Daily Updates: May 2023
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** MSK = Moscow Standard Time
Russia’s defense ministry says the Chechen military unit called AKHMAT has been ordered on the offensive in Donbass, while in Odessa, Russian forces sank Ukraine’s last naval ship. Russia’s foreign minister takes a swipe at western attitudes during his tour of Africa, while hailing independent decision-making for the continent’s countries. As Washington tries to convince New Delhi to join the NATO+ alliance, Beijing says the US must stop trying to pit India against China. — Back to top
Four civilians are wounded as Ukrainian forces shell the Russian border region of Belgorod overnight. Local authorities have evacuated 300 children from the districts under attack. Russia’s Foreign Minister is in Mozambique, the third stop on his diplomatic tour of Africa as Moscow highlights the continent’s rising power. In an exclusive interview with RT, the President of Cuba covers a wide range of issues, from opportunities in the BRICS group to the de-dollarization process. Today marks the 121st anniversary of the Second Boer War, during which British aggression against South Africans claimed nearly 70,000 lives in brutal combat and concentration camps. We look at the legacy of the violent conflict. — Back to top
Russia’s president confirms Moscow recently struck a Ukrainian military intelligence headquarters in Kiev. Ukraine conducts a drone attack on residential buildings in Moscow, which the Kremlin calls an act of terror. Giving Washington the cold shoulder – China’s Defense Minister turns down the Pentagon’s request for a closed-door meeting. Russia’s top diplomat claims the west’s role in the Ukraine conflict is tantamount to supporting genocide. Strong words coming from Sergey Lavrov on his latest tour of Africa, including a visit to Burundi. — Back to top
Several drones hit residential buildings around Moscow. The city’s mayor says there’s no significant damage or injuries. Violence erupts in Northern Kosovo with dozens wounded as Serbian protesters and NATO-led security forces clash. Serbia’s president has demanded Western nations help resolve the situation. Putting the brakes on Rolls-Royce — New Delhi files a graft case against the major British multi-national company, alleging bribery played a role in gaining contracts to manufacture jet aircrafts for the Indian military. — Back to top
Tear gas and stun grenades in Kosovo, as Serbians protest against the presence of NATO-forces in the region. Uganda’s top lawmaker has the welcome mat pulled out from under his feet in Washington and his visa canceled over a controversial new LGBT bill in Kampala. The President of the Kalashnikov defense company gives an exclusive interview to RT covering the latest developments in the arms industry. — Back to top
Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins a third term as Türkiye’s president – taking victory in a run-off election against opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, concluding a stand-off which now sets the country’s path for the next five years. Russian forces advance their positions outside the strategic Donbass city of Artyomovsk, also known as Bakhmut. RT reports from the battleground. The fate of hundreds of businesses supporting thousands of Palestinians is in the dark, as Israel bans furniture exports from Gaza, further denting the ability for locals to earn a living. — Back to top
With counting well underway in Türkiye, incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leading the presidential race in the run-off election, nudging ahead of his rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. As the country is choosing its next leader, we are bringing you all the latest from the center of events. As Israeli / Palestinian tensions are on the rise, China proposes to broker a peace deal, just as it did in the Middle East earlier this year. Global energy security to western meddling in oil output were all on the agenda, as the Iranian President met the Secretary-General of the OPEC oil producers’ group in Tehran. — Back to top
Türkiye heads to the polls this Sunday to choose its next leader in a run-off, as the world closely watches the political battle between the incumbent president Recep Erdogan and his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Our correspondent follows Wagner private military company fighters in Artyomovsk, also known as Bakhmut, as Russia takes full control over the key Donbass city after nine-months of intense fighting. This week, the African continent marked ‘National Africa Day’, celebrating the victory over colonialism and the end of apartheid. — Back to top
