this is bbc news, i'm james reynolds. the headlines at 8pm. prince andrew settles out of court, with the woman who accused him in a civil case, of sexual assault. he's always maintained his innocence. a court case had threatened to overshadow the queen's platinum jubilee celebrations, and the scandal forced the prince to step back from royal duties. russia claims it's pulling back some troops from the border with ukraine. president putin wants more talks. the west remains sceptical. novak djokovic tells the bbc, he'd rather not win any more trophies, than be forced to take a covid vaccine. the a covid vaccine. decision—making on my body are more the decision—making on my body are more important than any title. or anything else.

new figures show wages in the uk continue to lag behind the soaring cost of living. good evening and welcome to bbc news. prince andrew and virginia giuffre, the woman who'd accused him of sexual assault, have reached an out of court settlement, in a civil case filed in new york. he'd previously said he wanted to contest the claims in front of a jury. there is no admission of liability by the duke, who's always maintained his innocence, but in the agreement, he accepts ms giuffre, has suffered as a "victim of abuse." he's also pledged to "demonstrate his regret for his association, with the convicted sex trafficker jeffrey epstein," by supporting the "fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims". the duke of york is to make a substantial donation to ms giuffre�*s charity, supporting victims�* rights. with more on the settlement, here's our royal correspondent, nicholas witchell.

for all the show of public defiance that he was determined to fight the case in court it was always thought by lawyers and others that he would have to settle out of court and that is exactly what andrew has now done. without importantly for him any admission of liability but with the promise of a substantial donation to virginia giuffre�*s charity in support of victims rights. a statement filed to the civil court in new york says,

the statement today contrasts sharply with andrew's newsnight interview when he expressed no sympathy for the victims ofjeffrey epstein and said he had no regrets about his friendship with him. do you regret the friendship? now, still not on the reason being is that the people i met and the opportunities i was given to learn either by him or because of him were actually very useful. legal observers say andrew really had little choice but to settle. out—of—court settlements as we know are most often used to try and keep things private. he has given her something in this wording, he said he acknowledges that ms giuffre is an established victim of sexual abuse. buckingham palace offered no comment but one thing is certain,

this out—of—court settlement will be a huge relief to the royalfamily. the prospect of a court case hanging over the queen's platinum jubilee was not one they relished, to put it mildly. i think for the royal family this was the only decision prince andrew could have taken. this will save months of embarrassing revelations coming out and spoiling the platinum jubilee year. quite what andrew's future is now is unclear. in a statement today he said he will work to support the fight against the evils of sex trafficking. nicholas witchell, bbc news. we're joined now from los angeles by gloria allred, who's represented some of the victims of the convicted sex offenderjeffrey epstein. thank you so much forjoining us. your response to the settlement. it is not unusual for civil case to settle even after they are filed, as

this one was. most civil cases settle prior to a trial, avoiding the necessity of a trial. this is a carefully negotiated settlement press statement. every word was reviewed and negotiated in every side gets something in each side loses something. in the case of prince andrew, he has said that virginia has suffered as a victim of abuse. he does not say sexual abuse and he does not say abuse by whom. also, it does not disclose if he is paying virginia anything or not. he is making a substantial donation to her charity. but it does not say whether or not he is paying her anything personally and he does not admit her allegations that he

sexually abused her, battered her. on virginia's side, she gets a substantial donation to her nonprofit and if that is in the united states, it is likely the amount will be disclosed at some point. she also gets the statement by prince andrew about her and he says that he regrets being associated with jeffrey says that he regrets being associated withjeffrey epstein. i'm sure he does, overall, it is a very positive for her. it's also positive for him. but he is the real loser in this because of the terrible public relations blow he suffered a result of all of this. find relations blow he suffered a result of all of this.— of all of this. and some of the careful language. _ of all of this. and some of the careful language. he - of all of this. and some of the careful language. he pledges| of all of this. and some of the i careful language. he pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking by supporting its victims. how would you like to see him make this

demonstration was shallow obviously, he should do it financially in addition to he should do it financially in addition t— addition to my educated guess, millions to _ addition to my educated guess, millions to her _ addition to my educated guess, millions to her charity - addition to my educated guess, millions to her charity and - addition to my educated guess, millions to her charity and the l millions to her charity and the exact amount to be disclose. and also to contribute more on his own and his own charity. to help victims of sex trafficking, victims of sexual abuse or sexual harassment, he can do that because i believe and notjust he can do that because i believe and not just words, he can do that because i believe and notjust words, but he can do that because i believe and not just words, but also deeds. he can do that because i believe and notjust words, but also deeds. it not just words, but also deeds. it does not legally address the issue of the princes guilt or innocence and there's no legal ruling to base any ruling on, how is that? that and there's no legal ruling to base any ruling on, how is that?- any ruling on, how is that? that is ve true any ruling on, how is that? that is very true and _ any ruling on, how is that? that is very true and he _ any ruling on, how is that? that is very true and he does _ any ruling on, how is that? that is very true and he does not - any ruling on, how is that? that is very true and he does not admit . very true and he does not admit having done anything of a sexual

