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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
David Kent

Ukrainian researcher's defiant response after RTE Prime Time interview stopped by shocking moment

A researcher has responded after an explosion rocked her building, as she was being interviewed by RTE Prime Time.

European Expert Association's Maria Avdeeva was speaking to the show about the attacks in Kharkiv, one of the major flashpoints of the Russian invasion so far.

Her WiFi had already been cut in the interview, so she had to use her phone data to connect for the chat with Lydia Murphy and Louise Byrne.

Speaking to the pair, Maria explained: "If they continue with the air strikes, that would cause this crisis to be more difficult for the citiz-"

At this point, a large bang could be heard, with Maria visibly jumping as an explosion was heard mid-sentence.

She composed herself, before explaining: "I do not go to the shelter because I hope the walls will be enough".

In a defiant tweet, Maria responded to the clip, saying: "Russian troops continue shelling Kharkiv and I keep on going with spreading the word to the world."

Prime Time and RTÉ had a number of reporters situation at various points along Ukraine's borders.

Two of those were Paul Cunningham and Fran McNulty, with fleeing refugees desperately pleading for help to Fran, who was stationed at a train station on the border with Hungary.

There was also a large focus on how the war is being reported in Russia, with host Miriam O'Callaghan speaking to Jake Cordell of the Moscow Times.

Viewers rushed to praise the 'excellent' episode.

  • You can catch up on Prime Time on the RTE Player

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