Only one day to go until Türkiye’s run-off Presidential election on Sunday, as the two leading candidates from the first round battle for the top spot. Over a hundred people die in two weeks of spiraling violence between communities in central Nigeria. The EU agrees to review its newly imposed tariffs on carbon good imports after New Delhi’s complaint. That comes as even Germany’s European People’s Party rejects the bloc’s ‘green’ initiatives. — Back to top
Only one day to go until Türkiye’s run-off Presidential election set to take place on Sunday, as the top two candidates from the first round battle for the number one spot. Over a hundred people die in two weeks of spiraling violence between communities in central Nigeria. The EU agrees to tackle its newly imposed tariffs on carbon good imports after New Delhi’s complaint. That comes as Germany’s European People’s Party rejects the bloc’s “green” initiatives. — Back to top
Serbian President Alexander Vucic puts the army on high alert and orders its units to move closer to the border with Kosovo, following clashes between members of Kosovo Special Forces and Serbians. A woman is killed as Ukrainian forces shell residential areas of Donetsk with US-supplied HIMARS rockets. It comes a day after 7 civilians, including two children, were wounded by Kiev’s artillery in a neighboring town. Chinese Special Envoy says European countries should address the symptoms and root cases of the Ukraine conflict, as Germany calls on China to influence Russia to withdraw. — Back to top
A Ukrainian drone reportedly crashes into a building in the Russian city of Krasnodar on Friday morning. Local authorities say no one was injured in the incident. The US criticizes the UN for meeting a Russian representative on children’s rights wanted by the International Criminal Court, despite Washington itself not recognizing the global organization’s mandate when it comes to its own activities. A prominent South African politician reminds the West of its double standards when it comes to its war crimes across the Middle East. Following the boom of AI technologies, we discuss the perspectives and dangers of robotics with a panel of guests. — Back to top
Moscow and Minsk sign a deal to deploy non-strategic Russian nuclear arms to Belarus to combat the growing threat from NATO. South Africa’s President underlines the continent’s sovereignty and position of non-alignment with the west, as Africa celebrates its successes in fighting colonialism and apartheid. Iran releases footage of its latest mid-range ballistic missile, which outperforms the country’s other systems in terms of payload capacity and speed. — Back to top
President Putin says western sanctions are backfiring and only harming those who impose them, as the emergence of the multi-polar world makes any Western dictate futile. The Russian military repels another drone attack on Crimea, downing six drones over the city of Sevastopol. It comes just a day after the Russian fleet thwarted an attack on its battleship in the Black Sea. Ahead of the Turkish presidential election runoffs, we speak to a Member of the Turkish President’s Council on Security and Foreign Policy about the future of Ankara’s diplomacy and diminishing prospects of EU membership. — Back to top
President Vladimir Putin says Russia’s becoming an economic locomotive despite harsh pressure, with western sanctions backfiring and only harming themselves. RT reports exclusively from the scene of one the deadliest urban battles zones in recent history, Artyomovsk – also known as Bakmut – which is now under the control of Russia’s Wagner Paramilitary group after over 200 days of fierce fighting. As the Russian Defense Ministry releases images of US-made equipment destroyed in a Ukrainian raid on the Belgorod Region, Washington struggles to explain the footage, claiming its weapons aren’t used to target Russian territory. — Back to top
As Russia’s defense ministry releases images of US-made equipment destroyed in a Ukrainian raid on the Belgorod Region, Washington struggles to explain the footage, still maintaining its weapons wouldn’t be used to target Russian territory. Despite Western pressure, the president of Republika Srpska pays an official visit to Moscow, blaming Western actions for escalating the conflict in Ukraine. The leader gave an exclusive interview to RT. A former presidential candidate endorses President Erdogan ahead of the run-off election in Türkiye. We examine the reasons why the incumbent president got Sinan Ogan’s backing. — Back to top
One civilian is killed, 13 more wounded in a Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Belgorod region. Moscow says over 70 militants were killed in the raid. The EU’s foreign policy chief blackmails Balkan states into choosing between EU membership, and ties with Russia as Brussels pushes Belgrade to join in the sanctions against Moscow. Russia’s Deputy National Security chief meets with the Defense Minister of Laos as the two countries seek to expand their military partnership, to counter security threats in Asia. — Back to top