nature to virginia. but that is very common in the thousands of settlements i've done over the 47 years i've been practising law. it almost never does a defendant admit guilt or liability or a wrong against a person who has sued him or may sue him. theyjust don't admit it and instead, they pay a substantial amount of money, but the payment of a substantial amount of money is often a characterised or understood by the victim as a teaching moment and an admission that he has done something wrong. now, rightly or wrongly, that is the way it's interpreted by victims, but they will never say that they've done anything wrong to these

defendants.— defendants. three repeat the osition defendants. three repeat the position that _ defendants. three repeat the position that he _ defendants. three repeat the position that he maintains . defendants. three repeat the | position that he maintains his innocence. position that he maintains his innocence-— position that he maintains his innocence. ., , ., , ., ., , innocence. for this lawsuit against him. will there _ innocence. for this lawsuit against him. will there be _ innocence. for this lawsuit against him. will there be a _ innocence. for this lawsuit against him. will there be a criminal- innocence. for this lawsuit against him. will there be a criminal case| him. will there be a criminal case anywhere against prince andrew, i met cinque is guilty of anything, but we don't know the answer to that. will any other alleged victim decide that she too will soon prince andrew? there haven't been any other lawsuits yet except for virginia's we don't know if there ever will be any others. we also don't know if there have been any settlements by prince andrew in reference to any other alleged victims or accusers. so, if he pays the substantial settlement to her nonprofit and complies with any other terms and conditions of the settlement, within

30 days, then this case will be dismissed and that will be the end of at least this legal chapter in the civil suit brought by virginia against prince andrew.- the civil suit brought by virginia against prince andrew. thank you so much. emily, what does the settlement mean not just for prince emily, what does the settlement mean notjust for prince andrew but for the royalfamily? i not just for prince andrew but for the royal family?— the royalfamily? i think it's very interesting development - the royalfamily? i think it's very interesting development that. the royalfamily? i think it's very interesting development that we the royal family? i think it's very - interesting development that we are cheering this evening that officially, we do not know because as i been confirmed how much prince andrew is having to pay virginia and the settlement and this is the amount will remain not confirmed. about £10 million for andrew is paying in the settlement but the royal families paying in the settlement but the royalfamilies point paying in the settlement but the royal families point of view and the best possible outcome. and celebrating 70 years in weeks and we

have this reputational damage and it was just prince andrew who was being tainted by these allegations. certainly for the royal families point of view, best possible outcome and of right vindication which could have happened in ghana to trial and his legal team was saying that they outright indication that he could have had has not disappeared forever. pm have had has not disappeared forever. �* . ' have had has not disappeared forever. �* ., , ., ., , have had has not disappeared forever. ., ., , ~ , forever. an awful lot of these kinds of cases has _ forever. an awful lot of these kinds of cases has suggested _ forever. an awful lot of these kinds of cases has suggested that - forever. an awful lot of these kinds of cases has suggested that the - of cases has suggested that the figure of millions. i think, people might ask, who is paying? would be the prince out of his bank account, the prince out of his bank account, the queen, the monarchy and so on? and will of the royal family give an answer to that?— answer to that? no. buckingham palace of said _

answer to that? no. buckingham palace of said that _ answer to that? no. buckingham palace of said that they - answer to that? no. buckingham palace of said that they are - answer to that? no. buckingham palace of said that they are not l palace of said that they are not commenting on this and this is a private matterfor commenting on this and this is a private matter for the duke and frankly, it's a laughable statement in my opinion. for buckingham palace to set up. how can be a private matter when it's the favourite son and the royal family who is dragged the royalfamily and one and the royal family who is dragged the royal family and one of the and the royal family who is dragged the royalfamily and one of the most serious of the last a0 years. senior member accused in a civil trial only, not in a criminal trial but accused in a civil case of sexual abuse of a minor as virginia was age 17 when she was forced to flee the country. andrew doesn't have a huge amount of money, he has a pension from the royal navy, small pension and a pen that he gets from the private income in three main sources of income and it's money for the taxpayer and her own private income. and once specs are the buckingham palace whenever confirmed, it will

be the queen was put her hands into her pocket for a private income, not out of the money that we the taxpayer give her but her private income that will pay a majority of that £10 million settlement. however, prince andrew did have big assets and this which he does put up assets and this which he does put up a couple years ago and has now managed to negotiate but we suspect some of that money will also cover this. is some of that money will also cover this. , ., g , ~ this. is the platinum jubilee. but we exect this. is the platinum jubilee. but we exoect to _ this. is the platinum jubilee. but we expect to see _ this. is the platinum jubilee. but we expect to see prince - this. is the platinum jubilee. but we expect to see prince andrewl this. is the platinum jubilee. but l we expect to see prince andrew on the balcony of buckingham palace during the celebration? i the balcony of buckingham palace during the celebration?— during the celebration? i think we will see him _ during the celebration? i think we will see him in _ during the celebration? i think we will see him in public. _ during the celebration? i think we will see him in public. it's - during the celebration? i think we will see him in public. it's his- will see him in public. it's his father's memorial service next month in march and we will expect to see him there and a personal capacity because he has lost his father. the platinum jubilee in june, because he has lost his father. the platinum jubilee injune, i wouldn't platinumjubilee injune, i wouldn't expect to see them on the balcony and charles and william admitted perfectly clear in private and in

