hello, i'm nuala mcgovern. you're watching context on bbc news. the us ramps up warnings of an imminent russian attack on ukraine, as the un security council meets. the security council meets. us repeats its warning thai could the us repeats its warning that it could launch an attack at any moment. but let me be clear — i am here today not to start a war, but to prevent one. satellite images show an increase in russian troops on the border, but russian troops on the border, but russia continues to insist it has no plans to invade. while moscow keeps everyone guessing, it has taken one concrete step — expelling america's deputy ambassador to russia. the us called it "unprovoked", but the kremlin has defended its decision.

breaking news from new york where donald trump has been to testify. also on context: drama at the winter olympics. the 15—year—old russian skater who failed a drugs test fails to win a medal. we'll discuss the pressures on young athletes. tonight with the context — bryan lanza, republican party strategist normally based in the us, and ayesha hazarika, a london—based journalist and former adviser to the labour party in the uk. welcome to the programme — we start with ukraine. another day of warnings from the west met by more claims of de—escalation from moscow. presidentjoe biden has said the threat of a russian invasion of ukraine remains "very high" and could take place within days. his message was echoed at a nato summit in brussels, where defence leaders were meeting on the crisis and at an emergency

session of the united nations security council in new york — where the us secretary blinken was clear about the scale but let me be clear. i am here today not to start a war, but to prevent one. so moscow maintains there are no plans to invade ukraine — but large—scale military drills are still taking place. the us claims that at least 150,000 russian troops are now postioned translation: we are very - disappointed by the ostrich-like position of our western colleagues who are trying not

to see obvious things. so moscow maintains there are no plans to invade ukraine — but large—scale military drills are still taking place. the us claims that at least 150,000 russian troops are now postioned close to ukraine's borders, and they say more have been arriving even as moscow claims its completed military exercises and that units are returning to their permanent bases. in belarus, 30,000 men, equipped with tanks and artillery and then there are claims that russia is attempting false flag operations to help justfy any invasion. these are pictures from the ukrainian military, showing a kindergarten hit by shell this morning in an area controlled by ukraine in the donbas region. the ukraine government has called a "big provocation" by russian—backed rebels. the kremlin has denied any involvement. here was what the uk prime minister borisjohnson had to say. i wish i could give everybody better news about this, but i have to tell you that picture is continuing to be very grim. and today, as i'm sure

you have already picked up, a kindergarten was shelled in what we are taking to be — we know was a false flag operation, designed to discredit the ukrainians, designed to create a pretext, a spurious provocation for russian action. we fear very much that that is the kind of thing we'll see more of over the next few days. ukraine's president vladimir zelinski has continued his tour of the front line. she tweeted this photo, showing that morale was still good. 0ur correspondent nada tawfik is at the united nations, in new york. i'm wondering, what was the us and russia trying to do in new york

today? russia trying to do in new york toda ? ., ., ~' russia trying to do in new york toda ? ., ., ~ ~ russia trying to do in new york toda ? ~ , .,, russia trying to do in new york toda ? 4' , ., . , today? look, i think this was a very deliberate choice, _ today? look, i think this was a very deliberate choice, the _ today? look, i think this was a very deliberate choice, the stage - today? look, i think this was a very deliberate choice, the stage of- today? look, i think this was a very deliberate choice, the stage of the| deliberate choice, the stage of the us security council for the secretary of state, antony blinken, came with a very bold statement and warning, trying to tell the world that essentially, russia could invade ukraine in a matter of days and that this was the purpose of the un security council, what it was set “p un security council, what it was set up to do, to prevent these types of crises. and he laid out in very detailed ways how he thinks an attack could play out. he talks about a fabricated pretext for war, how the russian government could then theatrically call an emergency meeting, and then after that could stage an attack on identified targets including the capital, key. antony blinken said he shared this information with the ukrainians and the world to prevent an attack,

because he anticipated that... the united states has not provided evidence. 0n the other hand, what the russian foreign to mr was trying to do was cast out on antony blinken�*s claims. before his speech began, he talked about not playing to the cameras, not using this as a moment to whip up hysteria,. you still have both sides very much a part, moscow on one hand saying they won't invite the ukraine, the us saying its actions are proving otherwise. saying its actions are proving otherwise-— saying its actions are proving otherwise. really interesting, thanks so _ otherwise. really interesting, thanks so much for— otherwise. really interesting, thanks so much for speaking l otherwise. really interesting, l thanks so much for speaking to otherwise. really interesting, - thanks so much for speaking to us from new york. whatever is happening globally is happening in that microcosm of the security council. joining me now for more is alexander vershbow, the former us ambassador to russia who also served as deputy secretary general of nato.