Multiple civilian buildings are damaged in Ukrainian drone attacks in the Belgorod region, as Russian forces continue operations on the border following a Ukrainian saboteur raid which left at least 8 civilians wounded. RT follows Russian soldiers in combat training at Europe’s biggest army range as they prepare to take on Western-supplied arms in battlefield conditions. Ankara urges Washington to find the assailant behind the attack on a Turkish polling site in New York, as Western media continues to criticize the Turkish President for not aligning with Western values. Japan’s ambassador is summoned by China, as Beijing hits back at anti-China rhetoric and claims of threats from G7 states at the group’s summit in Hiroshima. — Back to top
Special anti-terror lock down measures are put in place in the Russian border region of Belgorod, after a sabotage group from Ukraine was said to be trying to stage an attack. RT reports exclusively from Artyomovsk – also known as Bakmut – which has come under Russian control after 224 days of some of the bloodiest fighting of the conflict. In what could prove a decisive move, the third placed candidate in the recent Turkish presidential election, says he’s now throwing his support behind the incumbent leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, ahead of Sunday’s runoff vote. — Back to top
RT reports from Donetsk, where Ukrainian shelling of residential areas leaves a boy severely wounded with one of his legs having to be amputated. Vladimir Zelensky’s global tour to rally support goes south, as Arab leaders brush off his condemnation for their decision to stay neutral in the conflict. The Ukrainian president later became the headliner at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, treated to a rockstar welcome, but seemingly ignored a scheduled meeting with another world leader. The UN and its Security Council will remain a place just to “talk shop” if present day global realities are not on the table. That’s according to India’s Prime Minister, who’s calling for the organization to be reformed. — Back to top
Moscow announces the Wagner private military company is now in full control of the key Donbass city of Artyomovsk, also known as Bakhmut, and will hand its positions to the Russian military in the next few days. It’s seconds out, round two as Türkiye presidential election goes to a runoff, after no contender secured enough votes for outright victory. China slams G7 leaders for making Beijing a scapegoat in the Ukraine conflict. That’s as approval ratings for the western heads of state look increasingly bleak back home. — Back to top
Moscow announces that the Wagner private military company now fully controls the key Donbass city of Artyomovsk – also known as Bakhmut – and will hand its positions over to the Russian military in the coming days. A run-off between the top two candidates in Türkiye’s Presidential election is confirmed after neither contender secures enough votes in the first round. The head-to-head ballot will take place next weekend. For the first time in the UN’s history, the Nakba, a day of Palestinian national tragedy, has been officially commemorated. It comes as Gaza mourns the victims of this month’s Israeli attacks. — Back to top
The Wagner private military company claims it’s finally in full control of the city of Artyomovsk – also known as Bakhmut – and will hand it to Russia forces next week. Setting sights on the target, Russia’s foreign minister claims the west is actively discussing the dismemberment of his country. The resumption of direct flights between Tbilisi and Moscow sees turbulence in the Georgian parliament and scuffles on the streets, as anger boils over at the decision. — Back to top
Another missile attack by Ukrainian forces on Donbass, with civilian areas hit, including a hospital. RT reports from the scene in the center of Donetsk. Tensions are on the rise in Georgia, as the first plane from Moscow lands in Tbilisi after a four-year absence. The move sparked heated actions in the Georgian parliament, with opposition activists taking to the streets. An FBI whistleblower tells Congress that undercover agents and assets were present at the US Congress riots in 2021, and that’s the reason the agency’s refusing to release surveillance footage from that controversial day. — Back to top
Russia initiates criminal proceedings against judges at the International Criminal Court, while also banning entry to the country 500 key American figures, including former president Barack Obama. Syria’s president stands alongside fellow Arab League members for the first time in more than a decade, after his war-torn country was readmitted to the group amid improving diplomatic relations. A top Russian security chief claims traces of radiation are blowing towards Western Europe, after depleted-uranium munitions were destroyed in Ukraine. Parallel to the G7 meeting in Japan, China hosts Central Asian leaders for an inaugural summit aimed at bolstering regional co-operation. — Back to top
