Daily Updates: May 2022
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** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
A woman and a 5-year-old girl have been killed in the city of Makeyevka in the Donetsk Republic because of shelling from Ukraine forces. That’s according to officials from the republic. RT reports from the scene. Russia’s Gazprom suspends gas supplies to the Netherlands, after it became the fourth European country to refuse to pay for deliveries in rubles. Branded the EU’s “biggest sacrifice”: the bloc announces a tentative deal to ban almost all Russian oil imports, making a temporary exception for pipeline supplies after tough internal opposition. — Back to top
After tough internal opposition, the EU announces a tentative deal for a sixth round of sanctions against Russia, including a partial embargo on oil imports. NATO no longer plans to observe restrictions on stationing forces in Eastern Europe, going against what has long been a red line for Moscow. The Ukrainian military’s notorious Azov Battalion attempts to whitewash its image by getting rid of Nazi symbols on its uniforms, but recent photos show some of those emblems are still being worn. — Back to top
At least three people have been killed in the shelling of residential areas, including several schools, in the city of Donetsk. That’s according to local officials, who accuse the Ukrainian military of deliberately targeting civilians with weapons supplied by the US. An explosion that left two aid workers injured in the Ukrainian city of Melitopol, currently under Russian control, was an act of terrorism, says the local administration. An RT correspondent witnessed the incident. EU countries say the bloc will not be able to negotiate a ban on Russian oil imports, as a high profile European Council meeting goes into full swing in Brussels. — Back to top
RT examines a Ukrainian artillery position in the Lugansk Republic that for years had been used to fire upon local forces. That’s as intense fighting rages on in the Donbass. An unprecedented food insecurity crisis grips Latin American countries, as Western sanctions against Russia disrupt global supply chains. Latvia mulls asking NATO troops to use explosives to blow up a World War II monument to Soviet soldiers in Riga. Prominent Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica tells us the West tries to rewrite its history. — Back to top
RT looks at ongoing efforts to demine the Azovstal industrial area in Mariupol, which was the epicenter of fighting in recent weeks between Russian forces and holed-up Ukrainian nationalist troops. Violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians continue, as a Jewish nationalist march through Jerusalem’s old city starts. A prominent Finish journalist has publically burned the NATO flag, in a protest against his country joining the bloc. He is calling on fellow-Finns to express their anger at the move, claiming the media is now completely under NATO’s control. — Back to top
RT explores the Azovstal industrial area in Mariupol, which was the epicenter of fighting in recent weeks between Russian forces and holed-up Ukrainian nationalist troops, as demining efforts are now underway. Economic turbulence and thousands of lost jobs predicted as the EU aims for a potential sixth round of sanctions against Moscow. A shortage of Russian fertilizers in Mexico takes its toll on local farmers, who have raised alarms about an impending disaster as they lose more and more crops. — Back to top
Heavy fighting continues in the village of Novomikhailovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. With local officials saying Russian-led forces have now regained control of 220 residential areas there. While the West urges Kiev to continue fighting for as long as possible, some surrendering Ukrainian soldiers say they see the situation differently. Giving interviews, they express hope for a peace and urge their fellow soldiers to return home. Protests erupt in the US after Texas police admit they made crucial mistakes while responding to the school shooting that left 19 children dead. Political instability coupled with a severe economic crisis has compounded the suffering of people in Pakistan with many saying the previous government would not have permitted that to happen. — Back to top
The Donetsk People’s Republic says it’s gained control of 220 localities from Ukrainian forces since the war erupted three months ago. Russia doubles down on terrorism accusations against Kiev’s troops in the Donbass. A surrendered Ukrainian marine commander speaks to RT about issues in the war-torn country, including neo-Nazi crimes and the current government’s crackdown on the political opposition. US protests erupt in reaction to a deadly school shooting as Texas police admit they made crucial mistakes when responding to the emergency. — Back to top