public by stripping him of the passages and they do not want andrew to be a public face of the firm, so it would not expect to see him on thejubilee balcony, but i would expect to see them at the banks and the cathedral where the nation in the cathedral where the nation in the royal family give thanks to the queens long rain. and we'll find out how this story and many others are covered in tomorrow's front printed by calum davidson rbm at 19:a6 a reminder of our main story. prince andrew settled out of court with a woman who accused him in the civil case of sexual assault. court case threatening to overshadow the platinum jubilee celebrations. causing the prince to step back from

royal duties. russia says it's pulling back some of its troops from near the border with ukraine, after a recent military build—up had raised fears of a possible invasion. russia's defence ministry says large scale drills will continue, but some units are returning to their bases. there is however no independent confirmation, of the withdrawal. president putin says the west still hasn't addressed his concerns about russian security, and nato's eastward expansion, but he is prepared to continue dialogue. borisjohnson says there are signs of a "diplomatic opening" to resolve the crisis. more than a hundred thousand russian troops do remain on ukraine's borders. steve rosenberg in moscow has the latest. russia's army on the move. and apparently heading away from ukraine's border. moscow announced it is pulling back some of its troops.

is it a signal that the kremlin is ready to de—escalate? russia says it is proof it is not preparing for invasion. in moscow more socially distance diplomacy. this time, germany's chancellor has the chance trying to persuade vladimir putin to reduce tensions even further. the kremlin is ready to talk. translation: there are some things we are ready to discuss. it was us who suggested on european security, medium and short range missiles and transparency and we are ready to continue ourjoint work. the kremlin has not got what it really wants, ukraine barred from joining nato. but east and west are now talking about european security and it seems that those discussions will continue. so, some positive signs of diplomacy and deescalation. but it is still unclear how this crisis will end.

one thing is certain, vladimir putin is loving the attention and loving the fact that world leaders have been lining up to come here to talk to him. because that puts him exactly where he wants to be. slap bang centre of the geopolitical stage. but the muscle flexing has not stopped. completely. some russian military drills are continuing near the ukrainian border and the number of troops that moscow has actually pulled back is not clear. the intelligence we have seen today still not encouraging. we have more battalion tactical groups being brought closer to the border with ukraine according to the intelligence that we are seeing. so, mixed signals, i think, at the moment. what does it all mean for the international reputation of russia ? the image of russia right now in the west is of a country- which is ready to use force.

it is a problem of the image makers from the west. for them russia is a threat because they know for sure that we have nuclear weapons and missiles. they understand that clearly. we are the only country in the world with the same possibilities as america. promising signs but ukraine and the west are still unsure. it is russia really pulling back and committed to a peaceful resolution of the crisis? steve rosenberg, bbc news. let's head to the bbc sport centre. the european extravaganza returns tonight with the knockout matches at a couple of tasty ties to talk into it, including a star—studded clash between real madrid and perry st.

germain. an manchester city so desperate to get their hands on it. more than any other. off to a great start and putting them a goal up after ten minutes in portuguese midfielder doubling that lead a moment ago. 2—0, cruise control for city. in another game in the premier league. manchester united looking to get back to winning and enjoying the last three matches. one all. the visitors are the league draw, specialist surprise surprise. goal is so far. a couple of games the champions league. hosting coventry city, three games and queens park rangers in sheffield united versus hole. nothing to bring you on any of those, it is goal is there as well.

—— hull. saintjohnston of taking the lead, kellan henry scoring after six minutes. the russian figure skater who failed a drugs test in december returned this afternoon and the individual programme. the field test was due to contamination from her grandfathers heart medicine. sport ruled yesterday that she could carry on competing she's a ready run gold for the russian team, but they have been withheld as well as any should she make it onto the podium as investigations into the circumstances of her positive test continue. she fought back tears at the end of her routine as she was cheered on by fellow russians in the stand. the mentor through to the semifinals after a morale boosting

