>> more russian attacks in eastern ukraine. the governor says everything that can burn is on fire. a diplomatic crisis escalates between russia and lithuania. moscow lifting they lift a rail blockade.

reports of fresh fighting in ethiopia. reports of a camp with inhumane conditions. do you see what i see? accusations of anti-semitism at one of germany's largest art shows. ♪ to all of you around the world, it's good to be with you on this tuesday. we begin with ukraine. russia is making advances in the donbass. ukraine says russian forces have captured and now control almost all of the luhansk region.

some heavy weapons have arrived from germany but ukraine says they are a drop in the ocean. >> everything that can burn is on fire. that is how the governor of the luhansk region described the situation. russia is intensifying attacks. ukrainian defenders are still holding out on the last stronghold in the city. the russian troops withdrew from harkey last month, the shelling started on again. this footage shows what was once an education building now in ruins. >> all of the national guard --

the strike was solely directed as a place of city infrastructure in order to intimidate civilian population. reporter: that intimidation takes the form of boards and weapons without mentioning ukraine, vladimir announced a new nuclear capable ballistic missile system would be ready for deployment by the end of the year. >> in addition to the new weapons tested on the battlefield, troops begin to receive missile-defense systems unlike any other. the heavy enter continental ballistic that was planned the first complex will appear at the end of the year. reporter: ukraine hopes a boost to its military arsenal may help it push back.

kyiv says it's received only a fraction what it means. this was russia's response. footage says -- shows the destruction of howitzers sent by u.s. and eu. ukraine's morale and will to defend itself is proven much harder to destroy it. anchor: i am chosen by weapons and defense specialist. good to have you on the program. let me get your take on the battle against time. we're hearing from the ukrainian military that's all just wait several weeks until they have the weapons to launch a counteroffensive. does that mean the russians have the upper hand?

>> i think so. in that portion of the donbass, there is such a gnificant -- they are facing overwhelming fires, reports of what that those and how difficult it is to hold onto the terrain. anchor: we are three months into this war. how significant is today? >> in and of itself, not terribly consistent. -- consistent. we going to see evermore capable forces operating western equipment with higher capabilities, more effective

targeting with longer ranges. in theory, that should allow the ukrainians to offset the number of fighting vehicles. anchor: is that going to allow ukrainian forces to push russian forces back or are we talking about static frontlines? >> you're going to see static frontlines but the ukrainians will be able to strike behind the lines. rather than feeding ground, you will see a more static line where ukrainians are holding their ground. they don't have the massive fighters and equipment necessary

to create a breakthrough and exploited. anchor: are we heading to a place at a protracted war of attrition? >> i think we are heading to a war of attrition. the static nature is much more fighting. the question going forward is less the number of fighters were weapons delivered, but what are the long-term implications of political will and economic steadfastness? anchor: the counter is going to be longing -- calendar is going to be long and heavy. we appreciate your time. since the beginning of the war,

volunteers are doing their part for the war effort. rebecca ritters traveled to seven ukraine to the region. reporter: this old junkyard is a junkyard no more. volunteers took over the space and turned it into a military workshop. a sound engineer and voice artist. >> bulletproof vests were requested. people felt so connected we raised 150,000. reporter: they have sent 700 to the front lines.

there is recycling involved in the work looks artisanal, but the product is mitary grade. >> this is certified eight millimeters thick. it acts as an anti-fragmentation layer. it traps or splinters from the bullets. reporter: it's bound together in strong tape. fireproof material forms the outer shell of the vests. the vest feels pretty good, it's quite comfortable. the real test is whether or not

he can stop a bullet. standard equipment for the russian army. , tractor wheels. soldiers arrive. they learn what kind of bullets body armor can stop. a quick trip to take what they need and they are off to the front ones with gear to save lives made in ukraine. anchor: a diplomatic dispute is escalating so much so that the united states says its nato commitment to defend what the

weightier is ironclad. russia has threatened with the way neah for blocking rail shipments. this is the latest dispute around western sections imposed over russia invasions of ukraine. reporter: at this border crossing, freight trains have come to a halt. those from russia bound for moscow have not been allowed to pass a week. moscow has slammed what it calls hostile and illegal. the lithuanian prime minister rejects this. we are not interested in an escalation. it's ironic to hear russia is accusing us of international treaty violations because i don't know if there are an internationa treaties russia has noviolated.

kellannd brad does not share a border with mainland russia, it is cut off by poland and with the way neah. the baltic fleet is headquartered there, armed with missiles, rockets that can be fitted with nuclear warheads. people are nervous. maybe prices will go up. i think we should pack our belongings. this has never happened before, when borders were open, it was totally different. the german chancellor reassured lithuania of support. i promised with the weenie and friends we would provide them with a robust combat brigade.

