Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Vladimir Putin Accuses the West of Escalating the War; Russian Troops Killed Lithuanian Filmmaker; A Tit-for-Tat Move Against North Korea; Mass Attendees Killed in Nigeria; Mass Shooting, America's New Epidemic; U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Face Vote of Confidence; January 6 House Select Committee to Hold First Public Hearing; Beijing Further Eases COVID-19 Restrictions; Wales Defeats Ukraine in World Cup Qualifier; Platinum Jubilee: Queen Makes Appearance on Final Day of Celebrations. Aired 3-4a ET

Aired June 06, 2022 - 03:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[03:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNA COREN, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us from the United States and all around the world. I'm Anna Coren live in Hong Kong, and you are watching CNN Newsroom.

Just ahead, Russian President Vladimir Putin issues a new threat as Ukraine's president delivers his own message from the front lines.

Plus U.S. and South Korea match North Korea missile for missile in the latest display of tensions on that peninsula.

And yet another dark weekend in America. At least nine mass shootings with all eyes on Congress for any action that can help stop the killing.

Well, Ukraine says Russian forces are renewing their offensive as the battle for the Donbas grinds on. On Sunday, Ukraine's military reported Russian troops had suffered losses in the Donetsk region amid a push towards the key city of Sloviansk.

In the neighboring Luhansk region, the governor say he expects Russian troops to redouble their efforts to take the city of Severodonetsk.

We are also hearing reports that more civilians are fleeing the fighting in eastern Ukraine. CNN teams on the ground reported seeing a long line of cars leaving the Ukrainian-controlled areas in the Donetsk region this morning.

On Sunday, Ukraine says President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled towards one of the areas in the east, he met with displaced residents from the devastated city of Mariupol which fell under Russian control last month. He also visited frontline troops in the Donbas region.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE (through translator): I am proud of everyone I met, shook hands with, communicated with and supported. Something was brought for the military but I will not detail it and I brought something from them to you. It is imported. We brought confidence and strength.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COREN: Mr. Zelenskyy's visit to the front lines came as his Russian counterpart was issuing more threats in Moscow. In an interview with state media, Vladimir Putin responded to reports that the U.S. and its allies planned to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): In general, all this fuss around additional weapon deliveries in my opinion, has only one goal, to drag out the arm conflict for as long as possible. If they are, supplied we will draw appropriate conclusions from this and use our own weapons of which we have enough in order to strike at those facilities we are not targeting yet.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COREN: That warning coming as Russian strikes continued hammering eastern Ukraine. This is in the city of Lysychansk, not far from Severodonetsk where local officials say Russian shelling completely destroyed a humanitarian aid center.

Well meanwhile, Ukraine's nuclear power station operator says a Russian missile flew dangerously low over a nuclear plant in the south and accused Russia of threatening the world with a new nuclear catastrophe.

In Kyiv, officials say Russia fired a total of five cruise missiles towards the city on Sunday, leaving a train repair factory smoldering ruin. Ukrainian officials say one military target was also killed.

For a lot more, let's bring in CNN's Clare Sebastian joining us from London. Clare, let's begin with those strikes on Kyiv, the first missiles at the capitol in more than a, month shattering the sense of, perhaps safety that residents had been feeling.

CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Anna, this is a city, Kyiv, that had been sort of reopening to its resident life, has been returning to some degree of normality. Foreign embassies had been reopening, the U.S. and the U.K. among them. And now of course you see what have become in the first month or so of the war familiar scenes. Black plumes of smoke over the city.

Two key things I think to read into this, one is that nowhere is safe in Ukraine. That is key. Russia, while it has said that the Donbas is its a military priority, while the concentration of forces there backs that up. It's clear that they are willing to strike other areas.

And the second thing is, despite the dismissal that you just heard from President Putin Russia is worried, it is rattled by the constant resupply of the Ukrainian army by western powers, and in particular, the promise by the United States to provide long-range -- long-range weapons systems, rocket system.

