looking at wider defence, absolutely.er. when you consider the russian army has lost 350,000 soldiers dead in the last two years, that is five times the size of the current british army. and when we look forward to other capabilities, we know that the navy have had a few issues with some of their ships and we are, we have got very few fighter aircraft squadrons that we did at the height of the cold war. if one accepts as i do that the threats are higher now than they were in the cold war, we really need to make sure our defence is up to it. chief of the defence staff has absolutely highlighted these issues. ben wallace, who really knows about these things, also has stated we need to re—evaluate, re—equip and make sure that we are spending enough on the deterrents of this country, notjust nuclear but also our conventional deterrents to make sure people like putin don't ahead any further west than ukraine. hamish de bretton gordon, thank you for your time and expertise on this. ministers are expected to make a statement abo

and briefly, your defence ofthe defence. and briefly, your defence of the situation _ defence.n - defence. and briefly, your defence of the situation in ukraine on the l of the situation in ukraine on the war effort. of the situation in ukraine on the war effort-— war effort. where do you stand? let's be frank, _ war effort. where do you stand? let's be frank, it's _ war effort. where do you stand? let's be frank, it's not _ war effort. where do you stand? let's be frank, it's not good. - let's be frank, it's not good. ukrainians have an army which is tired, having been in the trenches for two years, it needs to be rotated and refreshed, and forced conscription and a lot more soldiers, that will take time and we know ukraine are suffering from a shortage of ammunition and that american aid, even the european aid granted already is going to take time to come in to stop its greater that germans are building and munitions factory so it will take time and your client must get through the winter.— time and your client must get through the winter. professor come so sor , through the

speaking ahead of a nato defence minister meeting in brussels, mr stoltenberg said defence spending acrossspending target. this year, i expect 18 allies to spend 2% of their gdp on defence. that is another record number. and a six fold increase from 2014, when only three allies met the target. live from brussels is our defence correspondentjonathan beale. admittedly it has to be agreed first, but if those increases are agreed on, how significant will it be for nato? i agreed on, how significant will it be for nate?— be for nato? i think it is the prejection — be for nato? i think it is the prejection of— be for nato? i think it is the projection of what _ be for nato? i think it is the projection of what jens - be for nato? i think it is the - projection of what jens stoltenberg projection of whatjens stoltenberg are saying, 18 countries of the 31 members of nato, could soon be 32 if swedenjoins, it is members of nato, could soon be 32 if sweden joins, it is waiting for hungary to give that approval in parliament, but that is a significant change from 2014, which is when they first set the

— requirement of spending 296 of your gdp on defence? we are already 2.296 this ear gdp on defence?re already 2.296 this year and have _ gdp on defence? we are already 2.296 this year and have doubled _ gdp on defence? we are already 2.296 this year and have doubled our - this year and have doubled our expenditure in four years and this year we increased the defence budget with 27% because we get it, defence investments are part of cohesion and solidarity and we will do our schar and continue to spend more than 2.2%. and continue to spend more than 2.296. ., ~ ., ., . ,, 2.296. you know how critical us su ort 2.296. you know how critical us support is. _ 2.296. you know how critical us support is. any _ 2.296. you know how critical us support is, any diminishing - 2.296. you know how critical us support is, any diminishing in l 2.296. you know how critical us l support is, any diminishing in the us involvement will have consequences for nato and from countries like you which are front line states in the war in any tensions with russia.- line states in the war in any tensions with ru

he’s statement from lloyd austin, the us defence secretary?— defence secretary?here _ defence secretary? he's putting the market out there to _ defence secretary? he's putting the market out there to other _ defence secretary? he's putting the market out there to other defence l market out there to other defence ministries around the world that the us is very present that the us will respond. problematic though it may be, the us is there, is responding and will respond. the strike took place injordan, one of the most critical us allies in the region so there has to be that us military support from the defence department to other ministries of defence in the region will be there for you. do ou the region will be there for you. do you think this puts more pressure on him? i you think this puts more pressure on him? ~' ,, . ., , ., him? i think when the secretary of state travels _ him? i think when the secretary of state travels in _ him? i think when the secretary of state travels in the _ him? i think when the secretary of state travels in the region, - him? i th

defence, i'm curious as — maintaining a credible defence, i'm curious as to — maintaining a credibleg a credible defence, i'm curious as to whether the _ maintaining a credible defence, i'm curious as to whether the ministerl curious as to whether the minister has talked — curious as to whether the minister has talked about _ curious as to whether the minister has talked about how _ curious as to whether the minister has talked about how nato - curious as to whether the minister has talked about how nato can - has talked about how nato can maintain — has talked about how nato can maintain its _ has talked about how nato can maintain its credibility, - has talked about how nato can i maintain its credibility, especially when _ maintain its credibility, especially when a _ maintain its credibility, especially when a significant _ maintain its credibility, especially when a significant number- maintain its credibility, especially when a significant number of - when a significant number of politicians _ when a significant number of politicians in— when a significant number of politicians

