Aid worker taken hostage tells court of 'intense' beatings by Islamic State 'Beatles'

An aid worker taken hostage by Islamic State (IS) with Briton David Haines has told the terror trial of El Shafee Elsheikh, allegedly one of the so-called "IS Beatles", that he suffered "intense" beatings while being held captive. https://ift.tt/ZOE2rHC

World Cup 2022: Who has qualified? Who could England face? And who are the favourites?

Teams who have qualified for this year's World Cup in Qatar will be eagerly watching to see who they are pitted against in the group stages of the tournament. https://ift.tt/S0Eyl9z

'Just 21 seconds without an attack' - the bombarded town that held off the Russians

We are given strict instructions before entering the commuter town which has thwarted the Russian entry into the Ukrainian capital. https://ift.tt/8HITPwa

UK's nuclear power status reinforced by Ukraine invasion, MoD official says

The UK has a "clearer appreciation" of its status as a nuclear-armed power "than perhaps we have had for some time" amid Russia's war against Ukraine, a top official has signalled. https://ift.tt/lLmZEKP

'Five-star' beach camping one of the 'affordable' options for fans at World Cup in Qatar

The scramble for World Cup accommodation in Qatar is leading football fans to explore all options, including camping in the desert. https://ift.tt/fnX6QM3

Mobile networks being weaponised to target troops on both sides of Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian soldiers have described the dangers of using a mobile phone at the frontline in the conflict with Russian backed-separatists in recent years. https://ift.tt/UbGjZmy

'Perfect marriage of speed and glamour': F1 to hold night race on Las Vegas strip next year

Formula One will hold a night race on the renowned Las Vegas strip next year, the sport's organisers have announced. https://ift.tt/XB59Fjt

Russian attacks on Ukraine intensify despite pledge from Moscow to pull back troops

Russian attacks on Ukraine have intensified, despite a pledge from Moscow to pull back troops around Kyiv and Chernihiv. https://ift.tt/NvzRy3g

Liz Truss heads to India to urge Modi to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The Foreign Secretary is heading to India to urge its government to work with other democracies to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. https://ift.tt/3yWnRlg

'Got to pick his words carefully': World Cup chief answers Southgate over 'issues' with Qatar as hosts

The head of the Qatar World Cup has told Gareth Southgate to "pick his words very carefully" after the England manager questioned the Gulf State's treatment of migrant workers and said it would be a "great shame" if some fans didn't travel to the tournament over safety concerns. https://ift.tt/XF065W3

'They run away like chickens': Ferocious fighting for 'unreachable' Ukrainian city that's like 'hell' for Russian soldiers

On one of several roads that lead to a place called Izyum, there is a sign with a spray-painted addition reading: "Russian soldier, you've been sent to hell." https://ift.tt/uvgFpET

Russian troops have accidentally shot down own aircraft and refused to carry out orders, UK spy chief to reveal

Demoralised Russian soldiers in Ukraine have accidentally shot down their own aircraft, sabotaged their own kit, and refused to carry out orders, a British spy chief will reveal. https://ift.tt/89qLzs4

Sky team discuss miraculous escape from Kyiv ambush for first time

Stuart Ramsay has described the injuries he suffered after being shot in Ukraine - with a former military surgeon telling him he was "the most lucky person I've met". https://ift.tt/4OoUN2v

Soldier who told Russian warship to 'go f*** yourself' gets bravery award

The Ukrainian soldier who told a Russian warship to "go f*** yourself" on the first day of the conflict has been honoured with a bravery award. https://ift.tt/ZufRHSy

Why does the West doubt Russia's vow to 'cut back' Kyiv operations?