This is something that has clearly concerned Russia, this is why you see the part of the targeting that happened there in Kyiv was a military facility. Russia saying that it hit a facility that was housing tanks and other armored vehicles, provided by eastern European countries to Ukraine.

[03:05:04]

I think also significant looking at how they conducted their strike using missiles fired from the Caspian Sea, clearly a way of demonstrating the range of their own weapons here, Anna.

COREN: But as we reported Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to the west saying that Moscow will hit targets we haven't hit before if they provide Ukraine with those longer-range missiles. I mean, what sort of targets do you believe he's talking about?

SEBASTIAN: Well, look, he made those comments on Friday, Anna, in an interview that was then aired on Sunday. And of course, over the weekend, we did see the strikes on Sunday morning in Kyiv. Of course, they have hit Kyiv before but not for a while then that very low flying missile over the nuclear facility.

So, I mean, you have to look at what they've done since he made those comments. But I think there is also perhaps the sense that he is being purposefully vague to sort of appear more unpredictable to raise fears in the west and perhaps reinforce the school of diplomatic thought that was voiced by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, that it's worth not humiliating Russia to provide some kind of exit ramp from this conflict.

I think that it is perhaps worth looking at the sort of commentary around this as well. Russia perhaps looking to sort of bring that to bear as well, to try to reinforce the sense that it is willing to go to great lengths to win this conflict.

COREN: And Clare, how is the nature of warfare changing, I guess, as the battle moves from an urban fight to more open terrain?

SEBASTIAN: Yes. I mean, it seems the urban fight continues alongside the open terrain. We're hearing prom Ukrainian officials that street fights are continuing, certainly in Severodonetsk where Russia has been, it seems unable to hold on to all of its gains in that city. We heard last week from the Ukrainian side, that Russia has taken 80 percent of the city. Now it says that it's split roughly half in half.

So, street fights continue, but of course, also you get the sort of open terrain battles that are happening in the Donbas region where artillery becomes very important, particularly long-range artillery where we continue to see Russian air strikes certainly destroying a lot of civilian infrastructure that maybe why we see that a CNN team has seen a long line of cars heading west. It's clearly still a very difficult situation for civilians on the ground.

COREN: Clare Sebastian in London. We appreciate the update. Thank you.

Well, earlier I spoke with retired U.S. Marine Colonel Andrew Milburn, a former special operations commander with the Marine Raider Regiment. I asked him what he makes of Vladimir Putin's threats over supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDREW MILBURN, FORMER COMMANDER, U.S. MARINE RAIDER REGIMENT, MARSOC: It's not as though Putin has held back from anything short of nuclear or chemical weapons to this point. And you know, he's only held back by the fear of retaliation from, you know, going full throttle to either of those eventualities.

So, it would be a mistake to constantly back pedal for fear of him escalating. You know, if he -- if there are targets that have been critical points to this war for Russia, I would argue the Russian Federation is gaining some confidence right now. But there was a -- there was a period where Putin probably himself was worried about his own position. That would have been the time when he resorted targets that he had not hit before. OK?

All of that having been said, the Ukrainians themselves within the ministry of defense and intelligence directorate are always concerned about another attack on Kyiv, and there are indications that that is not off the table. We've seen the Russians slowly gaining some ground in the east although the Ukrainians are putting up a very strong defense in Severodonetsk.

And you know, the Ukrainians feel, with some justification now would be probably the time when Putin would go for the high threshold as its known for victory, which is another attack on Kyiv. Whether they would hit -- they could take Kyiv is another matter. Ukrainians doubt that.

But nevertheless, you can make things uncomfortable for the city. And there are indications that he is thinking about their troop -- troops amassing close to the Russian border, with the Russian border of Belarus where constant troops have been seen on this side of the border.

You've seen the missile strikes in Kyiv yesterday. A strike at Kyiv would certainly be something that Putin has on the table and that is what Ukrainians are most concerned about.

COREN: Colonel, we spoke last hour with a Ukrainian member of parliament who repeated a call that we've heard from many lawmakers. Here is what she had to say. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KIRA RUDIK, MEMBER, UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENT: As on the day one. I want to see the no-fly zone. Whatever you call it. But you see right now with the recent attacks on Kyiv that we do need protection from the air, otherwise Putin may be fighting on the east and on the south.