in the immediate aftermath, germany increase its military presence. the baltic states fear they could be the next. anchor: earlier, i asked if russia is willing to let this diplomatic row escalate. >> everyone has to rush. in some circumstances it would be a suicidal mission. both nato members and frankly speaking it is an important

military base for russia. i think the transit has been blocked. this has nothing to do [indiscernible] it has to do with something like steel and metals. on the one hand traditional problem bravado, surrounded by

nato. anchor: a year ago will thought the russian threat was bravado and we know where we are tonight. what about that the way neah? how concerned are people there? >> it's a completely different game. moscow leadership understands it is nato territory, joe biden is going to write a live up to its expectations. ever since 2000 working -- 2014,

on the other hand, i have spoken some people in the lithuanian government and they think this particular thing is more propaganda, there is not much the kremlin can do. anchor: excellent analysis on what is going on. here is a roundup of other stories. the russian army says russian television is broadcasting. people can access 24 russian channels for repair. moscow has introduced its current area and started

distributing russian passports. the editors name and has auctioned off nobel peace prize. it fetched 103 point i've million dollars. -- $1.35 million. to east africa where the holes remain massive. 260. officials say rebels targeted villagers. it's the latest atrocity in ethiopia where a civil war has been raging nearly two years. forces a tryingo liberate the stronghold.

dw visited the town. reporter: deserted and destroyed. fighters attacked the border town. and left their mark. they used to have an population. in the days leading up to the attack, witnesses tell us fighting had been probing out along at necklines. as you can see, the destruction is systematic. every house has been damaged. fighters went from door to door. the mayor has since returned. attempting to reinstate the sense of security.

>> the shelling was rely most, like rain. more than 225 will died. they killed the elderly in their homes and others while they were escaping. they followed and killed them. reporter: they raped several women. the tpl left declared a cease-fire. in late april, writers withdrew allowing eight convoys into the region. they say the tpl left never really left. >> they haven't we left. they are out there. they will use it war.

reporter: we meet a local health official. >> i have a heavy heart, i am lost for words. this has left a scar in my life and i will never forget this. reporter: it's not just lives that have been lost. the structure lies in ruins. >> they destroyed the hospital, the x-ray machine, everything, they took everything. reporter: the fighting is positive growth -- caused a rift. witnesses made claims and say they targeted and killed several residents.

the head of the field office confirmed around 8000 people have been held at a camp meant to accommodate 1500 people. >> based on standards that should not be. reporter: among those detained our children, many suffering. we tried to gain access but were denied. we did manage to hear from one of the people. he sent us these pictures. he told us people are suffering from diseases. there is not enough food and no medical care. he says 70 people have died.

no one knows when they will return or if they will ever get to be home again. anchor: let's take a look at some of the other stories. the committee investigating january 6 focused on testimony from people who fended off attempts to overturn the election. rusty bowers was among the key witnesses who describe the pressure from trump and his allies. residents of johannesburg protested in front of the mayor's office. they would also like to see and into two power cuts, better drinking water. in germany, and art show is

removing a work over its anti-semitic content, the controversy is overshadowed the opening of the modern art exhibition which is held every five years. politicians have condemned a giant batter using anti-semitic stereotypes to trade jewish israelis. >> it takes face labeled with messiah. this cliched and derogatory rep once -- >> this is anti-semitic. with that being so obvious, it is inexcusable. reporter: it is a liberal and open-minded city so something like this does not fit. the head issued an apology on

behalf of the indonesian artist. we promised there would be no anti-semitic content. that we would intervene immediately if there were. we did not keep this promise and that should never have happened. before the opening, there were talks about the possibility of anti-semitism at the event. if there had been a willingness to listen, there were enough warnings they could have been taken seriously. there were concerns and that theyere not able to take a closer look, it feels like it's because they did not want to. following the uproar, it was covered up and removed but the controversy is not going anywhere.

anchor: the france world cup under has wowed fans. the midfielder fluid, charity met i was asked if he would like to trade in the pitch for politics. reporter: world cup glory in 2018. the land of his parents gave him a special welcome and he was quickly dressed in traditional clothes. is there to play in a charity ball match. >> it has been 11 years since i came here. we're doing this to move forward.

i'm coming to help my country move forward. reporter: music to their years with one activists wondering if you would want a high profile job. >> we are proud today. we came to welcome our son. he's bringing contribution. we want him join the government for the development of this country, ports. -- and sport. reporter: italian -- he is expected to re-sign with the italian team. anchor: here's a quick look at

the top stories. russia is making advances in the donbass region. ukraine says forces have captured settlements. they've only received a fraction of what they need to push the russians back. after a short break, i will be there to you through the day. ♪

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>> it is 10:00 p.m. in different capital and here are the stories making rhode island's. donald trump los the 2020 election, but he asked state officials to find boats to give him a victory. when that didn't work, he had a plan to send fake electors to congress. that just came up in the recent hearings in the capitol. our correspondent will join us with the latest. the french president refuses an offer step down following the results of sunday's legislative