Russia’s envoy to the UN warns that ever-increasing Western flow of weapons to Ukraine makes the states accomplices of Kiev’s military crimes. Protesters clash with police in Japan, as people rally against the G7 summit, which has kicked off in the coastal city of Hiroshima. Demonstrators say the organization has nothing to do with building peace. Sailing under rubber bullets – that’s what Palestinian fishermen say they’re forced to endure due to the maritime blockade of Gaza. — Back to top
Words of praise from Uganda, as a high-level delegation from Africa is in the Russian capital to promote a potential peace plan for the Ukraine conflict. Thousands of police gather in Jerusalem ahead of a controversial annual march by Orthodox Jews, who are marking the capture of parts of the city by Israeli forces more than 50 years ago. Russia threatens to sink the Black Sea grain deal if all disputes surrounding the agreement are not met by the middle of July. — Back to top
Explosions are reported in major Ukrainian cities, as air raid sirens sound across the country throughout the night and into the early morning. RT hears from Palestinian families with disabled members who lost all that they have, after Israeli airstrikes destroyed their homes. Türkiye reaches an agreement with Russia to extend the Black Sea Grain deal in hopes of providing support to the African continent, coming as Somalis recall the helping hand of President Erdogan, and wish him victory in his upcoming run-off election. — Back to top
The Russian Foreign Minister says Moscow can have no dealings with the West, as long as it supports Ukraine’s policies in targeting Russian civilians. Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh reveals European states secretly call on President Vladimir Zelensky to sit down for peace talks with Russia, as countries neighboring Ukraine feel the effects of a prolonged conflict. Turkish opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu calls President Erdogan a ‘false leader’ and promises not to let him remain in power. We look at numerous allegations and counterclaims of a rigged election and whether they mean mass protests are on the horizon. Moscow and Tehran sign a historic trade agreement, which includes construction of a new railway and sea route connecting Russia to India via Iran. — Back to top
Russia mocks Kiev over its claims of shooting down six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, as Moscow announces that it has destroyed a US-made PATRIOT air defense system in Kiev. US Republicans call for the FBI to be shut down after the country’s special counsel rules the agency’s investigation into Trump should never have happened. Two US embassy staff workers and two policemen are killed in an attack on a diplomatic convoy in Nigeria. — Back to top
South Africa’s president announces six of Africa’s leaders plan to travel to Russia and Ukraine to help broker a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Russia’s Ministry of Defense says its Kinzhal missile has destroyed a US-supplied ‘Patriot’ air defense system in Kiev. The Chief of the South African Army visits Moscow for talks, just days after the US backtracked on its false accusations that the country secretly provided arms to Russia. After years of controversy over claims of Donald Trump-Russia collusion, a recent American report reveals that the FBI had deficient evidence and the investigation was based on biased information. — Back to top
Despite the Turkish presidential polls being neck and neck, the Council of Europe casts doubts over the freedom of elections in the country, while Western media links President Erdogan’s possible victory with the defeat of democracy. The Pentagon turns a blind eye to the war crimes record of its foreign proxy fighters, in violation of American law. RT dives into the beauty of Iran’s Kish Island, known as the pearl of the Persian Gulf, as it prepares to be added to UNESCO’s heritage list. Zimbabwe ignores IMF warnings, selling around 40 million US-dollars-worth of gold-backed digital tokens, as the country seeks to reduce the dollar’s dominance amid hyperinflation and a falling national currency. — Back to top
