state-run oil company wants to sue Russia for halting petroleum deliveries, while simultaneously admitting that it wanted to break the contract with Moscow itself, but was afraid of fines. The World Bank halts talks with Tunisia over its Western backed president’s racist remarks about African migrants in the country. Locals slam the leader for his hateful speech, accusing him of abusing his power. — Back to top
The West escalates the Ukrainian conflict and pursues its own geopolitical agenda, while undermining Beijing’s proposed peace plan. That’s from China’s Foreign Minister at the major political event called the ‘Two Sessions’. Russia has sent 20,000 tons of fertilizer to Malawi as a part of Moscow’s plan to combat hunger by providing essential goods to developing nations. As Russian troops move to surround the city of Artemovsk in the Donetsk republic, Western media change their narrative to downplay the significance of the Russian advance. We discussed this with a panel of guests. — Back to top
Russia prevents an assassination of its journalist, claiming it was planned by the same Ukraine-based terrorist group which killed civilians in the nation’s Bryansk region last week. Russian artillery obliterates a Ukrainian military convoy as it tries to flee from the city of Artemovsk, or Bakhmut, which is almost completely surrounded by advancing Wagner forces. Ankara considers dropping a deal with the US over buying F-16s in favor of Russian or Chinese fighter jets, casting doubt on Washington’s ability to keep using arms deals to pressure Türkiye. — Back to top
A Ukrainian military convoy is destroyed by Russian artillery fire, as Kiev’s troops flee from the key city of Artemovsk, almost completely encircled by Russian forces. We report from the new International North-South Transport Corridor through which energy resources are delivered from Russia to India, via Iran. The trade route is expected to reach a volume of 32 million tons of cargo by the end of the decade. For impoverished Palestinians in Gaza, a donkey cart is the only opportunity for their children to get to school, as people desperately struggle to make ends meet. — Back to top
Russia strikes a Ukrainian far-right Azov battalion command center in the front line region of Zaporozhye. It comes as Russian forces almost completely encircle Bakhmut, also known as Artemovsk. A fresh wave of protests hit Tel Aviv with police using tear gas and water cannon against demonstrators upset over judicial reforms that would give the government new sweeping powers. The African Union is set to be represented in the G20 from now on, as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov, emphasize the importance of a multilateral world. Protesters in Africa don’t believe French President Macron’s claims that his country will no longer interfere in the continent’s affairs, as they call for the former colonial power to leave for good. — Back to top
The head of Russia’s Wagner Group issues a public address to Ukraine’s President Zelensky, telling him to let his severely weakened troops flee from the city of Artemovsk, also known as Bakhmut. A young boy puts his life at risk while saving other children during a terrorist attack by a Ukrainian extremist group in the Russian border region of Bryansk. The African Union is set to be represented in the G20 from now on, as India’s Prime Minister Modi, alongside Russian top diplomat Sergey Lavrov, emphasizes the importance of a multilateral world order. Protesters in Africa don’t believe French President Macron’s claims that his country will no longer interfere in the continent’s affairs, as they call for the former colonial power to finally leave for good. — Back to top
While Russian forces edge closer to surrounding the city of Artyomovsk, or Bakhmut, RT examines the destruction caused in Donbass, as retreating Ukrainian troops destroyed critical infrastructure to hinder the Russian advance. The head of a neo-Nazi group that claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in a Russian border region admits the operation was coordinated with the Ukrainian military. Iran denies accusations that it has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels as Tehran demands Western powers honor the country’s rights under the 2015 international nuclear deal. China says it refuses to be ‘bullied’ by countries seeking to impose their own domestic laws on other nations. — Back to top
While Russian troops close in on the key city of Artyomovsk, RT examines the destruction that Ukrainian troops have caused during their retreats from other parts of Donbass, as they blew up critical infrastructure to hinder the Russian advance. The head of a pronounced neo-Nazi group that claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in a Russian border region says the incident was coordinated with the Ukrainian military. Amid an emerging multilateral world order, Mozambique says that African nations must be given a permanent presence on the UN Security Council. A new round of clashes erupts between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian residents in the West Bank, as Saudi Arabia becomes the latest to condemn an Israeli land grab in the region. — Back to top
The head of the Wagner Group says Russian forces have essentially surrounded a key stronghold of Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk Republic city of Artyomovsk, also known as Bakhmut. RT reports from the battleground. A young boy puts his life at risk in order to save other children during an attack by a Ukrainian terrorist group in Russia’s Bryansk border region. Revelations emerge that a US think-tank accused 40,000 Twitter handles of working for one of India’s biggest political parties, despite the list packed with accounts of ordinary Americans. — Back to top
New details emerge about the Ukrainian terrorist group whose attack on civilians in a Russian border region has left two people dead and a child wounded. RT examines the evidence behind the militants’ alleged neo-Nazi ideologies. At least one hundred girls in Iran have been hospitalized with a mysterious respiratory ailment, fueling speculation that it might have been a toxic gas attack to force the closure of girls schools. France’s President Macron says his country has no plans to interfere in the domestic affairs of African countries, as his tour of the continent is mired by protests. And, as the first AI-powered government adviser is introduced in Romania, our guests debate whether artificial intelligence can be trusted with official policymaking. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin brands Thursday’s Ukrainian-linked attacks on Russia’s Bryansk region, an act of terror, with Security Services saying explosive devices have been discovered hidden across the area. A Ukrainian group, designated as terrorists by Russia has claimed responsibility for the incident. Its leader was previously tied to neo-Nazi ideology. Russia praises developing countries for their independent decision-making during a gathering of foreign ministers in India while also criticizing the West for its ‘neo-colonial’ habits, including sanctions and the manipulation of international law. As the World Health Organization calls on the global community to rally support for earthquake-struck Syria Washington appears to be using the tragedy to try and undermine political cooperation in the region. We speak to a geopolitical journalist, who says the US won’t be able to put all the blame on the Syrian government anymore. — Back to top
Fighting intensifies near the strategic town of Ugledar in Donetsk Republic, as the Russian military reports 80 Ukrainian troops killed on that front over the past day. India’s Prime Minister Modi delivers a stark warning to world powers at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, as he calls for the global community to support developing nations. France’s President Macron sets out on a tour of Africa amid deteriorating relations and rising sentiments against the former colonial power on the continent. The US government issues a report saying Russia is unlikely to have been involved in the so-called Havana Syndrome incidents, in which American diplomats in Cuba developed mysterious illnesses. — Back to top
Russia’s top diplomat highlights the importance of strengthening inter-cultural dialogue within the G-20 group, in order to find answers to the challenges that the world faces today. The ruling party’s candidate is declared victorious in Nigeria’s presidential election, but questions are raised about the integrity of the ballot. Stun grenades are fired as protests engulf more cities around Israel, coming as anger over the new government’s judicial reforms grows. — Back to top
A head-on collision of two trains in central Greece leaves at least 32 people dead and more than 80 injured. Questions are raised about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system as the ruling party’s candidate narrowly wins victory in the presidential election. The US pats itself on the back for providing humanitarian aid to Yemen, while at the same time supplying weapons for the Saudi-led coalition that’s bombing the Middle Eastern country. We hear from a Red Cross representative about the situation. — Back to top