RT News - May 04 2022 (20:00 MSK)

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.