but of course, ukraine has the right to self—defence, and that includes also...se the weapons as they want? i think it's... to strike into russia? that would be your preferred option? i believe that it's important that we adhere to international law. russia is violating international law. russia — ukraine has the right to defend themselves, according to international law, and international law also allows them to strike targets outside ukraine, as long as these are legitimate military targets. but you will know that there are nato countries who think that if a british, an american weapon lands in russia, it will be seen as an aggressive act by russia? well, what we have seen is that they've already used different types of weapons to attack military targets in russia, but also to not least sink a high number of russian ships in the black sea. and that has been one of the great successes by ukraine, enabling them to actually push the russian black sea fleet away from the western part, and open a corridor that has enabled them to export grain and other products. so,

i also find it rather strange that the person responsible for the defence of britain, the defence secretaryho was at the bottom of the ocean in recent days, when the threat of russia has never been higher and the middle east is about to explode but when it comes to the reliability of trident, it is an old weapon. 30 years old. it is due to be replaced fairly soon but probably as politicians and others can't comment, when you fire inert missiles and inert weapons, there are always intrinsic problems that you never get with the real thing. when you consider a vanguard submarine has 16 trident nuclear missiles on it, each one probably has a warhead with about 100 kilotonnes, which would flatten moscow, actually, this is a embarrassment rather than detriment to defence in this country. but it sort of underwrites, we have heard a lot about the beleaguered british army and the ministry of defence short of funding. it really underwrites that, with the threat so high at the moment, that you clearly described in the middle east, and we know what is happening in ukraine as well, it is essential our d

. , ., , defence systems. the reason why there is a study which _ defence systems. yes, the reason why there is a study which came _ defence systems. yes, the reason why there is a study which came up - defence systems. yes, the reason why there is a study which came up today l there is a study which came up today and why it is really interesting is that it and why it is really interesting is thatitis and why it is really interesting is that it is increasing interest from governments to use artificial intelligence to potentially make decisions in the future. they conducted a study where they took, basically, what age nations may look like. we have global superpower with expansionist ambitions all the way to a newly independent state. they did inspire those based on real states. but they are fictional. so they took these eight fictional states with unique foreign—policy goals, they put them in three scenarios. one is neutral, there is nothing happening here. the other one is there is a cyber attack. the other o

but of course, ukraine has the right to self—defence, and that includes also...ion to use the weapons as they want? i think it's... to strike into russia? that would be your preferred option? i believe that it's important that we adhere to international law. russia is violating international law. russia — ukraine has the right to defend themselves, according to international law, and international law also allows them to strike targets outside ukraine, as long as these are legitimate military targets. but you will know that there are nato countries who think that if a british, an american weapon lands in russia, it will be seen as an aggressive act by russia? well, what we have seen is that they've already used different types of weapons to attack military targets in russia, but also to not least sink a high number of russian ships in the black sea. and that has been one of the great successes by ukraine, enabling them to actually push the russian black sea fleet away from the western part, and open a corridor that has enabled them to export grain and other produ

undertrump led alliance would come to its defence.certain. find defence. under trump presidency that isn't so certain.— isn't so certain. and if there was a trump presidency. _ isn't so certain. and if there was a trump presidency, do _ isn't so certain. and if there was a trump presidency, do you - isn't so certain. and if there was a trump presidency, do you think i trump presidency, do you think countries in nato will be thinking putting in some planning now? as to whether something like this could happen? whether something like this could ha en? , whether something like this could hauen? , ., ., , whether something like this could hauen? , . . , ., , ., happen? yes, there already lots of contingency _ happen? yes, there already lots of contingency planning _ happen? yes, there already lots of contingency planning going - happen? yes, there already lots of contingency planning going on - happen? yes, there already lots of contingency planning going on a i contingency planning going on a potential future contingency planning going on

but of course, ukraine has the right to self—defence, and that includes also...to use the weapons as they want? i think it's... to strike into russia? that would be your preferred option? i believe that it's important that we adhere to international law. russia is violating international law. ukraine has the right to defend themselves, according to international law, and international law also allows them to strike targets outside ukraine, as long as these are legitimate military targets. but you will know that there are nato countries who think that if a british, an american weapon lands in russia, it will be seen as an aggressive act by russia? well, what we have seen is that they've already used different types of weapons to attack military targets in russia, but also to not least sink a high number of russian ships in the black sea. and that has been one of the great successes by ukraine, enabling them to actually push the russian black sea fleet away from the western part, and open a corridor that has enabled them to export grain and other products. so, deep