Moscow says Russian-led forces have claimed control of over 220 localities since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict with the strategic city of Krasniy Liman the latest. RT talks to locals on the outskirts of a city under constant shelling. Insiders report Washington is changing its stance on Kiev, and trying to distance itself from the conflict as public interest wanes. From being helped to being homeless. Ukrainian refugees are facing eviction, and a cut in benefits, as Europe grows increasingly concerned at the price such help comes at. China accuses the US of profiting from the Ukrainian crisis, stating it’s the EU carrying the burden of the consequences. — Back to top
We report from abandoned fortifications of Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk People’s Republic. From being helped to being homeless. Ukrainian refugees are facing eviction, and a cut in benefits, as Europe grows increasingly concerned at the price such help comes at. RT gets access to a region in Mali torn between confrontations with terrorist groups backed by Al-Qaeda. The Solomon Islands find themselves thrust into a tug-of-war between China and Western allies, as both sides vie for influence over the pacific region. — Back to top
Western suggestions that Ukraine must make territorial concessions to achieve peace, provokes a ‘direct’ response from Kiev. The Russian president remarks on the reasons behind Europe and America’s spiraling economic crisis. Pacific islands find themselves thrust into a tug-of-war between China and Western allies, as both sides vie for influence over the region. — Back to top
RT explores the Mariupol industrial area where Ukrainian fighters attempted to break the siege of Azovstal. But failed leaving debris, arms, and the bodies of fellow soldiers behind. A US intelligence document suggests keeping a close watch on Americans traveling to Ukraine, with the government fearing supporters of neo-Nazi groups could return home, battle hardened. Pakistan deploys the army against supporters of the ousted prime minister Imran Khan, that’s as a march backing him, turned violent amid demands for early elections. — Back to top
Russia says it has sufficient funds to pay its foreign debts in rubles. It’s in response to Washington barring Moscow from fulfilling its obligations in dollars, with media outlets once again pushing the ‘default’ narrative. The Russian president visits wounded Russian soldiers in a Moscow hospital, wishing them a fast recovery. RT explores the bunkers of the Azovstal Steel plant in Mariupol, where female fighters sheltered during the siege. The South African president sounds the alarm, saying that anti-Russian sanctions are hurting neutral quote, ‘bystander’ states, particular African nations, with many already impacted greatly by the pandemic and droughts. — Back to top
RT explores the bunkers of the Azovstal Steel plant, where women-fighters sheltered with their children during the siege. As the West urges Ukraine to fight to the end, one voice stands out. Henry Kissinger says Ukraine should become a bridge between Europe and Russia. India restricts its sugar exports amid fears of surging prices after Western sanctions against Russia take their toll on global food markets. Deep divisions again grip the US over gun controls, as President Biden calls for a tougher stance against the powerful gun lobby. That’s after a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas, where 19 children were killed. — Back to top
RT films exclusive drone footage of the devastated landscape of the Mariupol Steel Plant as Russian and DPR forces gain full control of the area. Industry leaders predict turbulence for businesses and thousands of lost jobs in the EU as a result of a possible sixth round of sanctions set to be imposed by Brussels on Russia. Wimbledon’s political decision to ban Russian and Belarusian tennis players leaves the grand-slam’s reputation severely bruised as high-profile stars boycott the event. As the QUAD summit of nations takes place in Tokyo, we look at why the US seems to be the main beneficiary of the four-country organization. — Back to top
RT exclusively films the devastated landscape of the Mariupol Steel Plant from the air after Russian and DPR forces gained full control of the area. President Biden kicks off the QUAD summit of nations, by making the Ukraine crisis among the key issues. That’s as he aims to get India on board with punishing Russia. New York’s mayor declares a state of emergency over the nationwide shortage of baby formula, with existing supply chain disruptions aggravating the situation. Saudi Arabia signals it will continue to support Russia’s role in the OPEC+ oil producers group, despite western efforts to isolate Moscow. — Back to top