wonderful to have you with us. i was reading some of your older articles that you were getting into deeply a few months ago about how nato could help ukraine deter russian aggression— now here we are. i'm wondering about some of the specifics that the secretary of state was outlining. he says they are working to prevent a war. do you think their actions are working? i think their actions are working? i think they have been working, i think they have been working, i think deterring russia, which involves several steps, threatening the very serious sanctions, arming and equipping ukrainian armed forces and equipping ukrainian armed forces and making sure that nato is reinforced so there's no spill—over of this conflict has brought us to this point where putin still wasn't made up his mind. the statements coming out of president biden and secretary blinken are fairly ominous, but i don't rule out that

putin will pull out at the brink. we may be entering a protracted period of no war and no peace, which will be difficult to manage but better than a war. be difficult to manage but better than a war-— than a war. what do you think it miaht than a war. what do you think it might make _ than a war. what do you think it might make president - than a war. what do you think it might make president bruton i than a war. what do you think iti might make president bruton to than a war. what do you think it - might make president bruton to take that action to withdraw, whether he does it demonstrably or not? —— president putin? i does it demonstrably or not? -- president putin?— does it demonstrably or not? -- president putin? i think he's been reckonin: president putin? i think he's been reckoning all _ president putin? i think he's been reckoning all along _ president putin? i think he's been reckoning all along with _ president putin? i think he's been reckoning all along with the - president putin? i think he's been reckoning all along with the high i reckoning all along with the high cost to russia of actually invading ukraine, even though a limited incursion would mean casualties, body bags going back to russia. this war will not be popular. so i think he is hesitating for that reason, but he also knows the sanctions being prepared by the us and europe will be far more sweeping and damaging to the russian economy than anything that's been designed

before. he is wanting to see if he gets what he wants without firing a shot, that might be how he decides to proceed forward despite these dramatic warnings we are hearing today. i dramatic warnings we are hearing toda . ., ., , ., today. i want to bring in a little of what secretary _ today. i want to bring in a little of what secretary blinken - today. i want to bring in a little of what secretary blinken was. of what secretary blinken was saying about potential scenarios that russia might induce. let's listen together. the highest levels of the russian government may theatrically convene emergency meetings to address the so—called crisis. the government will issue proclamations declaring that russia must respond to defend russian citizens or ethnic russians in ukraine. next, the attack is planned to begin. russian missiles and bombs will drop across ukraine. communications will be jammed, cyber attacks will shut down key ukrainian institutions. after that, russian tanks and soldiers will advance on key targets that have already been identified.