7-6 semifinals after a morale boosting 7—6 victory over sweden. bobby, let me, militant getting the best of the world champions, six victory and two more rounds to play against the russian olympic committee in canada who are also in top four at the moment. to who are also in top four at the moment-— who are also in top four at the moment. ., ., ., , ., ., u, moment. to tough game start to come, the russians and _ moment. to tough game start to come, the russians and canadians as - moment. to tough game start to come, the russians and canadians as well. - the russians and canadians as well. when those two games and the semifinal would be, playing very well to be both of them and really tough for the performance. it will be close. , ., be close. the beat japan tend afford to keep the — be close. the beat japan tend afford to keep the metal— be close. the beat japan tend afford to keep the metal hopes _ be close. the beat japan tend afford to keep the metal hopes alive - be close. the beat japan tend afford to keep the metal hopes alive and i to keep the metal hopes alive and finishing the top four with a single matches to play against china in the russian olympic committee. back in the england squad for the six nations games. in wells in 11 days'

time, and following a hamstring injury in the autumn and a potential captain to continue his game and there's a chance that he will make it and what a return that is, not going to be, also being called up in scintillating form for his club this season. mix the 25 playlist. and two—time grand national winner has been ruled out of going for a third race when in april. michael says the allocated is absurd and tiger could not be retired after the festival next month. and that is all your support for now. —— sport. novak djokovic says he'd rather miss out on future tennis trophies, than be forced to take a covid vaccine. speaking exclusively to the bbc, the men's

world number one insisted he wasn't part of any anti vax movement, but believed the right to choose, was more important than any tennis tournament. he was deported from australia last month, for being a threat to public safety. he's been speaking to the bbc�*s amol rajan. he is widely held to be the greatest player of his time, in an era already blessed with legends. but now he is the most controversial, too. have you received any vaccination against covid? flown to australia for the open that unvaccinated, he had a medical exemption have get covid—19 in december. but australia cancelled his visa twice. the second time on the grounds that he would spark anti—vaccination protests.

i have not. why? i understand and support fully the freedom to choose whether you want to get vaccinated or not. i have not spoken about this before and i have not disclosed my medical record and my vaccination status, because i had the right to keep that private and discreet. but as i see there is a lot of wrong conclusions and assumptions out there, i think it's important to speak up about that and justify certain things. i was never against vaccination. me, as an elite professional athlete have always carefully reviewed, assessed everything that comes in from the supplements, food, water that i drink, or sports drinks — anything, really, that comes into my body as a fuel.

what do you say to those who consider, the anti—vaccination group see was one of us. i consider, the anti-vaccination group see was one of us.— see was one of us. i have never said that i am see was one of us. i have never said that i am a — see was one of us. i have never said that i am a part _ see was one of us. i have never said that i am a part of _ see was one of us. i have never said that i am a part of that _ see was one of us. i have never said that i am a part of that movement. l that i am a part of that movement. based on all of the information that a god, i decided not to take the vaccine as of today's. i keep my mind open because we are all trying to find collectively the best possible solution into covid—19. his possible solution into covid-19. his visa was possible solution into covid—19. his visa was cancelled and he was taken to a detention centre. i'm not here to a detention centre. i'm not here to sympathise with you, but i want to understand you better and i understand that listening to you, your attention in the detention centre was not pleasant. it your attention in the detention centre was not pleasant. it was not leasant. centre was not pleasant. it was not pleasant- but— centre was not pleasant. it was not pleasant- but i — centre was not pleasant. it was not pleasant. but i don't _ centre was not pleasant. it was not pleasant. but i don't want - centre was not pleasant. it was not pleasant. but i don't want to - centre was not pleasant. it was not pleasant. but i don't want to sit - pleasant. but i don't want to sit here and complain about conditions in that detention centre because i

70 is around there and some have stayed for years. did 70 is around there and some have stayed for years.— stayed for years. did you feel powerless? _ stayed for years. did you feel powerless? yes _ stayed for years. did you feel powerless? yes i _ stayed for years. did you feel powerless? yes i did. - stayed for years. did you feel powerless? yes i did. when ij powerless? yes i did. when i arrived, powerless? yes i did. when i arrived. i _ powerless? yes i did. when i arrived, i was _ powerless? yes i did. when i arrived, i was not _ powerless? yes i did. when i arrived, i was not allowed . powerless? yes i did. when i arrived, i was not allowed to| powerless? yes i did. when i- arrived, i was not allowed to use my phone for three or four hours, it was the middle of the night, the was reinstated and then revoked and then reinstated and then revoked and then reinstated in the revoked again, was free for four days i was training. but it was not a regular kind of training, days that i would normally have prior to the grand slam competition had helicopters flying in every single training session that i had and cameras all over the place and also, my colleagues that really hurt me a lot. because i thought that energy in those looks from my colleagues.— thought that energy in those looks from my colleagues. would you sit in

the ordinary — from my colleagues. would you sit in the ordinary australian _ from my colleagues. would you sit in the ordinary australian sink- from my colleagues. would you sit in the ordinary australian sink based . the ordinary australian sink based on what they see in the news, the sky thinks he is above the law? that he doesn't have to apply and to make abide by the same rules as everyone else? i abide by the same rules as everyone else? , ., �* , , ., , else? i understand there's been lots of frustrations _ else? i understand there's been lots of frustrations from _ else? i understand there's been lots of frustrations from australian - of frustrations from australian people towards me and towards the situation and how it was dealt with. i would like to say that they always follow the rules. this i would like to say that they always follow the rules.— as things stand, if this means that you miss the french open, is that a price you are willing to pay? yes, that is the present willing to pay. and if it means you miss wimbledon this year, again, that the pressure willing to pay? yes. ultimately, are you prepared to forgo the chance to be the greatest player that ever picked up a racket, statistically? because you feel so strongly about this jab? yes. i do. as we've heard, novak djokovic says

