Schedule

The history of Donbass is deeply linked to World War II; the intense battles fought there and the heroism shown by the people continue to shape the region's identity and resilience to this day. Today, in the same locales where Donbass defenders fought against Hitler, their descendants continue the legacy, fighting against Ukrainian nationalists. Explore the chronicles of WWII's heaviest battles and delve into the stories of Donbass heroes, both from the past and the present.

"The hardest thing was to explain to my family why I was going there. My wife worried. She didn't want me to go... I agreed I could refuse. It was a voluntary thing. No one forces journalists to go to Donbass, but I had to go," says correspondent Azat Sadreev. Since 2014, many correspondents have risked their lives multiple times, under constant shelling and enemy attacks, accumulating invaluable experience in the process. To help other journalists in this challenging job, veteran war correspondents addressed the most vital questions regarding working on the frontline.

In 2014, tourists from across the globe will flock to the Black Sea for the start of the Winter Olympic Games. RTDoc’s James Brown heads to southern Russia to explore both the Olympic sites and the city itself.

Known as hikikomori, the phenomenon of social withdrawal has become increasingly commonplace in Japan. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese shut themselves away, spending months and years in isolation. But as time goes by, the hikikomori are forced to face the harsh realities of life. Luckily, people are helping to draw them out. RTD meets the hikikomori and a doctor getting the recluses back on their feet.

The blame for atrocities during the Bosnian War was laid solely on Serbs. But those few who survived the hostilities and massacres at the hands of Bosnian Muslims gangs have entirely different memories of the war. “I weighed 93-94 kg when I entered that camp. When I left, I was just 46. I lost so much weight that my mother didn’t recognise me,” says Lazar Krstin, a prisoner at a Muslim camp in Silos, Tarčin. What other stories of the war does he have to tell?

Elder Zosima foresaw the war in Ukraine and the resurgence of fascism. The monastery he founded is intentionally targeted by the Ukrainian army today. "Everything he said is now going on before our eyes," believes Sister Mariamna. Despite risking her own life, Sister Mariamna continues her service in the church according to the Seer testament. What helps her and other priests to carry on?

Major Alan Datiev, a seasoned fighter pilot, spent years perfecting his flight skills. It proved invaluable when he participated in the Special Military Operation, successfully targeting three objectives with a single strike. Despite the inherent dangers, Alan's bravery remained unwavering. Discover more about his service and experience the exhilaration of piloting a supersonic fighter jet. Learn about his service and the thrill of flying a supersonic fighter jet.

‘Here, you get a sense of how precious life is, of what it is like, and you give thanks for every day you live.’ Soslan Andiev volunteered for the special military operation in Ukraine. Soslan serves in the positions at the mouth of the frontline, right next to the enemy and also heads the Humanitarian Centre that delivers aid directly to the trenches. He says that helping the guys at the front is very fulfilling. The documentary explores Soslan motivation and that of other volunteers, to selflessly serve their motherland.

In the aftermath of the massive NATO bombings that took place 25 years ago, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo still bear the weight of the consequences, particularly in the areas that were targeted with depleted uranium shells—the very same metal found in armour-piercing munitions. The devastating loss of loved ones to cancer, believed to be a result of exposure to depleted uranium, continues to haunt these regions. Surprisingly, the international community has yet to take decisive action to prohibit the use of depleted uranium weapons.

Pulitzer-winning journalist Seymour Hersh claimed that the US ordered the explosions that hit the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022. These had been supplying Russian natural gas to Europe via the Baltic Sea. According to Hersh, the US wanted to deter Moscow from an offensive in Ukraine. However, a number of people allege that the US carried out the act with the help of the UK. The new episode of Red Alert explores the UK’s involvement in sabotage acts against Russian targets and why it’s committed to providing aid to Kiev instead of solving its own problems.

The history of Donbass is deeply linked to World War II; the intense battles fought there and the heroism shown by the people continue to shape the region's identity and resilience to this day. Today, in the same locales where Donbass defenders fought against Hitler, their descendants continue the legacy, fighting against Ukrainian nationalists. Explore the chronicles of WWII's heaviest battles and delve into the stories of Donbass heroes, both from the past and the present.