ambassador, what about that? do you think what blinken is laying out there is credible?— think what blinken is laying out there is credible? absolutely, this has been a — there is credible? absolutely, this has been a good _ there is credible? absolutely, this has been a good tactic— there is credible? absolutely, this has been a good tactic by - there is credible? absolutely, this has been a good tactic by the - there is credible? absolutely, this has been a good tactic by the us l there is credible? absolutely, this i has been a good tactic by the us and nato has been a good tactic by the us and nata to— has been a good tactic by the us and nata to release — has been a good tactic by the us and nato to release information, - has been a good tactic by the us and nato to release information, even i nato to release information, even classified intelligence _ nato to release information, even classified intelligence information| classified intelligence information to try— classified intelligence information to try and — classified intelligence information to try and show_ classified intelligence information to try and show the _ classified intelligence information to try and show the russians, - classified intelligence information| to try and show the russians, "we know_ to try and show the russians, "we know what — to try and show the russians, "we know what you're _ to try and show the russians, "we know what you're up _ to try and show the russians, "we know what you're up to, _ to try and show the russians, "we know what you're up to, you - to try and show the russians, "we know what you're up to, you won't -et know what you're up to, you won't getaway _ know what you're up to, you won't getaway with _ know what you're up to, you won't get away with blaming _ know what you're up to, you won't i get away with blaming the ukrainians for what _ get away with blaming the ukrainians for what is _ get away with blaming the ukrainians for what is a — get away with blaming the ukrainians for what is a russian _ get away with blaming the ukrainians for what is a russian attack." - get away with blaming the ukrainians for what is a russian attack." i- for what is a russian attack." i think— for what is a russian attack." i think that's _ for what is a russian attack." i think that's one _ for what is a russian attack." i think that's one reason - for what is a russian attack." i think that's one reason why i for what is a russian attack." i. think that's one reason why he's been _ think that's one reason why he's been a _ think that's one reason why he's been a bit — think that's one reason why he's been a bit wrong—footed - think that's one reason why he's been a bit wrong—footed in - think that's one reason why he's. been a bit wrong—footed in recent weeks _ been a bit wrong—footed in recent weeks by— been a bit wrong—footed in recent weeks by the _ been a bit wrong—footed in recent weeks by the clear— been a bit wrong—footed in recent weeks by the clear evidence - been a bit wrong—footed in recent| weeks by the clear evidence we've presented — weeks by the clear evidence we've presented of— weeks by the clear evidence we've presented of these _ weeks by the clear evidence we've presented of these false - weeks by the clear evidence we've presented of these false flag - presented of these false flag operations. _ presented of these false flag operations, other— presented of these false flag operations, other kinds - presented of these false flag operations, other kinds of i presented of these false flag - operations, other kinds of attacks that might — operations, other kinds of attacks that might be _ operations, other kinds of attacks that might be carried _ operations, other kinds of attacks that might be carried out- operations, other kinds of attacks that might be carried out by- operations, other kinds of attacks that might be carried out by the l that might be carried out by the russians— that might be carried out by the russians attributed _ that might be carried out by the russians attributed to - that might be carried out by the russians attributed to the - russians attributed to the ukrainians. _ russians attributed to the ukrainians. so _ russians attributed to the ukrainians. so this - russians attributed to the ukrainians. so this is - russians attributed to the ukrainians. so this is all. russians attributed to the i ukrainians. so this is all part russians attributed to the - ukrainians. so this is all part of the effort — ukrainians. so this is all part of the effort to— ukrainians. so this is all part of the effort to deter _ ukrainians. so this is all part of the effort to deter a _ ukrainians. so this is all part of the effort to deter a war- ukrainians. so this is all part of the effort to deter a war and i ukrainians. so this is all part of i the effort to deter a war and turns by disclosure _ the effort to deter a war and turns by disclosure has _ the effort to deter a war and turns by disclosure has been _ the effort to deter a war and turns by disclosure has been so - the effort to deter a war and turns by disclosure has been so far. - the effort to deter a war and turns by disclosure has been so far. iintel by disclosure has been so far. we also have

by disclosure has been so far. also have brian lanza and... by disclosure has been so far.“ also have brian lanza and... when you hear some of those scenarios that were played out, do you think that were played out, do you think that they will penetrate globally for people to be thinking about this conflict and how it might play out? absolutely, and i think one of the things that's really striking is as much is this is about trips on the border and looking at the military capability and how nato is helping to support ukraine from a military point of view, this more around information, this propaganda war if you like is also really important in this. —— this war around information. i think it's interesting that america particularly is releasing information in the past, journalists and the public have always been told we cannot give you this information, it is a risk to security, it will give away too much information. that's very interesting and i do think the way this modern war will

be conducted, we may be in limbo for quite a while, but this war with information, disinformation, as well, this is a crucialfront in this particular conflict. well, this is a crucial front in this particular conflict.- well, this is a crucial front in this particular conflict. what about that? we saw _ this particular conflict. what about that? we saw that _ this particular conflict. what about that? we saw that cyber— this particular conflict. what about that? we saw that cyber attack - this particular conflict. what about that? we saw that cyber attack in l that? we saw that cyber attack in ukraine, nobody has claimed responsibility for it, allegations could be russian involvement. probably one of the worst in ukraine's history, also this tit—for—tat about misinformation or disinformation, orfalse news coming through seems to be set on both sides. how important are those issues that i has been raising? thea;r issues that i has been raising? they are all important _ issues that i has been raising? they are all important issues and there is an— are all important issues and there is an information war— are all important issues and there is an information war going - are all important issues and there is an information war going on - are all important issues and there is an information war going on asl is an information war going on as part of— is an information war going on as part of this — is an information war going on as part of this crisis. _ is an information war going on as part of this crisis. but _ is an information war going on as part of this crisis. but i— is an information war going on as part of this crisis. but i think- is an information war going on as part of this crisis. but i think the | part of this crisis. but i think the release — part of this crisis. but i think the release of— part of this crisis. but i think the release of this _ part of this crisis. but i think the release of this information - part of this crisis. but i think the release of this information has l part of this crisis. but i think the - release of this information has been effective _ release of this information has been effective in— release of this information has been effective in complicating _ release of this information has been