he's �*keeping his mind open' on the possibility of being vaccinated. our medical editor, fergus walsh, looks now at what we already know, about the covid vaccines available. novak djokovic says he doesn't have enough information about the vaccine and how it might affect his body, but there is already a mountain of evidence available. regulated very difficult technologies. they were developed in record time but went through all the usual trial stages involving tens of thousands of volunteers. the scientists involved and regulators are adamant that no corners were cut all safety. are adamant that no corners were cut on safety. since then, more than 10 billion doses have been administered and just over six in ten of the world's population had at least one covid jab.

like all medicines and vaccines can have side effects. some of the very rare ones were only picked up after millions had been jabbed. but your risk of some of those very rare complications like blood clots or heart problems orfar higher after covid than from the jabs. these vaccines have been used widely around the world at large of the people so we have a lot of information we didn't have a year ago about their safety. we are seeing that rare and severe side effects are extremely unusual and we have consistently seen these vaccines prevent serious disease caused by covid people that receive them. covid vaccines already likely saved millions of lives they appear to protect against long covid. and it is immunisation which is enabling sports fans to get back into packed stadiums to see their heroes. mr djokovic thinks it is ok for sport spectators and all the fans to get the vaccine

that allows him to get back to play the sport in front of them under millions again, it is ok to him to have them take the vaccine but it is not ok for him. i think it should reflect on is an elite athlete novak djokovic is a very low risk from covid, but it is not zero. let's cross to washington, where president biden is making remarks on the situation in ukraine. the united states is prepared no matter what happens. we are ready with diplomacy — to be engaged in diplomacy with russia and to improve stability and security in europe as a whole, and we are ready to... which is still very much a possibility. all the events in the last few weeks and months, this is been our approach, and it remains our approach now. today i want to speak to the american people about the situation on the ground, the steps we've taken, the actions we

are prepared to take, and what is at stake for us and the world, and how this may impact on us here at home. for weeks now, together with our allies and partners, my administration has engaged in nonstop diplomacy. this weekend i spoke again with president putin to make sure we are ready to pursue high—level diplomacy, to reach written understandings between russia, us, and europe to address legitimate security concerns as is his wish. their security concerns and hours. president putin and i agreed that our team should continue to engage on this and along with our european allies and partners. yesterday, the russian government publicly proposed to continue the diplomacy. i agree. publicly proposed to continue the diplomacy. iagree. we publicly proposed to continue the diplomacy. i agree. we should give the diplomacy every chance to succeed, and i believe there are real ways to address our security

concerns. the united states has put on the table concrete ideas to establish a security environment in europe. we are proposing new arms measures, transparency measures, new strategic stability measures. these measures apply to all parties, nato and russia alike. we are all making practical result oriented steps that can advance our common security. we will not sacrifice principle. nations have a right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. they have the freedom to set their own course and she was with whom they will associate. but that still leaves plenty of room to the —— for diplomacy and de—escalation. that's the best way for forward for all parties in our view. we will continue in our diplomatic efforts and close consultation with our allies and partners. as long as there is hope of diplomatic

resolution that prevents the use of force and avoids incredible human suffering that would follow, we will pursue it. the russian defence minister reported today that some military units are leaving their positions in ukraine. that would be good but we have not yet verified that. we have not yet verified the russian military units are returning to their home bases. indeed, our analysts indicate that they remained very much in a threatening position. and the fact remains right now, russia has more than 150,000 troops and circling the ukraine and belarus, and along ukraine's border. invasion remains distinctly possible. that's why i've asked several times that all americans in ukraine leave now before it's too late to leave safely. it is why we have temporarily relocated our embassy from kyiv tel aviv and

western ukraine, approaching the polish border. we've been transparent with the american people in the world about russia's plans —— love eve. so everyone can see for themselves what is happening. we are sharing what we know and what we are doing about it. let me be equally clear about what we are not doing — the united states and nato are not a threat to russia. ukraine is not threatening russia. neither the us nor nato have missiles in ukraine. we do not have plans to put them there, as well. we are not targeting people of russia, we do not seek to destabilise russia. to the citizens of russia, you are not our enemy, and i do not believe you want a bloodied destructive war against ukraine — a country and a people with whom you share such deep ties a