Our correspondent reports exclusively from inside the Azov steel plant, getting access to the former hideout of Ukrainian troops after the last group of them surrendered, ending a three-month siege. Joe Biden states the US is ready to intervene militarily if China takes military action against Taiwan. Entrepreneur Elon Musk mocks a key tenet of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, claiming her intention to create links between Donald Trump and Russia was a “hoax”. — Back to top
Our correspondent reports exclusively from inside the Azovstal plant, getting access to the former hideout of Ukrainian troops, after the last group of them surrendered, ending a three-month siege. A shortage of Russian fertilizers in Mexico takes its toll on local farmers, who call out the growing disaster, losing more and more crops. A quarter of the world is said to be on the verge of famine as the war in Ukraine and western sanctions against Russia disrupt global supply chains. We discuss the issue with a panel of guests. — Back to top
We report from the steelworks factory in the Donbass city of Mariupol, where the remaining Ukrainian garrison troops surrendered to Russian-led forces this week. Joe Biden’s administration faces backlash in the US, after signing a 40-billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine, despite spiraling inflation and product shortages at home. While some American lawmakers are not buying the excuse that it’s all Russia’s fault. Turkey opposes an attempt by Sweden and Finland to join NATO, unless they address Ankara’s security concerns. We look at the rift within the Western military alliance. — Back to top
Our correspondent reports from the Azovstal factory in Mariupol, where the last pocket of Ukrainian fighters in the city has surrendered. Russian and Donetsk forces are now in full control of the facility where Ukrainian troops have been hiding for months. Joe Biden signs legislation to send 40 billion dollars to Ukraine, despite the US struggling with its highest inflation rate in four decades. Biden blames the price inflation on Russia, but not all Americans are buying into it. Turkey opposes an attempt by Sweden and Finland to join NATO unless they address Ankara’s security concerns. We look at the rift within the Western military alliance. The UN calls for increased international efforts to help Africa’s Sahel region, where 18 million people are on the brink of starvation under a persistent threat of terrorist attack. — Back to top
As Russian-led forces claim full control over the last foothold of Ukrainian troops in the Donbass city of Mariupol. RT becomes the first international outlet to report from the scene. Italy’s proposal for ending the conflict in Ukraine receives lukewarm support from EU officials, despite simmering public anger across Europe, over the backlash of sanctions. In a dramatic political U-turn, the world’s richest man says he will switch his allegiance to the Republican Party. That’s as Democrats criticize Elon Musk for his efforts to buy Twitter. — Back to top
The Russian army takes full control of the Azov steelworks in Mariupol, marking an end to almost three months of siege. A former French soldier, who’s been volunteering as a medical worker in Ukraine, cries foul over Western attempts to legitimize far-right Ukrainian troops who are being supplied with weapons from NATO countries. Russian and Donbass forces are about to take complete control of the territories of the Lugansk Republic. That’s according to Russia’s Defense Minister, who says Moscow is doing everything it can to protect civilians there. — Back to top
The Lugansk Republic is about to come under full control of Russia and its regional allies. That’s according to the Russian defense minister, who stresses that Moscow is doing everything it can to protect civilians. Our correspondent reports from the Donbass frontline, where Donetsk forces are defending their positions from the Ukrainian army – and preparing to advance. A former French army soldier, who’s been volunteering as a medical worker in Ukraine cries foul over what he calls Western attempts to legitimize Kiev’s neo-Nazi troops – who are being supplied with weapons from NATO countries. As the international community faces global challenges, China proposes the expansion of the BRICS alliance – the biggest change to the group in over a decade – with Argentina named a top candidate. — Back to top
The US Senate approves sending 40 billion dollars in aid to Ukraine, despite the objections of some lawmakers who say there’s a dire need to tackle America’s own problems first. Our correspondent reports from the Donbass frontline, where Donetsk forces resist the Ukrainian army at strategic positions and say it’s time to make an advance. Beijing proposes expanding the BRICS alliance, with Argentina positioned as a top candidate to join the rising powers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. — Back to top