Disturbing images from Donbass as the interim head of the Lugansk Republic’s Internal Affairs Ministry is among seven wounded in a local barbershop blast. Russia’s ambassador to the UN condemns the West for turning a blind eye to Kiev’s atrocities and supplying heavier weapons used in attacks on Donbass civilian areas. The Supreme Election Council of Türkiye announces a run-off for the presidential election scheduled for May 28th. That’s after neither of the top two candidates reached the 50% threshold. While Jewish people celebrate the creation of the Israeli state, Palestinians are commemorating their mass displacement known as ‘the Nakba’ – with the UN, for the first time, also marking the day. — Back to top
Both candidates in the Turkish presidential elections are sure they’ll win the second round, as preliminary results suggest the elections are likely to slide into a run-off. For the first time in its history, the UN commemorates the 75th anniversary of the mass displacement of Palestinians, known as “the Nakba”. This follows a week of deadly Israeli strikes on Gaza, with dozens killed. Ukrainian forces hit residential areas of Lugansk with UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, despite London’s assurances they won’t be used against civilian targets. — Back to top
Polling stations close in Türkiye as the nation waits to find out who its next president will be. We hear from some of the voters who were a part of the record turnout. As part of our coverage, we speak to Unal Cevikoz – a top foreign policy aide to Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who discusses some pressing issues affecting not just Türkiye, but also Iran, Syria and Iraq. — Back to top
The Turkish presidential elections are ready to kick off. Follow RT’s special coverage from our studio in Istanbul. People in Gaza celebrate a truce declared after a week of Israeli attacks on Gaza and responses from Palestine, which claimed the lives of at least 31 people. The US Ambassador to South Africa attempts to backtrack after starting a diplomatic scandal by accusing South Africa of supplying arms to Russia. — Back to top
A helicopter crashes in Russia’s Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine, while a fighter jet reportedly comes down in the same area. The Russian city of Lugansk is shelled by Ukrainian forces, following two missile attacks on Friday that left 6 children wounded there. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy faces a new trial over allegations of receiving campaign funds from Libya, with links to its former leader Muammar Gaddafi. — Back to top
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Kiev’s presidential adviser warns the EU of an escalation across Europe if the West stops arms supplies to the country. As the crackdown on the Orthodox Church continues in Ukraine, Russia’s ambassador to the UN demands the Security Council looks into what he calls, a ‘breach of human rights’. The Turkish president dismisses Russian meddling claims in the upcoming elections accusing the West of being responsible for the real interference. — Back to top
Palestinian authorities say 21 people were killed and at least 42 wounded in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The army is deployed in Pakistan as protests turn violent over the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Russia’s Foreign Minister warns of external attempts to undermine the authorities in Damascus, as he hosts his counterparts from Syria, Türkiye and Iran for peace talks. India cries foul over the World Press Freedom rankings after the country’s placed below even Afghanistan. — Back to top
Russian Akhmat forces secure an industrial zone in the Lugansk Republic after holding it for eight days under fierce enemy fire. Moscow prepares to host the first meeting between the Syrian and Turkish Foreign Ministers since war broke out in Syria in 2011. Russia’s and Iran’s top diplomats make up the quartet of participants, aimed at establishing a lasting peace in the country. — Back to top
Nationwide protests erupt in Pakistan after the former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, was arrested on corruption allegations outside the High Court in Islamabad. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza leave 13 people dead, including three members of a Palestinian jihadist movement. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu vows to strike with even greater force at anyone who harms his country in the future. While nations around the globe mark Victory Day, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the common good, events in some countries were disrupted. Angry crowds prevented the Russian ambassador to Poland from laying a wreath at a memorial to Soviet soldiers, as a number of former Eastern Bloc countries ban Saint George ribbons and dismantle historic monuments. — Back to top