the russian minister of defence was not commenting until now.utcomes of this attack, but at least about 80 through personnel was aboard this ship, according to the official information of ukrainian general staff. ., ., , , ., , staff. 0k, and more broadly, what is the significance _ staff. ok, and more broadly, what is the significance of— staff. 0k, and more broadly, what is the significance of russian _ staff. 0k, and more broadly, what is the significance of russian ships - staff. 0k, and more broadly, what is the significance of russian ships in l the significance of russian ships in that area and ukrainian's efforts against them?— that area and ukrainian's efforts against them? actually, ukrainian armed forces _ against them? actually, ukrainian armed forces and _ against them? actually, ukrainian armed forces and ukrainian - against them? actually, ukrainian l armed forces and ukrainian military intelligence managed to sink at least 13 russian naval ships since beginning of full—scale invasion, and the 12 naval ships have been damaged. thi

this -- defence spending in 2024. this ear, -- defence spending in 2024.ending in 2024. t�*i 3 year, expect 18 allies to spend 2% of their gdp on defence. that is another record number. and a six fold increase from 2014, when only three allies met the target. [30 fold increase from 2014, when only three allies met the target. do stay with us on bbc— three allies met the target. do stay with us on bbc news. _ hello again. for many of us today, fairly cloudy and rain on and off. but north of scotland sees something slightly different, here we have clearer skies and fresher conditions. for the rest of the uk, these weather fronts moving from the south, northwards and eastwards. in between them, some brightness developing across north wales and the midlands into east anglia, but you can also see where we've got the clearest skies, temperatures here between 6 and 8 degrees, milder for northern ireland, the rest of england and wales. well into double figures, 15 at best. through this evening and overnight, bands of rain push northwards, taking all this cloud wit

. �* ., ,~' .., in defence.comment, i know you follow closely _ in defence. and when asked comment, i know you follow closely what - i know you follow closely what happens inside russia as well. what you think will the impact of alexei navalny�*s death? he you think will the impact of alexei navalny's death?— navalny's death? he has been torturin: navalny's death? he has been torturing him _ navalny's death? he has been torturing him for— navalny's death? he has been torturing him for a _ navalny's death? he has been torturing him for a long - navalny's death? he has been torturing him for a long time | torturing him for a long time already— torturing him for a long time already so it's not surprising this is the _ already so it's not surprising this is the way— already so it's not surprising this is the way dictators work to eliminate all competitors. but i think— eliminate all competitors. but i think there are other things we have two lookout. one is the growing discontent because young people are coming _ di

acquisition but also on defence _ more on defence acquisition but also on defence industries and modernising the 75 years of— direction and leaving behind the 75 years of experience that we have in the nato _ years of experience that we have in the nato alliance in terms of planning _ the nato alliance in terms of planning operations, command—and—control, supporting what we need _ command—and—control, supporting what we need to— command—and—control, supporting what we need to do on the military frontm — we need to do on the military front... ,.,,, ., we need to do on the military front... , ., , ., we need to do on the military front... ., , ., ., , front... the boss of the german army com an front... the boss of the german army company said — front... the boss of the german army company said the _ front... the boss of the german army company said the other _ front... the boss of the german army company said the other day _ front... the boss of the german army company said the other day there - front... the boss of the german army company said the other day there is l company said the other

., ~ i. defence is great. it will be a great match u. ., ~ , defence is great. you very much, and ou can match up. thank you very much, and you can flash — match up. thank you very much, and you can flash your — match up. thank you very much, and you can flash your rings _ match up. thank you very much, and you can flash your rings again - match up. thank you very much, and you can flash your rings again for- you can flash your rings again for our audience, a once in a while viewing there. thank you very much forjoining us on bbc news. from the super bowl to the final of the africa cup of nations, where hosts ivory coast will take on fellow former champions, nigeria. the super eagles are aiming for a fourth afcon crown in abidjan, while the ivorians are looking to add to their triumphs in 1992 and 2015. in saturday's third place play—off final, south africa beat the democratic republic of congo 6—5 on penalties. let's speak to our sports reporter mimi fawaz, who's live in abidjan in the ivory coast. you must have the best gig on the bbc today, being in abidjan i