[03:10:05]

But the whole Ukraine would be always in war. And we cannot allow that. So, we need more assistance in protecting our peaceful city. We need more weapons.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COREN: Colonel, should a no-fly zone be off the table entirely or is it time to reconsider?

MILBURN: Yes, I think it's certainly time to reconsider. And it is, you know, again, you've heard my comments about escalation. We can't constantly be concerned about Putin escalating, you know, it's very - -it's very unlikely that -- you know, he's -- he's fond, very fond of bombarding and pounding his chest, but in the end -- in the end he's rational actor, in the sense that he wants to hold on to power.

And knowing the Russian Federation must not come to face to face competition with the United States. A fly -- a no-fly zone would certainly be a good move by NATO and the United States. You know, you can confine it to the areas of Ukraine held by the Russians. There's no doubt in my mind, the United States and NATO could do that with great benefit to Ukraine, without risk of escalation.

That having been said, I would say it certainly is off the table. I think it's very unlikely. And to, you know, M.P. recent what we just heard, it's not a question of more weapons, it's a question of weapons that give Ukrainians an edge, right?

The MLRS would certainly, certainly be a valuable contribution. But there's a lag time. Right? There's going to be weeks, if not months that involve training the Ukrainians in Germany before that weaponry is fielded. And then when it is used, it's going to be a very centralized control.

I would argue long-range strike drones, long-range reconnaissance drones. Long-range logistics drones, by long-range I mean 60, 70 more kilometers. Something like the MQ-1 or MQ-9 would be a game-changer here, and that is what the Ukrainians need most. And that is, you know, they are very adept to using drones, they would need very little training.

And if the MQ-1, MQ-9 are off the table, then you know, other nations including Turkey have the TB-2, which has proved to be a game changer here. So, it's not more weapons, it's not more money. Everything not go about this. A lot of the weapons systems that have been supplied today like the M777 Howitzer are simply obsolete in modern warfare, any type of towed Howitzer when you are dealing with a counter battery threat, where the Russians can land rounds within four minutes of detecting incoming rounds themselves.

So, you, see just the piece of modern war demands that long-range precision strike, that side that holds such capability that can -- that has stand off against the other side has the edge. And that is what long-range drones right now would give the Ukrainians.

So, in summary, yes, I don't think a no-fly zone is on the table, I could, you know, be at the table and argue for it. I think there's good -- there's good pragmatic and ethical reasons to do that, nevertheless nothing is going to happen, and since it won't, I think the United States and NATO should consider providing long range strike and long-range reconnaissance drones.

COREN: Yes. We know, obviously, Ukrainians need those longer-range systems. But whether the United States and west are willing to give it to them is another conversation. Colonel Andrew Milburn, joining us from Kyiv, we certainly appreciate your time. Thank you so much.

MILBURN: Thank you very much, Anna.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COREN: On Sunday, Ukraine's president paid tribute to a Lithuanian filmmaker who died in Mariupol. He was captured and killed by Russian forces in April while working on a documentary about life in Mariupol under Russians -- Russia's invasion.

In a pre-taped address at the Lithuanian National Film Awards, Mr. Zelenskyy underscored the importance of art that shines a light on the truth.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZELENSKYY (through translator): Art itself, culture, in all its forms and in all their senses shape people, educate them or vice versa. Close them in the dark in lies. That is why it is important to bear the truth. It is important to support art that is for life, not for those who want to destroy that life.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COREN: Well, South Korea and the U.S. are sending a strong message to Pyongyang about its recent missile launches by sending up their very own. The South Korean joint chiefs of staff says, eight surface-to- surface missiles were launched early Monday morning, a direct response to North Korea's launch of eight short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday.

Well, CNN's Ivan Watson joins us now for more. Ivan, what do we make of this tit-for-tat?

IVAN WATSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, right now we do not know of any direct diplomatic negotiations or communications between the Biden administration and the North Korean capital. And in the absence of talks we see another form of communication and that this tit-for-tat missile launches.

