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Russia Today newsreader resigns on-air over Ukraine

By Press Gazette

An American newsreader working for the Russian state-run television network Russia Today has resigned on-air over Russia's decision to send troops into the Ukraine.

Liz Wahl made the live resignation from the channel's Washington DC bureau. She said she could no longer work for a network that "whitewashes" the actions of Russian president Vladmir Putin.

She told viewers: "I'm proud to be an American and believe in disseminating the truth. And that is why after this news cast I'm resigning."

She later told the Daily Beast: "In order to succeed there [at Russia Today] you don't question. It actually makes me feel sick that I worked there."

Russia Today said in a statement: "When a journalist disagrees with the editorial position of his or her organisation, the usual course of action is to address those grievances with the editor, and, if they cannot be resolved, to quit like a professional.

"But when someone makes a big public show of a personal decision, it is nothing more than a self-promotional stunt. We wish Liz the best of luck on her chosen path."

The resignation comes after another Russia Today journalist, Abby Martin, spoke out about Russia's actions in the Crimea.

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