if boost weapons production to put in to the defence industry?— to the defence industry? is anything that _ to the defence industry? if there is anything that sweden _ to the defence industry? if there is anything that sweden would - to the defence industry? if there is anything that sweden would be - anything that sweden would be willing — anything that sweden would be willing to do extraordinary measures in order_ willing to do extraordinary measures in order to _ willing to do extraordinary measures in order to support, that would be the ukrainian fight against russia because — the ukrainian fight against russia because that is an existential fight they are _ because that is an existential fight they are taking that is also existential for ourselves. the president _ existential for ourselves. the president zelensky _ existential for ourselves. tie: president zelensky says there will be no new success on the battlefield without the us money. i am sure you are following very closely. he says he is probably has a month left and then they will be in a crouched position, de

the defence budget with 27% because we get it, defence investments are part of cohesion and solidaritycontinue to spend more than 2.2%. as a defence minister, you know how critical us support is, any diminishing in the us�*s involvement will have consequences for nato and for countries like you which are front—line states in the war in any tensions with russia. sure. there are good things coming out of nato, let me be clear, i came back from nato two days ago. nato is adapting new regional defence planners. we can see now that when sweden joins, they will be 20 allies out of 32 who have reached 2.2%. that's a drastic increase in defence spending. the most important thing for nato now is to make sure those regional plans, that we have military assets and capability to make those regional plans are credible. are those plans there? is there enough support from other countries that are further away from the border area where you are? we are moving in the right direction and we are getting stronger every day and i think sweden inside nato will make the alliance even stronger. there was a wa

we have increased by 70% are defence spending — have increased by 70% are defence spending. to do more, the defence minister is working _ to do more, the defence minister is working on— to do more, the defence minister is working on new defence policy update that i working on new defence policy update that i hope _ working on new defence policy update that i hope soon will become public. we need _ that i hope soon will become public. we need to— that i hope soon will become public. we need to work as we know, there is an international security crisis in the middle east, and africa and europe, — the middle east, and africa and europe, war has broken, because of canada's _ europe, war has broken, because of canada's geography, we have been protected _ canada's geography, we have been protected to a certain extent. but we have _ protected to a certain extent. but we have always been stepping out in nature, _ we have always been stepping out in nature, leading for example the multinational force in latvia. we have _ multinational force in latvia. we have increased the number of

nato�*s message to trump — more than half of member states plan to hit their defence spending targets year. the spending target this year. former president again 5 he the former president again suggested he might pull out of the military alliance if he was re—elected. protesting indian farmers clash with police after resuming their march towards the capital, delhi. we ta ke we take one subject at a time and we tackle that, and however long it takes... she's 17 and has an iq of 161, which is higher than the late prof stephen hawking. we'll meet a british student who is taking 28 a levels. scientists say they've established the first detailed proof that apes like to tease each other, just like humans. we will talk to the lead researcher. all of those stories coming up, but first to the bbc sport centre with gavin. hello from the bbc sport centre the premier league and now the fa have approved sirjim ratcliffe�*s bid for a minority stake in manchester united. it is believed ratcliffe hopes to officially complete his 25% purchase by the end of february. the green light from the fa is one

so what have the ministry of defence said as a result of this| of defence said as a result of this beingighlighted by this investiuation? ~ , , ., investigation? the ministry of defence had _ investigation? the ministry of defence had acknowledged i investigation? the ministry of i defence had acknowledged that investigation? the ministry of - defence had acknowledged that some of these decisions were not robust and announced that around 2000 of them will be reviewed independently. they told us that civil servants had the final say over these triples applications. when we asked them if uk special forces have previously had the final say when these applications were rejected, they declined to answer that question. so what happens now? these are really serious allegations. hieri,�*a what happens now? these are really serious allegations.— serious allegations. very serious. around 2000 _ serious allegations. very serious. around 2000 of— serious allegations. very serious. around 2000 of these _ serious allegations. very serious. | around 2000 of these applications will be reviewed, hopefull

they are very heavily limiting the possibilities for the russian defence industry to develop.re being circumvented. this is always the case. russia tries to circumvent those sanctions in many different ways, but the sanctions are being implemented. and they have to be continued. the russian financial market needs to be hit. the russian banking sector needs to be hit. and that is why i believe that europe should be going in this direction. it should implement more sanctions packages against russia. it should be hitting those soft spots, such as exports of different raw materials from russia. should it appropriate the russian funds that are frozen? translation: yes. i also believe that those proposals that the frozen russian assets, which are kept in different funds and banks across the globe, could be earmarked for the restoration of ukraine, generally, i think we need to overcome the barrier which stops everything today. some might say we cannot use it, that there are legal obstacles and so on and so forth. i believe that has to be overcome. there are huge russian assets store