[03:15:09]

Sunday, North Korea fires eight short-range ballistic missiles from four different locations in North Korea. And less than 24 hours later before dawn, Monday morning, the U.S. and South Korea announce and then release footage of their own response salvo of missiles fired into the east sea to the east of the Korean peninsula.

And this is not the first time that the U.S. and South Korea have responded to North Korean missile launches with their own launches. But it does seem to be a new form of responding to show, not just kind of impotence and condemnations, verbal condemnations but to say hey, we've got a military too and we can use it and presumably keep up the North Korean air defenses up in the pre-dawn hours trying to figure out what exactly is going on.

The U.S. and Japan also announced on Sunday hours after the South -- the North Korean missile launches that they conducted a bilateral ballistic missile defense exercise. All intended to kind of show solidarity between the U.S. and its allies in east Asia. But they're probably going to have to continue doing this because look at the pattern of at least 17 North Korean missile launches this year alone, indicating that North Korea is active. It doesn't care about United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban these types off missile launches. It's going to work on this technology.

But then let's take a broader look, Anna, at the pattern of launches in past years. So far this has not reached the peak of 2019 missile launches from North Korea. That was a year when then U.S. President Donald Trump was meeting face to face with the North Korean dictator. We'll just have to watch the space to see how the Korean Peninsula and tis security environment evolves from here. Anna?

COREN: Ivan Watson, as always, good to see you. Thank you for the update.

Well, communities around the U.S. are in mourning after a weekend that saw nearly 10 more mass shootings. The stark details on America's escalating gun violence epidemic ahead.

Plus, there's been a horrific attack on a Catholic church in Nigeria. We'll have a live report from Lagos, that's next.

[03:20:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COREN: At least 28 people were killed after gunman stormed a Catholic church in southwest Nigeria and opened fire. We must warn you the following video of the attack is graphic. Authorities told CNN they are yet to confirm the total number of casualties and identify those behind the attack.

For more on the story, I'm joined by CNN's Stephanie Busari from Lagos. And Stephanie, tell us what do you know at this stage?

STEPHANIE BUSARI, CNN DIGITAL SUPERVISING EDITOR, AFRICA: Yes. So, I mean, details are still emerging. Death toll has been put at between 28 to 50. That number almost certainly going to rise higher because we're hearing that this church had, on a packed day, around 500 people would be in this church. And reports from eye witnesses say that a group of armed men stormed

the church just as mass was about to end. They reportedly threw in dynamite to cause an explosion and cause confusion and opened fire as worshippers brought mass to an end.

And I spoke in the past three hours to a woman who lost both her parents in this devastating attack. And she said her father, John (Inaudible), 67 and her mother, Olabinkwe Suzanna (Ph), 64, never missed mass. And her brother was forced to go around the morgues to try to confirm what happened to them. And they found out, unfortunately, that these two had passed away.

She paid tribute to them, saying that they never were apart and even in death, she was not surprised that they died together.

So, I mean, Nigerians are reeling from what is the latest in the series of attacks, kidnapping, insecurity rampant in the country. And you know, a very tense time in the country that led up to election primaries. And many fear that this instance of violence will only rise.

Now President Buhari has condemned the killings but his words ring hollow. It's just in the latest in a series of violence. Don't forget he is a former military man who was supposed to bring an end to insecurity in the country. But many Nigerians simply say they do not feel safe doing everyday things.

COREN: Yes, Stephanie, you talk about the insecurity in the country. But this particular state of Ondo where the attack happened is known for being quite peaceful. So, I guess that must just add, you know, to the grief that people are going through.

BUSARI: Absolutely. This is a very stable, relatively calm city in the southwest of Nigeria. Now a lot of the insecurity has a happened in the northeast and a northwest of the country. Now it's kind of creeping further into the country and many Nigerians are asking is our city next? Are we safe going about our everyday business?

Those kidnappings, people are kidnapped to work. People are kidnapped on trains commuting to their everyday activities. So, it's really just a very unstable atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the country right now.

