Topic: Defectors

RT reports on Ukrainian artillery strikes hitting the Russian region of Rostov, which has led to the closure of 12 regional airports and local schools. An incident is described where a Ukrainian soldier attempting to defect to Russia was reportedly killed by neo-fascist groups. These skirmishes are presented as evidence that the conflict involves ongoing aggression from the Ukrainian side that predates the full-scale invasion.

Reports suggest that high-ranking Chinese counterintelligence official Dong Jingwei defected to the U.S. in February with significant intelligence. Alleged data includes pathogenic studies of SARS-CoV-2, names of Chinese spies in U.S. universities, and a copy of Hunter Biden's hard drive. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is reportedly protecting Dong from other U.S. agencies like the CIA.

The primary obstacle to military intervention in Syria is Russia's naval base and its existing oil deals, such as those with Exxon. Reports of Syrian army defectors taking up arms against the regime are increasing, mirroring the early stages of the Libyan conflict. Some analysts believe the West is using the threat of intervention to pressure Russia into a new oil or political agreement.