The European Parliament urges sanctions to be imposed on former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and ex-Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl – for their close ties with Russia. Croatia’s president joins his Turkish counterpart in opposing Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO. Almost two thousand Ukrainian troops, including members of the nationalist Azov battalion, have laid down their weapons at Mariupol’s besieged steel plant this week. — Back to top
One civilian is reported killed and several others wounded in the shelling of a Russian village near the Ukrainian border. Local officials say the Ukrainian military committed the attack. Meanwhile almost a thousand Ukrainian troops surrender at Mariupol’s Azovstal steel factory, with captured neo-Nazis from the Azov Battalion due to stand trial for alleged war crimes. Croatia joins Turkey in blocking an attempt by Nordic countries Finland and Sweden to enter NATO, saying their security concerns have not been adequately addressed. The UN calls on Russia to restore food supplies to global markets, as Moscow puts a retaliatory ban on exports of fertilizers and grains in response to Western sanctions over Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine. — Back to top
Turkey has reportedly blocked Finland and Sweden from joining NATO – after the Nordic countries handed in their official applications. Ankara demands the handover of what it calls terrorist groups harbored by Helsinki and Stockholm. Almost a thousand Ukrainian troops have surrendered at the Azovstal factory in the Donbass city of Mariupol with captured neo-Nazis from the Azov battalion, due to stand trial for war crimes. The US eases some of its sanctions against Venezuela’s energy sector – as Washington seeks to secure additional oil imports, despite its long-running differences with Caracas. UK officials suggest locals start picking up extra work to help themselves out – with the government apparently powerless to do anything about soaring consumer prices which have already hit a 40-year high. — Back to top
Moscow says captured Ukrainian neo-Nazis must face justice and thus cannot be exchanged for Russian prisoners of war. That’s as more than 260 Ukrainian soldiers, mostly from the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion, have surrendered at a steel factory in Mariupol. An RT crew follows the event on location. Washington seeks to expand its own authority for investigating alleged crimes abroad, despite long criticizing attempts by the International Criminal Court to probe alleged US war crimes in the Middle East. The EU reveals a loophole for companies to legally purchase Russian gas without violating the sanctions. — Back to top
The first group of Ukrainian fighters surrenders at the besieged Mariupol Azov Steel Plant. Some of the wounded have been taken to hospitals in the Donetsk region. Despite the surrender of the troops at the plant the western media joins Kiev, in portraying the situation as an evacuation in what some are seeing as an information war. China lashes out at the G7 – telling it to mind its own business and not to ignite colored revolutions around the world – after the group demands Beijing halts its support for Russia. — Back to top
Vladimir Putin accuses the West of quote “outrageous russophobia” and pursuing aggressive NATO expansion that benefits Washington. Hungary’s Prime Minister says Brussels is ‘abusing its power’, as an EU official accuses Hungary of holding Europe ‘hostage’ with its opposition to a proposed embargo on Russian oil. Global wheat prices surge to record highs after India bans exports to tackle domestic market problems. That hasn’t stopped western countries from pushing New Delhi to continue sending supplies abroad. Our correspondent reports exclusively from the territory of the besieged Azov Steel Plant, where battles between ‘Russian and Donetsk Republic joint forces’ and local ultra-nationalist battalions continue to rage. — Back to top
Russia says it’ll beef up its military on the border with Finland if the country becomes a member of NATO that’s after Helsinki announces a formal decision to join the alliance. An RT correspondent reports exclusively from the territory of the besieged Azov Steel Plant, where battles between Russian and Donbass joint forces and local ultra-nationalist battalions are still raging. After ten are killed in a racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, social media users point out the shooter used the same neo-Nazi symbol as the Ukrainian Azov battalion, although with few links being made. India says it’ll still export grain to those countries in desperate need. That’s after New Delhi was slammed by the west for announcing an export ban amid its own food security fears. — Back to top