[03:24:59]

And many fear that in the lead up to the elections next year, but we are in the middle of a political campaign, very actively that these incidents of violence are only going to get worse.

COREN: Well, Stephanie, we know that you'll be keeping across this story for us and update us on the death toll which we know is in the dozens but Stephanie Busari, great for that update. Thank you so much.

Well, America's epidemic of gun violence worsened over the weekend. Parts of Philadelphia under curfew right now after police saying multiple shooters opened fire in a buzzling entertainment district Saturday night. The city's mayor says he's fed up with the bloodshed and he is calling for tougher gun laws. It's just one of several mass shootings in the U.S. in recent days.

CNN's Pam Brown has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAMELA BROWN, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: As one community buries 19 children after the horrific massacre in Uvalde, Texas in a lot of hours and says, more killings. The numbers are staggering. At least eight mass shootings since Friday. And according to the Gun Violence Archive, more than 240 mass shootings this year Sunday morning, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

MAYOR TIM KELLY (R), CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE: I'm tired of standing in front of you talking about guns and bodies.

BROWN: Three people killed and at least 17 others injured near a downtown nightclub. Police say some victims hit by bullets, and others by fleeing cars.

KELLY: There are families whose lives have been shattered forever because once again we have people deciding to resolve their issues with firearms.

BROWN: Another overnight shooting at a bar, this one out west, two people dead and two more injured in Mesa, Arizona. Saturday night, at least three people were killed and 11 others injured after a shooting in Philadelphia. Police say several active shooters fired into a crowd.

DANIELLE OUTLAW, PHILADELPHIA POLICE COMMISSIONER: We're absolutely devastated, devastated by this incident. And we mourn the lives lost and the dozens and dozens of lives affected by this tragedy.

BROWN: A drive-by shooting at graduation party in South Carolina left one woman dead and seven people injured, including a child. Police said they recovered roughly 50 shell casings from the scene so far. And there's more. A strip mall shooting early Saturday morning left one person dead. Phoenix police said the victim is a 14-year-old girl.

UNKNOWN: A group of people that started running like every different direction. And I, myself was like hiding behind bars because the shots kept getting closer and closer.

BROWN: And in small town Wisconsin, a former judge targeted in his home and fatally shot. Authorities say the suspect had a hit list of high-level government officials. All of this as the nation waits for Washington to do something about this uniquely American epidemic.

JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: For God's sake, how much more carnage are we willing to accept? How many more innocent American lives must be taken before we say enough? Enough.

(END VIDEO CLIP) COREN: Well, that was CNN's Pam Brown reporting. Well, following her report, CNN has confirmed at least nine mass shootings over the weekend, claiming the lives of 12 people and wounding nearly 60. Well, many opponents of gun control say any new gun measures, control measures would be a slippery slope, that ends with their firearms being taken away which they see that as a violation of their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights. But one former gun industry executive tells CNN those rights are not open-ended.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RYAN BUSSE, FORMER FIREARMS EXECUTIVE: No right exists without balancing responsibilities, and we have to balance those rights with responsibilities. There is nothing pro -- there is nothing anti-gun about being OK with background checks, or being OK with red flag laws, or being OK with outlined arm intimidation.

That's not anti-gun, that's just pro responsibility. We don't live any other area of our life where we let one supposed freedom that's enumerated in the Constitution which the Second amendment is. But we don't view any of those freedoms as absolute so that they would eventually undo our democracy. That's what I'm worried about with guns in America right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COREN: We want to bring this breaking news to you right now.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a no-confidence vote later today. It's believed to happen between 6 and 8 p.m. local time there in London.

Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 conservative private members committee had this to say a short time ago, let's have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GRAHAM BRADY, CHAIRMAN, 1922 COMMITTEE: So, I'm not making a statement. I sent out a written statement. I already have answered any questions you have on the process -- procedure.

[03:29:58]

I will say what was in the written statement if it's helpful to you, which is simply to say that the threshold of 15 percent of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence and the prime minister has been. Therefore, a vote of confidence will take place within the rules of the 1922 Committee. That vote will take place this evening in the House of Commons between 6:00 and 8:00, and we will announce the result shortly thereafter.

