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Russia Today anchor quits live on air over Putin ‘whitewashing’

A Russia Today anchor quit live on air Wednesday, declaring she cannot work for a station that “whitewashes the actions of Vladimir Putin.”

Liz Wahl, who works in the network’s Washington DC bureau, said her grandparents came to the United States to escape Soviet oppression.

“And that is why personally I cannot be part of a station funded by the Russian government that whitewashes the action of Putin,” she said, reading from a statement.

“I’m proud to be an American and believe in disseminating the truth. And that is why after this newscast I’m resigning.”

Earlier, Ms. Wahl had tweeted: “Just spoke to grandparents who came to US as refugees escaping Soviets during Hungarian revolution. Amazing to hear amid new Cold War fears.”

The move comes after fellow Russia Today US host Abby Martin criticized Russia’s meddling in Ukraine.

Martin made a statement about the crisis Tuesday as she wrapped up her show “Breaking the Set,” broadcast on the American version of Russia Today.

“Before I wrap up the show I wanted to say something from my heart about the ongoing military occupation of Ukraine and Russia’s political occupation of command,” she said.

“Just because I work here, for RT, doesn’t mean I don’t have editorial independence. And I can’t stress enough how strongly I am against any military intervention in sovereign nations’ affairs.”

This story originally appeared on News.com.au.