family, history and culture. 77 years ago our people fought and sacrificed side by side to end the worst war in history, world war ii was a war of necessity. but if russia attacks ukraine, it will be a war of choice, a war without cause or reason. i say these things not to provoke, but to speak the truth, because the truth matters. accountability matters. if russia does invade in the days and weeks ahead, the human cost for ukraine will be immense. and a strategic cost for russia will be immense. if russia attacks ukraine, it will be met with overwhelming international condemnation. the world will not forget that russia chose needless death and destruction. invading ukraine will prove to be a self—inflicted wound. the united states and our eye allies and

partners will respond decisively —— our allies. the us is united in galvanised. today our nato allies and the is as united as we've been —— alliance. the power of universal appeal of our shared democratic values. because this is about more than just russia and ukraine, it's about standing for what we believe in, for the future we want for our world, for liberty, the right of countless countries to choose their own destiny, and the right of people determine their futures. a own destiny, and the right of people determine theirfutures. a nation cannot change its neighbours by force. i'm confident that vision, that frieden will prevail thought if russia proceeds, we will rally the

world to oppose its aggression. the united states and our allies and partners around the world are ready to impose powerful sanctions on export controls including actions that did —— we did not pursue when russia invaded crimea in 201a. we put intense pressure on their largest, most significant financial institutions in key industries. these measures are ready to go as soon and if russia moves. we will impose long—term consequences that will russia's ability to compete economically and strategically. and when it comes to comes to nordstrom to come of the pipeline that would bring national gas —— natural gas from russia to germany, if russia further invades ukraine, it will not happen. i will not send american servicemen to fight in ukraine. we've supplied the ukrainian citizens to defend themselves,

providing intelligence for the same purpose. and make no mistake, the united states will defend every inch of nato territory with the full force of american power. an attack against one nato country is an attack against all of us. the united states commitment to article five is sacrosanct. already i've sent additional us forces to bolster nato's eastern flank. several allies have also announced capabilities to ensure deterrence a along nato's eastern flank. we also conduct military exercise with our allies and partners to enhance defensive readiness. and if russia invades, we will take further steps to reinforce our presence in nato, reassure our allies and deter further aggression.

to be clear, if russia decides to invade, that will have consequences here and home with the american people understanding that defending democracy is never without cost. this has united republicans and democrats, and i want to thank the leaders and members of congress and both parties who forcefully spoke out in defence of our most basic, most bipartisan american principles. i will not pretend this will be painless, there could be impacts on our energy prices. so we are taking active steps to alleviate the pressure on our own energy markets and offset raising prices. we are coordinating with major energy consumers and producers and are prepared to deploy all the tools and authority at our disposal to provide relief at the gas pump. i'll work with congress on additional measures to help protect consumers and address the impact of prices at the pump. we are not seeking direct confrontation with russia, though

i've been clear that if russia targets americans and ukraine, we will respond forcefully. if russia text united states or our allies through disruptive means like cyber attacks against our countries or in for treasure, we are prepared to respond. we are moving in lockstep with our nato allies and partners to deepen our collective defence against cyberspace. two paths are still open, for the sake of historic responsibility. russia and united states share for global stability, for the sake of our common future to choose diplomacy. but let there be no doubt — if russia commits this breach by invading ukraine, responsible nations around the world will not hesitate to respond. we do not stand for freedom where it is at risk today, we will surely pay a

steeper price tomorrow. —— if we do not stand forfreedom. steeper price tomorrow. —— if we do not stand for freedom. thank you, i'll keep you informed.— i'll keep you informed. president biden i'll keep you informed. president iiriden they're _ i'll keep you informed. president biden they're speaking _ i'll keep you informed. president biden they're speaking there - i'll keep you informed. president biden they're speaking there at l i'll keep you informed. president i biden they're speaking there at the white house on the situation in ukraine. he made a number of points there in response to reports that russia has ordered a partial withdrawal of some of its forces from the border next to ukraine. the president said that would be good, but we have not yet verified it." he also made another point that invasion remains distantly possible, and for the rest of the statement, he said that america would respond forcefully and defend nato countries, bear in mind of course that ukraine is not a member of nato. he talked about the effect of energy prices at home in america if there were to be a conflict, and he said there was still room for diplomacy. that's the view of the us president we heard earlier today. we

saw vladimir putin speaking to olaf scholz, the new german chancellor. there is some forward communication between russia and the united states. we will keep you well up to date with the story. sudan has seen weeks of large pro democracy protests against a military coup that ousted the civilian transitional government last october. at least 79 people have been killed in rallies. sudan's women, who played a major role during the uprising of 2019 that toppled president omar al bashir, are again at the forefront of the demonstrations — some paying a heavy price. mohanad hashim reports. taking to the streets to have their voice heard, women in sudan have played a huge role in these protests. iconic moments like these became a powerful civil of the call for change. dashed a powerful symbol. it led to the downfall of the former president, omar al—bashir, in 2019. three years on, and the people are back on the streets again.

since the military staged a coup in october, women are once again on the front line. translation: we will overcome, and we will triumph. _ right now, they are shooting bullets. they are firing bullets, but the revolution will go on. sudan is back in the middle of a violent struggle. and it's costing dozens of young lives. one of those was a 25—year—old community activist. she was shot in a protest in her neighbourhood, and died shortly afterwards. the military have promised investigations into the killings of protesters, but so far nobody has been held responsible. it has been nearly two months since her death, and yet people still turn up

to pay their respects. for her mother, it is small comfort. translation: i never stop crying. my body is shaking. her photo was right there, together with her nursing certificate. when i see her pictures on television or mobile phones, my heart pains me. she is a new icon in the call for women's desire for change. her image present in protests across the country. —— across the capital. translation: sudanese women are suffering. - we paid in blood. that's why change is important. the coup needs to be reversed. soldiers should not rule out sudan.