There will be arrangements for proxy votes for any colleagues who can't be present in person in Westminster, and we will meet with our colleagues with those arrangements in the near future.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Did you communicate the news directly to the prime minister? How did he run?

BRADY: I am not going to go into details with that. I have followed the rules that we have in place. I notify the prime minister yesterday that the threshold had been reached. And we agreed the timetable for the confidence vote to take place. And he shared my view which is also in line with the rules that we have in place. But that vote should happen as soon as it could reasonably take place and that would be today.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): How many electors did you receive?

BRADY: I don't divulge that, but the threshold of 15% has been passed.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): And when will the threshold pass?

BRADY: It's slightly complicated because some colleagues have asked specifically that it should not be until the end of the jubilee celebrations.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): So, did some of them postdate the letter so as to not interrupt the jubilee?

BRADY: I think that is not a bad description of what is taking place.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): And that's when the threshold will reach?

BRADY: Therefore, we've reached the point where I could communicate with the prime minister yesterday which I did. And as I said, he agreed with me that we should conduct the vote as quickly as we reasonably can.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Did the prime minister have the chance to (inaudible)?

BRADY: It is always an open invitation to the prime minister to come and speak to the committee. So, if he wishes to, we will arrange that meeting this afternoon.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Have you put one in yourself?

(LAUGHTER)

BRADY: I am not going to answer that question, but technically, it would be possible but it would be a slightly a thing to do.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Were you surprised at the speed (INAUDIBLE)? You've seen a few of these come and go.

BRADY: I am not surprised by the speed. Our rules say it should be done as soon as reasonable in the circumstances. When we held a vote on Theresa May's position in December 2018, we spoke the evening before and we held the vote the next day.

So, you know, I suppose it's aligned with recent precedent. I think it's good for everybody to get these things out of the way as quickly and efficiently as possible.

UNKNOWN: How long could the contest actually take if there is (INAUDIBLE)?

BRADY: I've not speculated about leadership elections. We are holding a vote of confidence and it will take place today. You will have a result this evening.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Is he surprised?

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Lots and lots of speculation (INAUDIBLE).

BRADY: Well, a confidence vote obviously will provide a clear answer. The party will have confidence in the leadership or not have confidence in the leadership. That's the question that will be before my colleagues today.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): And if he survives (INAUDIBLE) another year or is there a possibility that rules will be changed?

BRADY: Technically, that's possible for the rules to be changed, but the rule -- the present is that there would be year of period of grace.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): (INAUDIBLE) in terms of Boris Johnson's leadership?

BRADY: I think that my constituents have been enjoying the jubilee as we all have. I think they should go nail the questions of detail. Thank you.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNA COREN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That was Graham Brady who chairs the Tory Committee. But as you just heard, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a no-confidence vote later today between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. local time in London. That is 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

This follows mounting criticism of the prime minister's behavior throughout the pandemic and the various parties that were held in Westminster.

Repeating that breaking news, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a no-confidence vote later today. Stay with CNN. We'll take a short break and come back with much more.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[03:35:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COREN: Welcome back with our breaking news on Boris Johnson, who will be facing a no-confidence vote later this evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. London time.

This was announced by Sir Graham Brady, who chairs the Tory Committee. He says there are 54 letters of no confidence in the 57-year-old prime minister who has faced mounting criticism for his behavior during the pandemic -- of him, his staff, who held parties in Westminster, and there are growing calls for him to step down.

But we've just heard from Downing Street that says the prime minister welcomes this opportunity to make his case, saying that this was a chance to end months of speculation and allow the government to draw a line and move on. That's according to a spokesperson for Number 10.

But just repeating, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a vote of no confidence between 6:00 and 8:00 this evening in London.

Moving on to other news. The investigation into the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol is set to enter a new phase this week. Starting Thursday, the House Select Committee plans to begin holding public hearings in primetime. The panel is expected to unveil new evidence about the insurrection and what led up to it.