Finland announces its formal decision to join NATO citing the altered security layout in Europe. That’s despite decades of military neutrality and Moscow’s warnings of possible retaliatory measures to threats near its borders. RT reports from a key battle zone in the Ukraine conflict, Rubezhnoye, as forces from the Lugansk People’s Republic take control of a major chemical production facility in the region. US Senator Rand Paul delays the Senate’s approval of a 40 billion dollar aid package to Ukraine, saying support to Kiev can’t come at the expense of American interests. As Russia marked the annual commemoration of victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, Ukrainian troops attempted to recapture an Island in the Black Sea on the eve of the symbolic day with the operation failing in its aim. — Back to top
The approval of a new 40 billion dollar US aid package to Ukraine is delayed by a Republican senator. RT launches special coverage focused on the untold stories of Ukrainian refugees, who’ve fled to Russia, claiming they were given little help to escape the conflict. Residents of Donetsk and Lugansk take part in Victory Day celebrations as a more peaceful life slowly returns to cities in the Donbass after years of being on the front line. — Back to top
Donetsk Republic authorities report multiple shelling of residential areas by Ukrainian troops on Saturday. The attacks left one person injured and many buildings severely damaged. Our correspondent witnesses the de-mining operation in Mariupol as the city struggles to return to normal life, amid ongoing fighting at a steel plant. Saudi Arabia warns the US against taking legal action against OPEC-plus, which could lead to a huge rise in oil prices. It comes as the commodity reaches seven-year highs. — Back to top
An RT crew is shelled in the Donetsk Republic, with two cameramen wounded and taken to hospital. Our correspondent witnesses the de-mining operation in Mariupol as the city struggles to return to normal life, amid the ongoing fighting at the Azov Steel plant. Israeli police confront mourners at the funeral of an Al Jazeera journalist killed during clashes in West Bank, with Palestinian and Israeli officials blaming each other for the tragedy. The US disinformation governance board chief claims she’s trustworthy enough to edit other Twitter users posts, prompting a barrage of anger online. — Back to top
Two cameramen are wounded and taken to hospital as an RT crew come under shelling by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk Republic. Our correspondent reports from Ukrainian military bases in Mariupol, which they abandoned as Russian forces advanced. That’s as Russian and Donetsk soldiers continue to fight at the Azov Steel plant on the outskirts of the city. Israeli police confronts mourners at the funeral of an Al Jazeera journalist killed during clashes in West Bank, with Palestinian and Israeli officials blaming each other for the tragedy. A Latvian Member of the European Parliament gets detained as protests against the demolition of a memorial to Soviet soldiers unfold in the Latvian capital. — Back to top
A Republican senator blocks a 40 billion dollar US aid package for Ukraine, saying the American economy will be doomed if Washington continues to spend more money there. Our correspondent reports from Ukrainian military bases in Mariupol, which they abandoned as Russian forces advanced. That’s as Russian and Donetsk soldiers continue to fight at the Azov Steel plant on the outskirts of the city. Latvia paves the way to demolish a Soviet-era memorial and launches probes against people who protested against disrespect shown to the World War II monument during victory day commemorations. — Back to top
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says the country will be forced to retaliate with military measures – if Finland follows through with its plan to join NATO. Vladimir Putin says the West is heading for an economic disaster, due to the backlash of sanctions against Moscow while Ukraine makes things even worse for Europe, by suspending Russian gas transit through a key hub. A former French soldier rattles Western media by claiming he saw Ukraine’s radical Azov Battalion torture and murder captured Russian troops. Latvia authorizes the demolition of a prominent World War Two-era memorial to Soviet soldiers – amid a conflict between Latvian authorities and residents over the removal of commemorative flowers at the monument. — Back to top
NATO may soon add two new Nordic members near Russia, as Finland and Sweden are expected to announce they’ll join the Western military bloc and give up their historic neutrality. A French former soldier shocks the Western media by saying he saw Ukraine’s neo-Nazi Azov Battalion torture and murder captured Russian soldiers, and threaten to commit other atrocities. Ukrainians seek refuge in neighboring Russia, despite Kiev’s attempts to deter them from crossing the eastern border. RT presents special coverage of the stories of Ukrainian refugees. — Back to top