—— rule our sedan. the military have promised an investigation into the killing of protesters, but so far no one has been held accountable. for the young men and women on the streets, they say they will not return to their homes until the military steps down and justice is delivered. mohanad hashim, bbc news. novak djokovic has told the bbc he's prepared to novak djokovic has told the bbc he's ”reareu ., ,, novak djokovic has told the bbc he's --reare~ ., ,, .,, novak djokovic has told the bbc he's untreare ., ,, ., ., , prepared to miss top tournaments... let's prepared to miss top tournaments... let's speak — prepared to miss top tournaments... let's speak to _ prepared to miss top tournaments... let's speak to a _ prepared to miss top tournaments... let's speak to a sports _ prepared to miss top tournaments... let's speak to a sports and _ let's speak to a sports and psychology exports. why my athletes might be hesitant about the vaccine? there could be a number of reasons. of there could be a number of reasons. of course we don't know exactly what novak djokovic is looking for when it comes to information about the vaccine. but generally there has been a little bit of hesitancy because i think athletes are afraid

of putting anything in their bodies. their bodies are important to them and they have to think a lot before they have anything put into their bodies. and i think it's also about value, it's about freedom of choice, as he says, he will keep an open mind, but ultimately even if he does get the vaccine, i think for him it might be the fact that it won't stop him from having covid again. maybe that's the concern out there. but there can be a number of reasons, and i think the biggest one is personal freedom and i think the biggest one is personalfreedom of and i think the biggest one is personal freedom of choice and value. . , ., personal freedom of choice and value. ., , ., , personal freedom of choice and value. ., i. , ., personal freedom of choice and value. ., , ., personal freedom of choice and value. ., y., , ., ., value. can you tell us about some of the conversations _ value. can you tell us about some of the conversations you _ value. can you tell us about some of the conversations you have - value. can you tell us about some of the conversations you have with - the conversations you have with athletes to either address this and get the vaccine, or with novak djokovic is simply to address it and then take the consequences? i djokovic is simply to address it and then take the consequences? i don't think as a sports _ then take the consequences? i don't think as a sports psychologist, - then take the consequences? i don't think as a sports psychologist, you l think as a sports psychologist, you can force your opinions on athletes. for example, i've worked with a number of athletes who had chosen

not to get the vaccine, some of whom even had caught covid while not having had the vaccine. as a psychologist, i have to empathise and sympathise with my athletes, and ultimately i personally don't believe that we can force our opinions and values on anyone else it's personalfreedom. but opinions and values on anyone else it's personal freedom. but if an athlete does bring that up, it would be about whether you wanted to take the vaccine or you want to deal with the consequences. and if you like in the case of novak djokovic, he's very clear that he is ok with the consequences.— very clear that he is ok with the conseuuences. ., ., ., ., ., , consequences. how aware are athletes that they are _ consequences. how aware are athletes that they are hugely _ consequences. how aware are athletes that they are hugely influential- consequences. how aware are athletes that they are hugely influential in - that they are hugely influential in how they live their lives? novak djokovic, aaron rogers, kylie irving. these decisions are influencing a lot of people. i

irving. these decisions are influencing a lot of people. i think they played _ influencing a lot of people. i think they played his _ influencing a lot of people. i think they played his part _ influencing a lot of people. i think they played big part but _ influencing a lot of people. i think they played big part but they - they played big part but they don't think they think are solely responsible for what people choose themselves. if we don'tjust look responsible for what people choose themselves. if we don't just look at sports stars but celebrities and politicians in the uk, the impact they've had in the last few months when things have come out, if we look at all celebrities in general, they all have a certain amount of influence in people. but ultimately people decide for themselves what's right for them and what's not right for them. as much as i would encourage people to have the vaccine and protect other people in themselves, i don't think we can use that as ammunition against athletes or celebrities, or influential people and not give them the space to be human and take their time to understand what's right for them. sarah, thanks very much forjoining us. sarah, thanks very much for “oining us. ., �* . ., the family of the cinematographer shot dead by alec baldwin have filed

a wrongful death lawsuit against the film's producers and start themselves. helena hutchins was... alec baldwin claimed he did not pull the trigger. you're watching bbc news. a review of health services for miscarriages in england, is investigating the lack of support for the partners of women losing a pregnancy. feelings of helplessness, being ignored, and isolation are often experienced. tulip mazumdar has been to essex, to speak to one group of men, who are offering each other, mutualsupport. i felt completely alone, and i was the only one in the world going through this. people acted as if because my baby didn't arrive, she didn't die and we didn't actually lose the baby, but we very much did. the best thing that people did after we lost our sons reuben and henry was acknowledging. that it existed.