and you know, for their own british defence budget well. it isn't defence budget as well.st ukraine. we see the middle east as there are complex east as well. there are complex of we've entered a new of issues. we've entered a new era of insecurity. we are still on a peacetime budget and we know that our army, our air force and our navy are currently overstretched. so some big questions for britain as well. >> let's bring it back to domestic matters. got jeff domestic matters. i've got jeff on people's panel in on my people's panel in nottinghamshire he's nottinghamshire today. he's a former military. um gentleman, and he's basically talking about the number of homeless veterans , the number of homeless veterans, 7000, he claims many of whom are deaung 7000, he claims many of whom are dealing with ptsd . he says, why dealing with ptsd. he says, why aren't the government doing more to help them ? to help them? >> well, there are many programs to support those. there's the armed forces covenant, which actually obliges all councils up and down the country to make sure that th

one of the things that has been underestimated are russian defences.a major breakthrough. the white lines on this map show russia's multiple defences south of robotyne. these include anti—tank defences known as dragon's teeth and landmines, too. the depth of russia's defences is one of the reasons the war has slowed. another can be seen in the village of krynky. it's in territory controlled by russia on the eastern side of the dnipro river. and after months of trying, ukrainian forces managed to cross the water and take part of krynky. but again, they struggled to push on. not least because technology is dominating. both sides are using weaponised drones known as uavs. this ukrainian video shows a russian soldier being monitored by a drone and then attacked. russia uses drones extensively, too, just as both sides use artillery extensively. and all of this technology is shaping the war. the impact on restricting movement, pinning troops in place, of the large volumes of artillery fire, particularly now from the russian side, with ukraine getting increas

our defence correspondentjonathan beale is at that nato summit with this update.mp has a point, even though he didn't mention donald trump by name when he was criticising what he said on the campaign trail that you heard earlier. but essentially, there are, you know, a significant number of major countries that are still meeting the 2% goal. but the change has been significant too. so if you remember. so if you remember, this goal of spending 2% of your national income, gdp on defence was set out in 2014. you can't enforce it, but it was encouraged that countries, members of nato should do that. at the time, only three countries were spending 2% of their national income on defence. and jens stoltenberg saying by the end of this year, 18 countries will be doing that, which is significant. i don't think the reason why they're spending 2% and more on defence, and nato's also made clear that 2% should be a floor, not a ceiling, that it should be the minimum, i think the reason that they're spending that money is because of what president putin is doing in ukraine, tha

the strength of the weaponry, the strength of russia's defences.se to the russian—held city of donetsk, and there's been fierce fighting there for months. it's mostly held by ukraine. but again, progress has been elusive, not least because of how many troops russia has. translation: every day there are new forces, - regardless of the weather, regardless of anything, of losses. and the losses are very heavy. the us estimates that 13,000 russian troops were killed or wounded just in this part of the front line between october and december last year. russia is able to sustain these losses in part because prisoners, such as these men, are being released en masse to fight. russia's ability to continue despite these losses of men and equipment is one factor in avdiivka. there's another two. translation: we don't | have enough ammunition, u nfortu nately. we are outnumbered in everything. more broadly, ukraine's defence minister says a shortage of ammunition is a very real and pressing problem. and this lack of ammunition connects to a final factor — the

this the former adviser to ukraine's this defence minister will speak to us live. fears grow for wladimir carlo muz after he's moved from jail. his wife to be verified life. police are putting this man in connection with a corrosive attack on a mother and two girls in south london. the cost of borrowing of the uk stays the bank of england leaves interest rates unchanged. hello, i'm matthew amroliwala, welcome to verified live, three hours of breaking stories, and checking out the truth behind them. we start with breaking news that his just coming to us, the dup leader jeffrey donelson has said he is written to the speaker of the stormont assembly to confirm that the conditions exists for the return of the northern ireland power—sharing executive and indicated he expects the assembly to sit on saturday. we've seen just a number of moves through the last couple of days. we saw legislation late in the house of commons. now the dup leader says he's written to the dup leader says he's written to the speaker of the stormont assembly, saying the conditions now exist for t