Russia's claims that it will drastically cut its military operations near Kyiv have raised eyebrows and led to questions over whether the move is a genuine bid for peace or just a smokescreen so the Kremlin can marshal its forces. https://ift.tt/DZWR5j1

Motorcycle gunman kills five in Israel's third deadly attack in a week

A gunman on a motorcycle has killed at least five people after opening fire in a crowded city in central Israel. https://ift.tt/Qjl3YRz

Daughter of murdered aid worker will face 'IS Beatle' during terror trial

The daughter of David Haines who was allegedly kidnapped and killed by an IS terror cell in Syria will face one of the men thought to be involved in a US court this week. https://ift.tt/HDelbOa

Abramovich seen at Ukraine peace talks after allegations he was poisoned

Roman Abramovich has been seen at peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. https://ift.tt/hP2B6Is

Ukrainian troops regaining territory says Ukrainian PM as peace talks resume amid 'poisoning' claim

Ukrainian troops are regaining territory around the capital and pushing back Russian forces, the country's president has said. https://ift.tt/e5VfMLC

More Russian mercenaries heading to Ukraine as Russian attacks stall, says MoD

The Russian private military company the Wagner Group is operating in eastern Ukraine, with its mercenaries being diverted away from operations elsewhere to help support the Russian army, according to the latest Ministry of Defence intelligence update. https://ift.tt/PHKj0F1

Forgotten war: Falklands veterans still suffering as the conflict fades from the public's memory

The bitter war between the UK and Argentina over the Falklands risks being "forgotten", with a quarter of young people having never heard of it, according to a Help for Heroes survey. https://ift.tt/Ez5YA9F

Biden 'not walking anything back' but denies calling for regime change in Russia

President Joe Biden strongly denied any suggestion that he had called for regime change in Vladimir Putin's Russia, but said he is "not walking anything back". https://ift.tt/jl2K517

Just how involved is Roman Abramovich in Ukraine-Russia peace talks?

Roman Abramovich has been rumoured to have been involved in peace talks between Ukraine and his native Russia for several weeks. https://ift.tt/P9z8cON

Heineken exits Russia while rival Carlsberg (probably) rues big 2008 beer deal

For the global brewers, as they grapple with changing consumer tastes and gently declining beer consumption in established markets like the US, Germany, the UK and Japan, Russia has been comparatively resilient. https://ift.tt/8wHcQjX

Nineteen people shot dead at clandestine cockfight as Mexican drug gang violence worsens

Nineteen people were killed after gunmen opened fire dead at a clandestine cockfight in one of Mexico's worst shootings in recent years. https://ift.tt/gTEhGM2

China security pact with Solomon Islands 'concerning' - Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have raised "grave" concerns about the potential for a Chinese military presence on the Solomon Islands, amid growing tensions in the Pacific region, with the US embarking on live-fire military drills with the Philippines. https://ift.tt/HSgBxDF

Ukrainian city of Mariupol on verge of humanitarian catastrophe, says mayor - as 160,000 civilians trapped

The Ukrainian city of Mariupol is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe with 160,000 civilians trapped, its mayor has said. https://ift.tt/KRA0HzW

Ukraine willing to consider declaring neutrality and offer security guarantees to Russia - Zelenskyy

Ukraine's government is willing to consider declaring neutrality and offering security guarantees to Russia, including keeping the country nuclear-free, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. https://ift.tt/vWK8I1J

Chinese city of 26 million people enters lockdown with a twist as new testing regime launched

The Chinese city of Shanghai has been divided in half for a two-part lockdown which will see authorities roll out an experimental COVID testing regime. https://ift.tt/y7hUsnT

Biden denies calling for regime change in Russia a day after saying Putin 'cannot remain in power'

US President Joe Biden has denied that he was calling for regime change when he said that Russia's president Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power". https://ift.tt/PQJlzWa

China's COVID zero policy is actually two policies - it just depends where you are

China's "dynamic COVID zero" policy is actually two policies, depending on where you are.  https://ift.tt/k6wdR1N

State of emergency declared as El Salvador sees 76 gang-related killings in just two days

A state of emergency has been declared in El Salvador after 76 gang-related killings in just two days. https://ift.tt/wFrYU2E

Taylor Hawkins' toxicology tests find ten substances, including opioids, in drummer's system

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins had ten different substances in his system when he died - including marijuana, opioids and antidepressants, Colombian officials have confirmed. https://ift.tt/3ODRbTk

Panic and paranoia in 'safe haven' Lviv after city hit by missiles for the first time