"The hardest thing was to explain to my family why I was going there. My wife worried. She didn't want me to go... I agreed I could refuse. It was a voluntary thing. No one forces journalists to go to Donbass, but I had to go," says correspondent Azat Sadreev. Since 2014, many correspondents have risked their lives multiple times, under constant shelling and enemy attacks, accumulating invaluable experience in the process. To help other journalists in this challenging job, veteran war correspondents addressed the most vital questions regarding working on the frontline.

Known as hikikomori, the phenomenon of social withdrawal has become increasingly commonplace in Japan. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese shut themselves away, spending months and years in isolation. But as time goes by, the hikikomori are forced to face the harsh realities of life. Luckily, people are helping to draw them out. RTD meets the hikikomori and a doctor getting the recluses back on their feet.

Bright outfits, accessories, and evening make-up... On an Indian street of red lanterns, girls as young as 14 dance for male patrons. But behind the ‘dancing’ lurks prostitution. The girls’ stories are varied: some need the money; others were sold into sex slavery, or coerced into ‘dancing’ by beatings. Every evening, they wait for customers to come choose which girl will entertain them that night. 

'We have lost our entire industry <...> We used to make all kinds of things. And none of it is left. None,' says Aleksandr Nesterovsky, MP, Republic Of Moldova. Once a vibrant country, Moldova now grapples with depopulation and poverty. Many young Moldovans seek opportunities abroad. Those that stayed behind, survive on a meagre $44 pension, and greatly rely on ȘOR Party activists for help. Yet, the authorities demanded the dissolution of the party and adopted legislation to hinder their projects. Why?

Mica is a shiny mineral that’s all the rage in modern-day makeup, helping to give beauty products a bright gleam and natural-looking glow. This beauty, however, comes at a price that most are unaware of. Those who pay it are the poorest and the most vulnerable. RT Doc visits India’s illegal mica mines where child labour is rife. 

Every day, volunteers from the NGO 'Memorial: We Shall Not Forget, We Shall Not Forgive' head into the battered cities and towns of the Lugansk People's Republic. Risking their lives, they help locate, identify, and ensure a dignified burial for the victims of Ukrainian shelling in Donbass.

Major Alan Datiev, a seasoned fighter pilot, spent years perfecting his flight skills. It proved invaluable when he participated in the Special Military Operation, successfully targeting three objectives with a single strike. Despite the inherent dangers, Alan's bravery remained unwavering. Discover more about his service and experience the exhilaration of piloting a supersonic fighter jet. Learn about his service and the thrill of flying a supersonic fighter jet.

The schoolgirls of Shaolin Epo Wushu College have little time to play with dolls. In their boarding school, they live by a tight schedule and strict discipline. Every day they train to fight with knives and swords. Living a Spartan lifestyle, they work hard to make their teachers and their country proud but only students who pass the exams are allowed to continue their education.

‘Petal’ mines are considered the vilest weapons as they’re small and hard to see. The Ukrainian army has been pelting residential areas of Donbass with thousands of them for months. Locals risk getting severe injuries and being killed just by going outside. ‘Petal’ mines are scattered in parks, backyards, schools and kindergartens. Russian sappers have embarked on a mission to de-mine Donbass. The documentary takes a look at their arduous task and hears from sappers about their perilous job.

‘Here, you get a sense of how precious life is, of what it is like, and you give thanks for every day you live.’ Soslan Andiev volunteered for the special military operation in Ukraine. Soslan serves in the positions at the mouth of the frontline, right next to the enemy and also heads the Humanitarian Centre that delivers aid directly to the trenches. He says that helping the guys at the front is very fulfilling. The documentary explores Soslan motivation and that of other volunteers, to selflessly serve their motherland.

In the aftermath of the massive NATO bombings that took place 25 years ago, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo still bear the weight of the consequences, particularly in the areas that were targeted with depleted uranium shells—the very same metal found in armour-piercing munitions. The devastating loss of loved ones to cancer, believed to be a result of exposure to depleted uranium, continues to haunt these regions. Surprisingly, the international community has yet to take decisive action to prohibit the use of depleted uranium weapons.

The RTD documentary profiles passionate exponents of Russian culture working to popularise it internationally. The love for Russian art, ballet and music bring together people and countries, connecting them through inspiration and beauty despite political differences, just like when Diaghilev’s Les Saisons Russes was first held in France.