diplomatic pressure on israel is rising after the israel defence forces intensified strikes in southern gaza overnight. in a joint appearance with king abdullah ofjordan, us presidentjoe biden said monday that israel should not move forward with its planned ground invasion of the city of rafah, unless there is a clear plan to protect civilians. on monday morning, a series of israeli airstrikes there killed at least 67 people, with israel warning of an impending ground offensive. more than than half of gaza's population now lives in rafah. the potentialfor a ground campaign has sparked alarm from israel's allies, including the united states. many people there have been displaced, displaced multiple times, fleeing the violence to the north and now they are packed into rafah, exposed and vulnerable and need to be protected. we have also made clear from the start that we oppose any forced displacement of palestinians from gaza. we cannot afford an israeli attack on rafah. it is certain to produce another humanitarian catastrophe. the situation is already unbearable for over a million people

we have increased our budget for defence above 2%, something that was requested two years ago.we have changed ourselves quite significantly, and i participate in the discussions at the european council. all of the countries in europe see that we have to change rapidly, and have made the steps that are necessary to start this process. but it will take some time to get there, where we want to be. you make a lot of different points there, many of them about the economic relationship with russia, which clearly has changed. and i want to discuss that more with you. but before we get to the details of economics, let's just talk about feelings and the mindset of the bulgarian people. because, frankly, if i look at bulgaria today, from your head of state, the president on down, there are clearly many, many bulgarians who still feel significant sympathy for russia and are deeply sceptical about the war against russia. so let me separate two things. one of them are the historical and cultural ties that bulgaria has for many years with russia. on the other hand, the war that russia starte

the defence budget with 27% because we get it, defence investments are part of cohesion and solidarity do our share and continue to spend more than 2.2%. as a defence minister, you know how critical us support is, any diminishing in the us�*s involvement will have consequences for nato and for countries like you which are front—line states in the war in any tensions with russia. sure. there are good things coming out of nato, let me be clear, i came back from nato two days ago. nato is adapting new regional defence plans. we can see now that when sweden joins, they will be 20 allies out of 32 who have reached 2.2%. that's a drastic increase in defence investment. the most important thing for nato now is to make sure those regional plans, that we have military assets and capabilities to make those regional plans are credible. are those plans there? is there enough support from other countries that are further away from the border area where you are? we are moving in the right direction and we are getting stronger every day and i think sweden inside nato will make the alliance even stron

he's made defence as an issue.made nato, which was one of the proudest achievements of the labour government after the second world war. one of the you know, he's focussed on nato as something that labour has historically been committed to and should be the cornerstone of commitment, going forward. so i think, yes, he's thought about it , but i'm think, yes, he's thought about it, but i'm not sure that anybody in this country realises quite what changed circumstances we're and how that's going to we're in and how that's going to impact aspect of our impact every aspect of our politics, we politics, because too often we thought it's just thought about it. it's just about policy. as we about defence policy. but as we know, isn't just about that know, it isn't just about that because you've got to pay for it. got to work out what it. you've got to work out what the impact on society is, etc. so i think, yes, there's some thinking but it's thinking being done, but it's probably than probably a bigger issue than anybody

one of the things that has been underestimated are russian defences. of why there hasn't been a major breakthrough. the white lines on this map show russia's multiple defences south of robotyne. these include anti—tank defences known as dragon's teeth and landmines, too. the depth of russia's defences is one of the reasons the war has slowed. another can be seen in the village of krynky. it's in territory controlled by russia on the eastern side of the dnipro river. and after months of trying, ukrainian forces managed to cross the water and take part of krynky. but again, they struggled to push on. not least because technology is dominating. both sides are using weaponised drones known as uavs. this ukrainian video shows a russian soldier being monitored by a drone and then attacked. russia uses drones extensively, too, just as both sides use artillery extensively. and all of this technology is shaping the war. the impact on restricting movement, ienning troops in place of the large volumes of artillery fire, particularly now from the russian side, wit

the bbc is still trying to verify this footage released by the ukrainian ministry of defence. it's said to show the moment the russian vessel came under attack. it's about two minutes in length and it shows a small vessel approaching the russian ship. a large explosion follows, and at the end of the video the warhip appears to start rolling over and sinking. we'll have more on this from our verify team a little later in the programme. huge relieve in kyiv that the deal has passed and that hungary is on board and the response has stressed the fact this is a united european response, and the symbolism of that is important to ukraine as well as the fact it means that the funding is now approved. ukraine has been stressing all along that this is not just about supporting this country, it is about the broader cause of european security, that ukraine is fighting for europe as well against the russian attempts to change the world order by force. but war cost a lot of money and it is notjust about getting missiles and ammunition and shells and tanks from the west, it is about hard cas