CNN's Zachary Cohen has more from Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ZACHARY COHEN, CNN U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: The January 6 Committee is gearing up for first of several high-stakes public hearings and the first one is to happen this week.

Now, the committee has conducted over 1,000 interviews and collected massive amounts of documents, but almost all of their works has happened behind closed doors. That means this will be the first time the panel has a chance to present its case directly to the American people.

That is going to happen in primetime. The committee is promising to put on a compelling show that features unseen material, witness testimony, and a summary of its finding which they say points to a coordinated effort to overturn the 2020 election and prevent the transfer of power.

[03:40:00]

COHEN: Now, former President Donald Trump's role in that effort will undoubtedly be a common thread throughout all of the hearings, including a focus on what he was doing and not doing on January 6 as the violence was unfolding.

At the same time, sources are telling CNN that Trump has already communicated to several of his Republican allies on Capitol Hill that he expects them to defend him while the committee's hearings are playing out.

Trump's insistence has already mobilized some of his GOP loyalists but on and off the hill as plans are already being developed behind the scenes to push back on the committee. This despite the plea by some Republicans that they should draw attention away from January 6 and instead continue to beat the drum on present day economic and cultural issues that have resonated with their voters.

Now, while the strategy to push back on the committee appears to still be taking shape, it's becoming clear that it will be tailored to an audience of one, and that's to Donald Trump.

Zachary Cohen, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COREN: Still with CNN. We will take a short break. Much more news is coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COREN: Well, Beijing is easing its COVID measures, citing a decline in cases since late May. Workers can now return to the office. Restaurants can return to dining services except in some areas. And starting June 13th, elementary, middle, and high schools will return to in-person learning.

Let's bring in our Kristie Lu Stout here in Hong Kong for more on the story. And Kristie, with infections falling and China easing restrictions in Beijing and Shanghai, does this mean that life is returning to normal?

KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Anna, look, both Beijing and Shanghai are further easing this COVID-19 curve. So, life will return to as normal as possible in zero-COVID China.

Look, let's look at the situation at the Chinese capital, in Beijing. Starting today, workers can finally return and go back to their offices. Dining-in services have resumed with the exception of the Fengtai district in Beijing as well as parts of Changping. Public transport is resuming normal operations.

[03:45:00]

LU STOUT: But there is a catch. For the residents in Beijing, they have to have proof of a negative PCR test or nucleic acid test in the previous 72 hours before they can gain entry and access to public venues, to offices, and to buildings there.

We're also following the situation in China's financial capital, Shanghai, especially after the city of 25 million is going through this gradual process of reopening those two punishing and paralyzing months of lockdown. Some or most rather of the residents there have been able to move out and about since Wednesday. Starting today, older high school students in Shanghai are able to resume in-person classes.

But hundreds of thousands of people are still being subjected to these mandatory COVID-19 tests as authorities in China hunt down every trace of the virus. Case in point, what happened on Friday, in Shanghai, three cases of COVID-19 were confirmed and detected. As a result, three separate neighborhoods were sealed off.

Back to you, Anna.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COREN: Kristie Lu Stout, as always, thank you. We'll take a short break. Please stay with CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COREN: Welcome back.

[03:49:58]

COREN: Recapping the breaking news coming out of London, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a vote of no confidence later today. That will be happening at 6:00 p.m. local time. That is 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

The 57-year-old is facing this vote because as we heard from Sir Graham Brady who chairs the Tory Committee a short time ago, he said he has received 54 letters of no confidence in the prime minister which, of course, is the threshold to hold this vote.

Now, the prime minister, the 57-year-old has faced mounting criticism for his behavior, the behavior of his staff, during the pandemic when the U.K. faced very strict lockdown due to the pandemic, the party that was going out at Number 10, some of which was attended by the prime minister. And inquiry was held. The prime minister has obviously apologized but has refused to resign. This will no doubt be the biggest challenge to his leadership.