Breaking news from the Middle East where a reported 12 people are killed, along with 20 others wounded, after Israeli airstrikes target Gaza. Russia’s Far East has already been marking, with a series of grand parades, the 78th anniversary of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. The country’s main event will commence in Moscow, in an hour’s time. While Hitler’s regime was being repelled in Europe, India suffered heavy losses during fierce fighting in the Indo-Pacific region. We take a closer look at the crucial Battle of Imphal in 1944. — Back to top
The Russian Private Military Company Wagner claims it’s made advances in Artyomovsk, also known as Bakhmut, with just a little over 2 square kilometers of the city still to take. RT reports from the front lines. Ukraine swaps out May 9th victory day celebrations over Nazi Germany, with the EU’s Europe day festivities. Moscow claims it’s a betrayal of the country’s Soviet forefathers. Beijing lashes out at the NATO alliance for its eastern expansion and involvement in conflicts around the world. — Back to top
Multiple strikes are reported in cities across Ukraine overnight, including the capital Kiev. Türkiye denies a request to give the US control of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, saying they are critical for country’s national security. RT takes a deep look at how Palestinians and Israelis live together in the divided city of Hebron in the West Bank. — Back to top
Russian writer and politician Zahar Prilepin is taken out of a medically induced coma following lifesaving surgery, after he was targeted in a car bomb attack in which the suspect admits has was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence. ‘We killed Russians, and we will keep killing them’ – that’s the message from Ukraine’s intelligence chief when questioned on Kiev’s involvement in the assassination of Russian journalist Daria Dugina. Ministers of Arab League nations approve the return of Syria’s membership, which was revoked over a decade ago amid an armed conflict in the country. Brazil denounces the lack of effort to release Julian Assange, defending the journalist’s actions in revealing information in the public’s interest. — Back to top
Russian writer and politician Zahar Prilepin is placed into a medically induced coma after a life-saving operation, after he was injured in a car bomb attack, reportedly carried out by Ukrainian security forces. The Kremlin accuses Ukraine of carrying out a drone strike on the Moscow residence of President Putin, calling it an attempt on his life. ‘Be angry and die of this anger’ – that’s Iran’s response to Washington amid the US State Department’s concerns over the landmark visit of the Iranian President to Syria. As fierce fighting continues in Sudan, the US President warns sanctions are on the way to punish those responsible for the crisis ,despite the damaging impact of previous US involvement in the country. — Back to top
The main suspect in the car bombing that killed one person and wounded Russian writer and politician Zakhar Prilepin, admits to acting on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence. Hundreds take to the streets of London in protest of the monarchy amid the coronation of King Charles, which reportedly cost British taxpayers more than 250-million pounds. That’s as hundreds of children in the UK’s former colony, Nigeria, suffer from record-high rates of malnutrition, according to an alarming report. — Back to top
The Ukrainian security service arrests a US blogger, charging him over ‘promoting Russian propaganda’. As the UK prepares to pledge allegiance to its new king, questions on the price tag of the ceremony flood the media, with some Commonwealth nations vowing to obtain independence from the monarchy. That’s as hundreds of children in the UK’s former colony, Nigeria, suffer from record rates of malnutrition, according to a worrying new report. Russia says the world could benefit from its agricultural exports as part of the Black Sea grain deal, but the UN is unable to ensure equal shipments to countries in need. RT speaks exclusively to Russia’s deputy foreign minister. — Back to top
The Russian Defense minister sets the task of maintaining a continuous supply of troops on the frontlines, as he inspects the country’s forces in the combat zone. Meanwhile, the co-founder of the Wagner PMC says the group will hand over its positions in Artyomovsk – also known as Bakhmut – to the Russian defense ministry. Russia’s Foreign Minister highlights the need to resist US hegemony, after a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting of foreign ministers in India. — Back to top
Russia reports taking two city blocks in Artyomovsk (known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut) from Ukrainian forces. RT’s Murad Gazdiev takes us right to the front line. As the latest ethnic-driven attack by militants in Cameroon kills six we take a look at how borders drawn up by former colonial powers contribute to unrest on the continent to this day. A shooter who killed 8 people and wounded 13 more in Serbia, has been arrested after an hours-long manhunt. The incident has been called a terror act by the officials. The second day of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation kicks off in India where foreign ministers of member-countries meet to strengthen relations and regional cooperation. — Back to top