Gas prices skyrocket in Europe, after Ukraine suspends a key transit supply route while Hungary panics over a proposed EU embargo on Russian oil. Meanwhile, British authorities raise the alarm, after more than 100 incidents of open fires in local homes as residents turn off the gas and resort to firewood, to save money. We discuss Joe Biden’s plan to prolong the war in Ukraine – by giving Kiev 40 billion more dollars in support – with a panel of experts. RT’s special coverage focuses on the untold stories of Ukrainian refugees, many of whom have fled to Russia – despite objections from Kiev. — Back to top
With gas prices skyrocketing, Europe is set to lose even more of its supplies via Ukraine, as Kiev says it’ll cut off one-third of the Russian imports of the commodity that transit its territory. A thoughtless PR stunt. That’s how Moscow describes Kiev’s attempt to reclaim Snake Island in the Black Sea, in an operation in which a number of elite Ukrainian soldiers were killed. While Kiev tries to intimidate people into not evacuating to safety in neighboring Russia, a narrative echoed by mainstream media outlets, we hear from Donbass refugees who have successfully resettled in Russia. US President Joe Biden once again shifts the blame on Russia for surging domestic price inflation, but many Americans doubt that. — Back to top
Germany’s Foreign Minister pledges more heavy weapons for Ukraine’s war effort, during her first visit to the conflict-torn country while also promising to shut down Germany’s imports of Russian energy resources, for good. At least two civilians have reportedly been killed in the shelling of residential areas in the Donbass city of Donetsk, by Ukraine’s military. It’s the second such attack, just this week. The Ukrainian president’s administration draws criticism for proudly posting an image of a soldier wearing a Nazi-era symbol. We hear from an American journalist who describes the modern atrocities of neo-Nazis in Ukraine, since the 2014 coup in Kiev. Despite mounting Western pressure on countries to join anti-Russia sanctions, China reiterates its neutral position while significantly increasing the import of Russian goods. — Back to top
Tremendous fireworks displays celebrating the historic defeat of Nazism are held across cities in Ukraine and the Donbass where Russian forces have taken control. Victory Day celebrations in the Donbass are freely held for the first time since the coup in Kiev eight years ago. We hear from an American journalist who describes how things were during that time in the city of Lugansk. Ukraine’s President Zelensky and its military post a photo on social media of a soldier proudly displaying a Nazi symbol, in a message about Victory Day commemorations. Missiles reportedly strike the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, destroying several buildings allegedly used by the Ukrainian military. — Back to top
Russians unite on Victory Day with parades and “Immortal Regiment” marches taking place across the country, honoring both fallen and living soldiers. Residents of the Donbass city of Mariupol openly join in the celebrations – for the first time since the area was seized by the Ukrainian military eight years ago. While in his Victory Day address, Vladimir Putin draws parallels between the current conflict in Ukraine, and the fight against the Nazis during the Second World War. US President Joe Biden is to sign a ‘Lend-Lease Act’ later today with the aim of facilitating an increase in military supplies to Kiev. — Back to top
The neo-Nazi Azov Battalion says Kiev has essentially left them to die, trapped in a steel factory in Mariupol, despite Russian troops having repeatedly offered them a chance to surrender. An American activist and politician visiting the Lugansk Republic expresses concerns about US support for neo-Nazis in Ukraine. G7 leaders pledge to cut Russian oil imports, despite price inflation rates already setting record highs. With Russia’s main military parade to take place on Moscow’s Red Square in an hour, we bring you special coverage right from the heart of the Russian capital. — Back to top
The last civilians have been evacuated from Mariupol’s embattled steel factory, with Donetsk Republic officials reporting a total of 182 now brought to safety. We’ve heard from some of them. NATO conducts military drills close to the Russian and Belarusian borders. However, a former senior diplomat from NATO partner New Zealand urges caution against the alliance’s policy of arming Kiev. Slovakia and Hungary slam the EU’s plan to ban Russian oil imports, with the Hungarian prime minister describing the proposal as akin to a “nuclear bomb” being dropped on his economy. — Back to top
