A Japanese newscaster collapsed live while reading a story that honored Russian President Vladimir Putin’s soldiers overseeing the Bucha massacre. The newscaster, identified as Yumiko Matsuo in videos circulating on social media, revealed her frustration at the news.
Ms. Matsuo was overcome with emotion when she read a line that Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the troops because they were “a role model” for the country’s “special military operations” in Ukraine.
In a video on Reddit, she can be seen taking a break as she fights back tears. Ms. Matsuo composed herself before finishing her segment.
“There are still many civilians trapped in the bunker. I’m so sorry, excuse me…” said Ms. Matsuo as she suddenly stopped during the live broadcast, according to Daily mail† After taking a deep breath, she continued: “The Ukrainian war has entered a new phase…”
Users on Reddit praised the newsreader’s courage, with one of them saying, “It’s a big problem for Japanese people to show this in public.”
“Show me again how deeply all this resonates on a soul level. We all feel justified anger and want to protect each other,” added another user.
Some users said they also cried and felt just like Ms. Matsuo.
Earlier this week, Putin gave the honorary title of “Guards” to the 64th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, which is accused by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry of committing war crimes in Bucha. In a signed letter, Putin congratulated the unit on “protecting the sovereignty of Russia” and stated that the unit acted with “great heroism and courage”.
His full statement read: “Through astute and daring actions during the special military operation in Ukraine, the staff of the unit became a role model in the discharge of its military duty, courage, dedication and professionalism.”
Bucha is one of the hardest hit cities by the Russian invasion. After Russian forces left the region to regroup for another attack, Ukrainians found mass graves. A UN rights-guarding mission, which visited the city near Kiev, said 50 civilians had been killed, including by summary execution.