We did hear from Downing Street a short time ago that said that the prime minister welcomed this opportunity to make his case, saying that this was a way that he could clear the matters once and for all. But, as I, Downing Street saying that the prime minister welcomes this opportunity to either clear his name and move on from this issue.

So, repeating, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a no-confidence vote at 6:00 p.m. in London.

Well, moving on, Ukraine's Cinderella run for the football World Cup is over. The sentimental favorites lost one nil to Wales with the winner getting a ticket to Qatar.

Alex Thomas was at the match and here's his report from Cardiff.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALEX THOMAS, CNN WORLD SPORT ANCHOR: On a rainy evening in Cardiff, Ukraine's World Cup dream was washed away, winning two playoff games in five days, proving too much for a team denied competitive international action since last November by Russia's invasion in February.

Although they had beaten Scotland on Wednesday, Ukraine's footballers couldn't find a way past Wales, in particular goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The 35-year-old veteran has played just three games for his club all season but produced a string of stunning saves here.

Wales winning this playoff final, one nil, after Gareth Bale's free kick was deflected into his own goal by Ukraine captain, Andriy Yarmolenko.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNKNOWN: (INAUDIBLE) those friends. And our -- victory of our country is in the future. Our -- we will soon win. And it is the most important for us.

UNKNOWN: Disappointed but, you know, that our team lost today. So, we played well and probably deserve to play in the World Cup. But, you know, I really wish best (INAUDIBLE).

UNKNOWN: We are very proud of them. They've done very well. And this -- you know, everything that is happening at the moment, Ukraine touches our hearts.

UNKNOWN: (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE).

(END VIDEO CLIP)

THOMAS: Ukraine's players slump to the ground at the final whistle. It would've been a cross between a sporting miracle and a fairytale if they had qualified for Qatar 2022. Instead, Wales is celebrating a place at the men's FIFA World Cup tournament for the first time since 1958.

So, long ago, that color television was in its infancy, the first moon landing was more than a decade away, and Ukraine was still part of the former Soviet Union.

Alex Thomas, CNN, Cardiff.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COREN: A surprise appearance on the final day of Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee gets the crowd roaring. The queen herself appeared with her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in front of adoring fans celebrating her 70-year reign.

Ahead of that, thousands of people hit the streets of central London for huge parade in the queen's honor, which included her majesty's golden carriage.

Wall Street parties also took place across the U.K. to celebrate the queen. CNN's Anna Stewart was at one event in London where crowds turned out to mark the (INAUDIBLE).

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) ANNA STEWART, CNN REPORTER (voice-over): The Great British street party is a longstanding tradition for marking royal events: coronations, royal weddings, and jubilees.

[03:54:58]

STEWART (voice-over): Thousands took place across the U.K. Sunday in spite of the typically British weather. This one honored very (INAUDIBLE) named street.

UNKNOWN: Because of (ph) Queen Elizabeth's speech. And Queen Elizabeth has got to be (INAUDIBLE).

UNKNOWN: So, we've come all this way to be at the street party closest to Buckingham Palace.

STEWART (voice-over): It's a party catering for all ages, from military veterans to so much younger residents.

(On camera): How do you describe, Mr. Punch, queen's international audience?

This mischievous puppet speaks most (INAUDIBLE), but luckily, has a translator.

UNKNOWN: He says he likes jubilees because it gets lots of work.

STEWART (voice-over): The street has some notable shops, including (INAUDIBLE) to the royals, Philip Treacy, and they're all part of the celebrations.

UNKNOWN: (INAUDIBLE), so it's part of my neighborhood. In Elizabeth Street, we've always had (INAUDIBLE) atmosphere. I think it has come across really well.

STEWART (voice-over): Above all, street parties are about uniting communities. It's a moment to break bread or, in this, sponge, sandwiches, merengues, and of course some bubbles.

UNKNOWN: Cheers! Happy platinum jubilee.

STEWART (voice-over): Anna Stewart, CNN, from Elizabeth Street in London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COREN: Well, thank you so much for your company. I am Anna Coren. We'll have much more on the vote of no confidence, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which is happening later today. My colleague, Max Foster, will be taking it over from London. You're watching CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)