just bring us up defence correspondent.n that meeting. today they are focused very _ there in that meeting. today they are focused very much _ there in that meeting. today they are focused very much on - there in that meeting. today they i are focused very much on continuing the supply and support to ukraine and clearly the us is a key in that too because that supply has dried up essentially. america, the biggest military backer to ukraine, is still trying to get that latest aid package through congress. it has passed through the senate but it now reaches the difficult hurdle of the house of representatives and there are lots of people who, like donald trump in the house of representatives, who are not convinced that giving military aid is the best way to spend us dollars. but there was an appeal from a jens stoltenberg that that package of about 60 billion us dollars should be passed and would then help ukraine. so the focus on helping ukraine. so the focus on helping ukraine here. but i think the good news for the allianc

the us defence secretary once in a

spending in some areas _ increase defence spending in some areas and — increase defence spending inte has come up again. right, now let's talk about the baseball uniforms in the united states which have just been redesigned by nike all stopped just one problem. the redesigned by nike all stopped 'ust problem-— redesigned by nike all stopped 'ust one roblem. , , ., one problem. the players hate them. because they — one problem. the players hate them. because they are _ one problem. the players hate them. because they are see-through, i one problem. the players hate them. because they are see-through, theyl because they are see—through, they say. especially the pants which players say are too thin and cheap material. nike which made the uniforms through the company fanatics said the uniforms are more lightweight and stretch year and more comfortable. obviously, the players disagree. so this is a spring training time in the united states for major league baseball and the players are not happy with the uniforms they have been given. iadhere uniforms they have been given. where bi ants u

we have the defence again.my . um, time is being squander to promote a political agenda . it promote a political agenda. it needs a proper shake up, he says , well, he's the defence secretary. surely that's his job. >> yeah, but actually he's the first one to say it. >> martin and i really hope this leads to a complete change of culture. >> we've had a whole generation of senior officers that have implemented , i'm afraid, these implemented, i'm afraid, these very dodgy practices. >> uh, and actually with no intellectual justification or psychological justification for them being put in place, they've just gone along with the political correctness argument. and i'm afraid our armed forces have been weakened as a result . have been weakened as a result. >> a lot of people will agree. the astonishing fact here, chris, the ministry of defence, which people now call the minister for diversity, has 93 diversity networks , including diversity networks, including ten for gender issues. and yet we don't have a single f

us defence secretary warns of a dangerous the us defence secretary warns of a dangerous moment in the on american i personnel. the president will not i tolerate attacks on american troops. and neither will i. european leaders agree of 50 billion euros aid dealfor ukraine. meanwhile, their ministry of defence say they�*ve sunk another russian warship in the black sea. footage shows it struck by several drones. the former adviser to ukraine�*s this defence minister will speak to us live. fears grow for wladimir carlo muz after he�*s moved from jail. his wife to be verified life. police are putting this man in connection with a corrosive attack on a mother and two girls in south london. the cost of borrowing of the uk stays the bank of england leaves interest rates unchanged. hello, i�*m matthew amroliwala, welcome to verified live, three hours of breaking stories, and checking out the truth behind them. we start with breaking news that his just coming to us, the dup leader jeffrey donelson has said he is written to the speaker of the stormont assembly to confirm that the conditions exis

he knows how nato works, but it relies on credibility of its collective defence.es and others, there is unity in nato right now. we are facing a predator state russia, and other helpers, which needs to be confronted with a united action and there have been various decisions taken, and that is the reason we have new defence plans, essentially the presence of the military on the eastern and southern flank, but we need to work on other issues and it's true that defence spending is still not high enough, particularly in a number of g7 countries, such as germany, canada and italy. so, yes, perhaps pressure should be spent on them, but this is a different matter that trump puts in doubt the collective defence. that's sacrosanct. that's why the secretary general has reacted how he has. let's look at pakistan now. against the odds, independent candidates backed by pakistan's jailed former prime minister, imran khan, have won the most seats. but the second and third largest political blocs say they have started formal discussions about forming a government together. the tw

they were publicly announced by the minister of defence.this war? look, i'm not a military staff officer. i cannot give you the figures, but the figures were aired at a certain stage. i do remember it very well. and it was much, much less than the figure that you now... what we see, mr ambassador, is across the east of ukraine, we see front lines that are now attritional. russia may advance in certain places, ukraine may make a tiny advance in certain places. but for months now, the front lines have been pretty stuck. the one place where there is a dynamism to the conflict is actually on the water, on the black sea, and there the story for russia has been humiliation. you withdrew from the grain agreement that allowed ukraine to export through the black sea its wheat and other agricultural supplies. the ukrainians then decided to go on the offensive. they've hit your warships, they've opened up the sea channels. they are now exporting — without your permission — exporting as much grain today, pretty much, as they did before the war. what's

