TV presenter David McCullagh praises after ‘car crash’ interview with Russian Ambassador to Ireland

RTE news spokesman David McCullagh has been applauded for his way of challenging Russia’s Ambassador to Ireland, Yury Filatov, as the brutal war in Ukraine continues.

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David McCullagh kills Russian ambassador in disinformation

Irish TV presenter David McCullagh was praised for the way he handled his ‘car accident’ interview with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland.

A spokesman for Six One News, 54, was speaking to Yury Filatov on the second day of the conflict in Ukraine as Russian troops marched over the capital, Kyiv.

The interview begins with the seasoned journalist asking the ambassador when Russia will stop its attacks on its neighbour.

Mr. Filatov called it an “emotional issue” and a “humanitarian crisis” – but David corrected himself, saying it was “a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine”.

He claimed that the ambassador presented “Russia’s version of events” as “misleading”, and challenged Mr. Filatov, who claimed his country did not want to pursue military action.

In an increasingly tense exchange, David asks his guest: “why is our government hosting your presence here when you are acting as an advocate for the massacre? “

Mr. Filatov clapped his hands in response: “That’s a good question. You can ask your government. It’s up to them. I can leave at any time.”

Opposition parties have called for the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador to Ireland, of which Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has not denied the move.

The awkward interview ended with David announcing: “At least Yury Filatov, Russian Ambassador to Ireland, at the moment.”

Many praised the professional for his no-nonsense approach, with one viewer even saying David’s interview was “the best in RTE’s 60-year history”.

Twitter was flooded with praise for the journalist, with one fan posting: “David McCullagh let the Russian Ambassador have it!”

A second said: “David McCullagh doesn’t have time for Russian Ambassador bulls**t on Six One and it is brilliant!”

A third wrote: “David McCullagh got a storm on RTE’s Six One, ripping off the Russian ambassador to Ireland and his efforts on BS and waffle….well done @mcculld.”

While the fourth person said: “If only David McCullagh could give Putin a barbecue like he did for the Russian ambassador. Lie and catch flies. Well done @mcculld #rtenews. It’s hard to keep the bottle down. listen to his bull.”

As the invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin continues, Ukraine’s health minister said the attacks have so far killed 198 Ukrainians.

The UN estimates at least 120,000 people have fled the country in the past 48 hours.