The evacuation from the embattled steel factory in Mariupol is finally completed, with a total of more than 100 civilians being brought to safety after having been trapped inside. We’ve heard from some of them. NATO conducts military drills close to the Russian and Belarusian borders. However, a former senior diplomat from NATO partner New Zealand urges caution against the alliance’s policy of arming Kiev. Slovakia and Hungary slam the EU’s plan to ban Russian oil imports, with the Hungarian prime minister describing the proposal as a “nuclear bomb” being dropped on the economy. — Back to top
Dozens of civilians are taken to safety from a steel plant in Mariupol, as nationalist battalions continue to hold out at the site. Around 400 more people were evacuated from the city overnight. “An attempted terrorist attack”: that’s how Moscow has described an incident in Berlin, where an explosive device was found in an apartment building used solely by Russian journalists. A reporter in the complex described what happened. Amid yet another round of anti-Russia sanctions, the US is gearing up to ban uranium imports from the country, but could the move actually hurt the American economy more than it does Russia? — Back to top
50 civilians, including 11 children, have been taken to safety from the ‘Azovstal’ steel plant in Mariupol, as nationalist forces continue to hold out there. An apartment block housing Russian reporters in Berlin is attacked, with an apparent explosive device defused there. Amid yet another round of anti-Russia sanctions, the US could ban Russian uranium imports to the country, though some fear the move could be equally damaging to the American economy too. Thousands gather in Pakistan, in a show of support for the former Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who was ousted last month. — Back to top
The latest footage from the port city of Mariupol shows another group of civilians being evacuated to safety. Earlier, UN and Donetsk Republic officials said more than five hundred people had left the area overnight. We heard from some of the evacuees. “A Nuclear bomb dropped on the state’s economy”: That’s how the Hungarian Prime Minister has described the total ban on Russian oil proposed by the EU. As diesel prices hit record highs in the US, the Biden administration puts the blame squarely on Vladimir Putin. Though not all, including those in the farming industry, accept that narrative. — Back to top
Our correspondent reports from a city in the Lugansk Republic now cleared of nationalist forces, where much needed humanitarian aid is being delivered to locals. The price of diesel hits an all-time high in the US, as the Biden administration tries to pin the blame on President Putin, although many people aren’t buying that narrative. Russia tells the UN, the West only wants to hear one side of events, turning a blind eye to any pro-Russian argument over the war. A risk to the very unity of the EU: Hungary warns the bloc’s plans for a total oil embargo against Russia, risk ‘a historical failure’. — Back to top
As the Russian military opens a three-day humanitarian corridor for civilians at a steel plant in Mariupol. We hear from those evacuated from the site about the nightmare they’ve had to endure. The EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell says cutting GAS supplies from Russia is out of the question but that doesn’t stop the bloc’s commission from proposing a new round of sanctions on Russian energy. The US is expected to pass a bill which could leave OPEC members open to lawsuits. It was announced immediately after the head of the cartel said there was no current possibility to replace Russian oil. America’s envoy to the UN is seemingly caught off guard by a question on double standards by Washington on the Israel-Palestine conflict. — Back to top
The Russian military has opened a new humanitarian corridor for civilians from the Azov-stal steel plant in Mariupol. We hear from those evacuated about the nightmare they’ve had to endure. The EU’s unity is put to the test over plans for a total ban on Russian oil by the end of the year with Slovakia warning it will destroy the bloc’s economy. The Italian prime minister wants to abandon a core value of EU decision making, the unanimous approach, when it comes to foreign policy, preferring “pragmatic federalism”. One Italian journalist fears that will simply lead to disunion within the block. — Back to top
Local authorities report multiple casualties as Ukrainian forces continue to shell several cities in the Donetsk Republic – including Makeevka where an oil depot is still on fire following a morning strike. While in the port of Mariupol nationalist forces encircled in a steel plant are ignoring demands to release the remaining civilians there and lay down their arms – that’s according to the Russian Defense Minister. He adds the situation in the city is now under control. The EU commission reportedly fails to reach consensus on a total ban on Russian oil by the end of this year, as part of a new round of sanctions. That’s as some bloc members express grave concerns for the move, citing dependence on the energy supplies. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in France to hold talks with counterpart Emmanuel Macron as part of his European diplomatic tour. The trip’s happening despite ongoing Western pressure on New Delhi to change its neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict. — Back to top