these men share more than just a love of football. they have all lost babies. some died early on in pregnancy. others within days of being born. during and after a loss, the focus is quite rightly on the woman. support for women across the uk is patchy, but support for men is practically nonexistent. matt and his wife, lauren, have suffered four miscarriages, including two late losses. it absolutely crushed me, i'd go and do some shopping and i'd cry in the car on the way to the shops, or i'd go and cry in the shower or, you know, i'd cry sitting on the toilet because that was the only time i could get could get to be alone. i don't think people think that miscarriage affects men as much as it does. miscarriages can range from a loss with bleeding over many weeks to women losing a lot of blood very quickly and becoming extremely unwell. during a late miscarriage, mums may

give birth to their tiny babies with their partners watching on. with regards to the team, as much as, you know, we don't all kind of sit around and discuss our losses, it's just that absolute knowledge that everyone has experienced what you're going through. there's no pressure to grieve, us playing football and us doing the training is us grieving. what are partners, particularly men up against when it comes to dealing with this kind of loss? this toxic masculinity. "big boys don't cry, man up." you know... it's a stereotype of being strong for your partner, isn't it? yeah. you're listening to the dads still standing podcast, and we're about miscarriage, about stillbirth, about baby loss... after meeting at the football club, matt and liam came up with the idea of a podcast aimed at grieving dads. hearing us tell each other everything allows other dads to feel like they can tell people what they're going through.

it is rough and it is awful. but actually, that thing you're really scared about is going to be all right. tulip mazumdur, bbc news, writtle in essex. the public inquiry into the grenfell fired disaster heard that the cladding failed safety tests in 2001 resulting in a very large fire. the testing of the cladding in 2001, 16 years before the grenfell fire killed 72 people injune 2017. an official from the building killed 72 people injune 2017. an officialfrom the building research establishment told inquiry that results were passed to the government to alert and identify the problem. one of the uk's oldest zoos, bristol zoo, has announced that it's leaving its current home at the start of september. it's been at the site in clifton for 186 years, but from the autumn will relocate to the wild place near cribbs causeway. here's laura jones. not the best morning for a trip to the zoo —

but the flamingos at least don't seem to mind the rain. like many of the animals here, they've been a firm favourite with generations of bristolians — but things are changing. we've known for a while that this place will be closing — but today we found out exactly when. it is an emotional day. saturday, the 3rd of september is going to be the last day that visitors can come to bristol zoo gardens, and we're really keen to capture everybody�*s memories and experiences of visiting over the years. for hundreds and thousands of people from bristol, this zoo will have a special place in their hearts. it has always been a popular place for first dates, engagements, even weddings. bristol zoo is 100 years old... the zoo first opened its doors back in 1836 — and over the decades has grown and become a must—see attraction for anyone visiting the city.

back in the day, it boasted polar bears, giraffes — even an elephant. but times have changed — and questions about the rights and wrongs of keeping animals captive have meant a new focus. so, from september many of the animals here willjoin others from around the world at the wild place — with a renewed focus on conservation. zoos have a really important place, particularly with biodiversity loss that the planet is facing. up to 80% when we move to the new zoo will be in conservation programmes related to work we are doing in the field. when it closes, part of the site will be sold and used for housing — but parts of the site will remain. leaving, the zoo hopes, a legacy for generations to come. laura jones, bbc points west, bristol. now it's time for a look at the weather. hello there. some stormy weather lies ahead in the coming few days. it's likely we will see disruption and damage from some very strong

winds brought initially by storm dudley on wednesday, and then hot on its heels, storm eunice on friday. already, there's an amber warning from the met office in force for dudley. now, it's developing out in the atlantic, but prior to that, we've seen bands of rain moving through during the day on tuesday. more rain to come as we go through the latter part of this evening across northern ireland, and then overnight into scotland, mainland parts of england and wales, sweeping eastwards and clearing for many parts by morning, but not before depositing several more centimetres of snow across the highlands of scotland. so it will be a hazard here. for many, a reasonable start to the day, it's dry and it's bright away from the north of scotland, but once again, we will find rain sweeping its way eastwards, some quite heavy bursts of rain

is a very low risk from covid, but it is not zero.

hello, i'm nuala mcgovern. you're watching context on bbc news. russia claims it's pulling back some troops from the border with ukraine. the west though remains sceptical. prince andrew settles out of court, with the woman who accused him in a civil case, of sexual assault. know that novak djokovic tells the bbc he would rather not win any more trophies than be forced to take a covid—19 vaccine. and we have the contacts with conservative peers and of her adviser to hillary clinton.

—— a former adviser.