TV host refuses to go to Crimea

A Russian-funded TV channel presenter, who spoke out about the country's military intervention in Ukraine, said she has no intention of going to Crimea despite being asked by her channel's bosses to gain a "better understanding" of the situation on the ground.

Abby Martin, 29, an anchor in the English version of Russia Today, said in a live programme that Russian President Vladimir Putin was 'wrong' to send troops to Crimea, media reported Wednesday.

"Just because I work here, for RT (Russia Today), 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," The Telegraph quoted Martin as saying in the programme 'Braking the Set'.

"I will not sit here and apologise or defend military aggression," she said.

Her statement contrasted with the station's usual coverage of the Ukrainian crisis.

Western media often accuse the channel of ignoring a number of human rights abuses in the country.

This is not the first time Martin has taken a strong stand against any government after she previously labelled the US government's version of 9/11 as "propaganda".

"Martin also noted she does not possess a deep knowledge of reality of the situation in Crimea. We'll be sending her there to give her an opportunity to make up her own mind from the epicentre of the story," Russia Today said in a statement.

She, however, later wrote on Twitter: "I am not going to Crimea."