India’s Prime Minister continues his tour of Europe amid ongoing Western pressure on New Delhi, to drop its neutrality over the war in Ukraine and join the crippling sanctions against Russia. Washington is called out for back slapping itself on press Freedom day despite criticism from journalists worldwide of the pressure applied against views opposing official and mainstream narratives. Cracks appear in European society over military support for Kiev with Germany divided and Bulgarians rallying against getting involved in the conflict. — Back to top
Russia reportedly resumes its offensive on Mariupol’s Azov-stal Steel Plant. That’s as Ukrainian forces are accused of breaking the ceasefire, earlier put in place to evacuate civilians to safety. Vladimir Putin outlines new tit-for-tat economic measures in response to Western sanctions against Russia – the list could include a ban on ‘raw materials’ export. The Hungarian foreign minister slams what he describes as “unjustified attacks” by the West over Budapest’s position on Russian energy supplies. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Denmark on day two of his working trip to Europe. It comes against a backdrop of Western pressure on New Delhi to join sanctions against Russia. — Back to top
US defense contractors find it hard to hide their delight over soaring profits amid the war in Ukraine as the White House puts in order after order for arms, to help Kiev fight for its freedom. A former key official from New Zealand, lashes out at NATO’s aggressive policy of arming Ukraine. A notorious, radical website in Ukraine, slaps the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, on its list of ‘enemies of the state’, for refusing to play ball with western sanctions. — Back to top
More than 100 civilians have been transported to safety by Russian military from the besieged Azovstal factory in Mariupol. Some of them say they were aware of the humanitarian corridors, but Ukrainian nationalists refused to let them leave. Our correspondent in Mariupol reveals just how heavily Ukraine’s nationalist forces depend on Western technology – as we investigate armored vehicles captured by Russia. We look back at the unpunished killing of dozens of activists by pro-Kiev radicals in Ukraine’s city of Odessa eight years ago, to the day. As Russia’s export of fuel to Western countries plummets, Beijing has strengthened its economic ties with Moscow. Exports of Russian gas to China increasing by 60 percent since last year. — Back to top
Russia’s top diplomat says it’s the EU that’s weaponizing gas supplies with its threat to cut all ties with Russian energy. That’s as the commodity has become a major stumbling block in relations between Russia and the EU. The Russian military announces temporary ceasefires to evacuate civilians from the besieged Azovstal factory in Mariupol. The industrial complex bears the last pocket of Ukrainian nationalist resistance in the city. In an attempt to rewrite history, Ukraine begins a mass dismantlement of monuments to Soviet soldiers who had fought to free Ukraine from Nazi occupation during World War Two. International Workers’ Day turns violent in a number of countries, including France and Germany, where police use tear gas against angry protesters and make a number of arrests. — Back to top
Russian officials say 80 civilians have been evacuated to safety, from the blockaded Mariupol steel factory this weekend. Our correspondent in Donbass reveals banned Ukrainian land-mines – which Kiev had apparently concealed for years, in violation of international agreements. While the UN chief and Russia call for a multi-polar world, the US tries to convince some countries to oppose that initiative. Moscow says Poland is still buying Russian gas but from Germany. That’s after Warsaw was cut off from direct supplies from Russia, over Poland’s refusal to pay in rubles. — Back to top
We report from just outside the besieged Azovstal steel factory, the last pocket of Ukrainian nationalist resistance in Mariupol, as the forces there allegedly use civilians as human shields. While the UN’s chief and other powers call for more multi-polarity in the world, the US tries to convince countries to oppose that initiative. No more Russian gas for Poland and Bulgaria after they refuse to pay in rubles, but they try to minimize the impact of their decisions. — Back to top