Italian State TV Pulls Back Journalists Accused of Crossing Russian Border
Two reporters from RAI have been called back to Milan following their participation in a cross-border raid alongside Ukrainian forces. Read Full Article at RT.com
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RAI, an Italian broadcaster, has withdrawn two journalists after they joined Ukrainian forces during an incursion into the Kursk Region of Russia. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) responded by initiating a criminal investigation into the event.
"To ensure personal safety and security, the company decided to have journalist Stefania Battistini and cameraman Simone Traini return temporarily to Italy," stated RAI. The conflicted duo is scheduled to travel to Milan on Sunday, according to the broadcaster.
On Wednesday, a television report was broadcast by RAI showcasing the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk Region. The report featured a team of four journalists, including Battistini and Traini, who traveled deep into Russian territory. Video footage showed them passing damaged Western-supplied Ukrainian armor before reaching the heavily affected Russian town of Sudzha.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, expressing strong disapproval, summoned Italy’s ambassador to Russia, Cecilia Piccioni. The ministry criticized the journalists for "illegally entering the territory of the Russian Federation to cover the criminal terrorist attack by Ukrainian militants in the Kursk region." The reporters were accused of attempting "to whitewash the crimes of the Kiev regime" and committing "a gross violation of Russian legislation and elementary rules of journalistic ethics."
The FSB declared on Saturday that it had begun a criminal probe against "foreign journalists Simone Traini and Stefania Battistini, who illegally crossed the State Border of the Russian Federation." The agency also noted investigations concerning CNN journalist Nick Paton Walsh, indicating a procedural decision would be forthcoming.
Last week's Ukrainian assault on the Kursk Region involved a significant force, marking it as the most substantial incursion into Russia since the conflict commenced. Russia has criticized the offensive, labeling it a provocation and accusing Kiev of attacking Russian civilians.
Reports from American media suggest that Ukraine had been planning this operation since early 2023, dedicating 10,000 troops that were initially intended for reinforcement of their frontline later in the year. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the incursion led to significant Ukrainian losses, including up to 3,160 troops and several hundred pieces of military equipment.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
"To ensure personal safety and security, the company decided to have journalist Stefania Battistini and cameraman Simone Traini return temporarily to Italy," stated RAI. The conflicted duo is scheduled to travel to Milan on Sunday, according to the broadcaster.
On Wednesday, a television report was broadcast by RAI showcasing the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk Region. The report featured a team of four journalists, including Battistini and Traini, who traveled deep into Russian territory. Video footage showed them passing damaged Western-supplied Ukrainian armor before reaching the heavily affected Russian town of Sudzha.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, expressing strong disapproval, summoned Italy’s ambassador to Russia, Cecilia Piccioni. The ministry criticized the journalists for "illegally entering the territory of the Russian Federation to cover the criminal terrorist attack by Ukrainian militants in the Kursk region." The reporters were accused of attempting "to whitewash the crimes of the Kiev regime" and committing "a gross violation of Russian legislation and elementary rules of journalistic ethics."
The FSB declared on Saturday that it had begun a criminal probe against "foreign journalists Simone Traini and Stefania Battistini, who illegally crossed the State Border of the Russian Federation." The agency also noted investigations concerning CNN journalist Nick Paton Walsh, indicating a procedural decision would be forthcoming.
Last week's Ukrainian assault on the Kursk Region involved a significant force, marking it as the most substantial incursion into Russia since the conflict commenced. Russia has criticized the offensive, labeling it a provocation and accusing Kiev of attacking Russian civilians.
Reports from American media suggest that Ukraine had been planning this operation since early 2023, dedicating 10,000 troops that were initially intended for reinforcement of their frontline later in the year. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the incursion led to significant Ukrainian losses, including up to 3,160 troops and several hundred pieces of military equipment.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