Moscow accuses Washington of coordinating the Ukrainian drone strike on the Kremlin, which Russia called an attempt on President Putin’s life. A fair multipolar system – that’s the aim stated during talks between Russia’s Foreign Minister and his Indian, Chinese and Pakistani counterparts, expressed at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. As more than one thousand Palestinians are currently being held behind bars without charge or trial, we report on the reality of the Israeli detention system and speak to a lawyer defending the prisoners. — Back to top
Major Ukrainian cities report explosions, as air raid sirens sound across the country overnight. Kiev officials say the airstrikes are the most intense since the start of the year. The strikes come a day after a drone attack on the Presidential office of Vladimir Putin in the Russian capital – an attack Moscow says was carried out by Ukraine. Russia’s Ambassador to the US slams Washington’s reaction to the attack, as ‘absurd’. That’s as the White House refuses to condemn Kiev for the incident. — Back to top
Two Ukrainian drones target the Kremlin in what Moscow has called an attempted assassination of Vladimir Putin. The Russian president was not inside his residence during the drone strike, which was repelled by electronic defenses. Putin’s schedule remains unchanged, according to his spokesman. As Kiev denies responsibility for the attack, the Kremlin says Russia retains the right to retaliate at any time, and as it sees fit. — Back to top
The Iranian President is to make his first visit to Syria since the country’s 2011 civil war. This comes in the wake of major diplomatic shifts across the region. Israel and Palestine agree to a ceasefire after both sides exchange a series of airstrikes and missile attacks. The White House refuses to comment on the CIA’s association with notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, as new revelations suggest a former US spy chief met with the convicted offender back in 2014. An explosive device causes a freight train to derail in Russia’s Bryansk region close to the Ukrainian border. — Back to top
A missile attack on the Israeli city of Sderot, near the Gaza border, leaves several people injured. Violent clashes erupt in the West Bank over of the death of a Palestinian man on hunger strike in Israeli custody. More grim secrets of a death cult in Kenya come to light, as a mass grave of around 100 victims who’d starved themselves to death also contained several children who’d been strangled. Germany gives the green light for its military to join an EU mission in Niger. However, locals in the West African nation fear it’ll only undermine the security situation. — Back to top
People in Amsterdam take to the streets to commemorate the dozens of people burned alive by Ukrainian radical nationalists in Odessa nine years ago. Israel strikes the Aleppo international airport in Syria, killing one soldier, with a number of other civilian and government troops being wounded in what is the third attack on the hub in two months. May First Labor Day celebrations around the globe descend into chaos and violence with police out in force against citizens protesting high inflation and government policies. The US is set to face a recession by next month if proper measures are not immediately taken, according to the treasury chief, coming as yet another American bank collapses. — Back to top
Moscow claims a large stockpile of Ukrainian air-defense rockets is destroyed, as Russia launches multiple missile strikes on key targets. New Delhi calls out Kiev for posting a depiction of a Hindu goddess rising from a fire that erupted during a Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea. Labor Day celebrations in Paris descend into violence with police using tear gas and water canon against protesting union workers. Hungary says Ukraine’s President has no right to dictate to Budapest how it should act as a NATO member, or who it can maintain relations with. — Back to top
A massive stockpile of Ukrainian anti-air ammunition is reportedly destroyed in a powerful explosion, as multiple missile strikes are reported in major cities across the country. RT follows a Russian artillery crew on the front lines in the battle for key areas of Donbass. As India’s imports of Russian oil reach all-time highs, the South Asian country has now become the largest supplier of crude to the European Union. — Back to top