defence secretary vanguard.retary grant shapps was on board when that rare test launch took place just off the coast of florida, the ministry of defence has said it was unusual, but they insist the deterrent is still safe, secure and they say effective . secure and they say effective. it's the second trident missile failure for the royal navy, with each one costing around £17 million and patience and their families will have quick and easy access to a second medical opinion if they're worried about a condition getting worse . a condition getting worse. martha's rule coming into force from april means an urgent review by a different critical care team at hospitals , as can care team at hospitals, as can be requested if a patient's condition is getting rapidly worse . and that follows the worse. and that follows the death of 13 year old martha mills in 2021, who developed sepsis while she was under the care of kings college hospital in london because her symptoms were missed. those are the headunes were missed. th

who increased defence spending.the weaponry that we are ordering that that countries from countries are ordering from defence ? we don't defence manufacturers? we don't have factory workers. so have enough factory workers. so we spend the money, we we can spend all the money, we can all the money we want. can spend all the money we want. where are the factory workers? >> a very point. >> that's a very good point. given we're virtually >> that's a very good point. given downe're virtually >> that's a very good point. given down the lirtually >> that's a very good point. given down the british! closing down the british steel industry, example, industry, for example, and the same of europe, too. same in much of europe, too. >> if you are a factory >> and if you are a factory worker in the defence manufacturing industry , that's manufacturing industry, that's not something that you learn in one these skilled jobs. one day. these are skilled jobs. and i think this is this is where it really, uh , becomes where it really,

who increased defence spending.onry that we are ordering that that countries from countries are ordering from defence ? we don't defence manufacturers? we don't have factory workers. so have enough factory workers. so we spend the money, we we can spend all the money, we can all the money we want. can spend all the money we want. where are the factory workers? >> a very point. >> that's a very good point. given we're virtually >> that's a very good point. given downe're virtually >> that's a very good point. given down the lirtually >> that's a very good point. given down the british! closing down the british steel industry, example, industry, for example, and the same of europe, too. same in much of europe, too. >> if you are a factory >> and if you are a factory worker in the defence manufacturing industry , that's manufacturing industry, that's not something that you learn in one these skilled jobs. one day. these are skilled jobs. and i think this is this is where it really, uh , becomes where it really, uh, bec

what he's referring to is that europe needs to step up more on defence and they are. on a border with russia, and i think it's very not really comprehending how much the europeans are doing and that is not acceptable. we need to continue, all of us, to do more. �* more. at the same time, when ou take more. at the same time, when you take a _ more. at the same time, when you take a look _ more. at the same time, when you take a look at _ more. at the same time, when you take a look at the - more. at the same time, when you take a look at the nato - you take a look at the nato spending numbers, and this is interesting, from 2023, the figures show that 19 of the 30 member nations, including france, germany, norway, are below the target of 2% of annual gdp spending on defence which is what the former president was referring to. so is there anything there you can agree with with donald trump where he says, look, there were some funding in touche —— issues when it comes to the alliance?— alliance? absolutely, and i think brazier _ alliance? absolutely, and i think brazier -

he has yes, and i was there _ the defences hasn't he?ces hasn't he? he has yes, and i was there for that _ the defences hasn't he? he has yes, | and i was there for that three-month and i was there for that three—month and i was there for that three—month and there were times where his frustration with trump's lawyers was palpable. he was getting impatient with them and i think it is telegraphing that he is going to hand down a severe penalty and i would be very surprised if he doesn't give everything back to the eternal general is asking four or more. ~ . y ., eternal general is asking four or more. ~ . ,, ~ eternal general is asking four or more. ~ . ~ , eternal general is asking four or more. ., ~ , ., , ., more. what you think this does to the trump — more. what you think this does to the trump psyche? _ more. what you think this does to the trump psyche? you _ more. what you think this does to the trump psyche? you were - more. what you think this does to - the trump psyche? you were touching on his image which he is likely to proje

more on defence.rld has changed. first of all, more hostile all, there are more hostile powers out, more overtly hostile powers out, more overtly hostile powers whether powers and secondly, whether it's biden, it's trump or even biden, i think is that the think the fact is that the american protecting arm, um, is going less firm and less going to be less firm and less sure than it has been in the past. whoever because the past. whoever it is, because the americans , too, are short of americans, too, are short of money and they are themselves overextended . so the west has to overextended. so the west has to be a bit more focussed and make a bigger effort. >> julie, you said you agree more money, i don't agree, i think that you kind of need to read the room. >> indeed, every should >> indeed, every country should bolster defences. it's bolster their defences. it's a necessity, the end the necessity, but at the end of the day, in current day, in this current circumstance, forces in britain, whether it's