In the last month of war, Lviv has become a city of sanctuary for Ukrainians fleeing fighting. https://ift.tt/xz9f4sw

'Perfect' comeback: Christian Eriksen makes fairytale return to Denmark after cardiac arrest

Christian Eriksen has made a sensational return to international football with a goal two minutes into his first game for Denmark since suffering a cardiac arrest last summer. https://ift.tt/iBTarcP

Biden says Putin 'cannot remain in power' as Zelenskyy pushes Europe to hand over weapons 'covered with dust'

Russia's president "cannot remain in power", Joe Biden has said in a speech where he pleaded with Russians to stand up against the war, and told Ukrainians that the US stands with them. https://ift.tt/C0xp9FZ

Prince William suggests Commonwealth could be led by a non-royal one day

Prince William has ended a tour of the Caribbean by suggesting he doesn't mind if he isn't head of the Commonwealth in future - and that he believes one day it may be led by someone other than a member of the Royal Family. https://ift.tt/SVteuPW

Death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins being investigated

The death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins is being investigated by Colombian authorities. https://ift.tt/gtjF5Nx

Russia says footage 'from Black Sea' shows missile launch targeting region west of Kyiv

Russia claims it has launched missile strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure from the Black Sea in the northwestern city of Zhytomyr - around 96 miles from the capital of Kyiv. https://ift.tt/Zac36VE

Putin's top military ministers appear in a video for first time in weeks

Two of Russia's top defence and military officials have been seen speaking in a video for the first time in over two weeks, amid speculation about their whereabouts. https://ift.tt/mu8Oep5

Grizzly bear kills hiker, Montana sheriff says

A 40-year-old man in Montana who went missing while hiking earlier this week was killed in a suspected encounter with a grizzly bear, authorities said on Friday. https://ift.tt/YRICaZ2

Biden and US ministers meet Ukrainian counterparts in first meeting

President Joe Biden and US foreign and defence ministers Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin have met their Ukrainian counterparts for the first time to discuss how "to fortify Ukraine's ability to fight back Russian aggression". https://ift.tt/rcP4SMK

Pregnant women moved from Mariupol hospital were sheltering in bombed theatre

It's taken ten days for the world to learn if anyone survived the bombing of a theatre in Mariupol. https://ift.tt/e0jNtdH

Prince William tells Caribbean nations that any decisions to become republics will be 'supported'

The Duke of Cambridge has delivered his clearest message yet about other Caribbean nations potentially cutting ties with the monarchy, saying: "We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future." https://ift.tt/9sJfAbe

'Every single building is either burnt or broken': Photos show 'complete devastation' in Mariupol

Pictures from Mariupol show how the besieged Ukrainian city has been "completely devastated" after weeks of bombardment by Russian forces. https://ift.tt/EVFGilC

Could Zelenskyy appear at the Oscars? Organisers keep coy as stars prepare to 'show love' to Ukraine

Over the years, among the tears, triumphs, and total disasters, the Academy Awards have long been a platform for political sentiment. https://ift.tt/lVFQ1bR

William and Kate told Queen's reign will likely never be matched as Bahamas visit begins

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a warm welcome as they touched down in the Bahamas for the final leg of their Caribbean tour. https://ift.tt/CR2Lcl3

Farming in Ukraine: How the war is causing a global food crisis

Before Ukraine was invaded, the country was known as the "breadbasket" of Europe because of its vast agricultural industry. But now under attack from Russian forces, all food exports have had to stop. https://ift.tt/lFsiHq1

The unlikely beacon of light for desperate families fleeing Ukraine's most devastated city

It is an unremarkable spot, a large car park in front of a Ukrainian supermarket called Epicentre. Yet it means a lot to the people of Mariupol. https://ift.tt/n6ruqlw

Ex-Iran detainee Anoosheh Ashoori accuses Johnson of 'opportunism' for getting in touch only after his release

Anoosheh Ashoori has revealed Boris Johnson did not respond to any appeals from his family while he was detained, but since his release the prime minister has asked to meet with him.   https://ift.tt/NeWL1c8