effective in complicating russian- effective in complicating russian plans, _ effective in complicating russian plans, convincing _ effective in complicating russian plans, convincing them - effective in complicating russian plans, convincing them to - effective in complicating russian plans, convincing them to thinkl effective in complicating russian. plans, convincing them to think of other— plans, convincing them to think of other strategies— plans, convincing them to think of other strategies other— plans, convincing them to think of other strategies other than - plans, convincing them to think of other strategies other than the i other strategies other than the direct— other strategies other than the direct use _ other strategies other than the direct use of— other strategies other than the direct use of force. _ other strategies other than the direct use of force. i— other strategies other than the direct use of force. i could - other strategies other than the direct use of force. i could be i direct use of force. i could be wrong, — direct use of force. i could be wrong, president _ direct use of force. i could be wrong, president biden- direct use of force. i could be wrong, president biden is. direct use of force. i could be - wrong, president biden is predicting work could _ wrong, president biden is predicting work could begin _ wrong, president biden is predicting work could begin within _ wrong, president biden is predicting work could begin within a _ wrong, president biden is predicting work could begin within a matter - wrong, president biden is predicting work could begin within a matter ofl work could begin within a matter of days _ work could begin within a matter of days bruton — work could begin within a matter of days. bruton may— work could begin within a matter of days. bruton may decide _ work could begin within a matter of days. bruton may decide that - work could begin within a matter of days. bruton may decide that if- days. bruton may decide that if there's— days. bruton may decide that if there's other— days. bruton may decide that if there's other ways— days. bruton may decide that if there's other ways he - days. bruton may decide that if there's other ways he can - days. bruton may decide that if there's other ways he can put l there's other ways he can put pressure on _ there's other ways he can put pressure on ukraine - there's other ways he can put pressure on ukraine — - there's other ways he can puti pressure on ukraine — indeed, there's other ways he can put - pressure on ukraine — indeed, let's not forget — pressure on ukraine — indeed, let's not forget that _ pressure on ukraine — indeed, let's not forget that his _ pressure on ukraine — indeed, let's not forget that his goal _ pressure on ukraine — indeed, let's not forget that his goal is - pressure on ukraine — indeed, let's not forget that his goal is to - not forget that his goal is to reestablish— not forget that his goal is to reestablish moscow's - not forget that his goal is toi reestablish moscow's control not forget that his goal is to - reestablish moscow's control over ukraine, — reestablish moscow's control over ukraine, he — reestablish moscow's control over ukraine, he does— reestablish moscow's control over ukraine, he does not— reestablish moscow's control over ukraine, he does not accept- ukraine, he does not accept ukraines— ukraine, he does not accept ukraine's right— ukraine, he does not accept ukraine's right to _ ukraine, he does not accept ukraine's right to be - ukraine, he does not accept ukraine's right to be an - ukraine, he does not accept- ukraine's right to be an independent state and _ ukraine's right to be an independent state and wants _ ukraine's right to be an independent state and wants to _ ukraine's right to be an independent state and wants to prevent - ukraine's right to be an independent state and wants to prevent it - ukraine's right to be an independent state and wants to prevent it from . state and wants to prevent it from being _ state and wants to prevent it from being a _ state and wants to prevent it from being a successful _ state and wants to prevent it from being a successful democracy - state and wants to prevent it from being a successful democracy thatj being a successful democracy that could _ being a successful democracy that could affect — being a successful democracy that could affect russia. _ being a successful democracy that could affect russia. so _ being a successful democracy that could affect russia. so the - being a successful democracy that| could affect russia. so the conflict may take — could affect russia. so the conflict may take different _ could affect russia. so the conflict may take different forms, - could affect russia. so the conflict may take different forms, cyber. may take different forms, cyber attacks, — may take different forms, cyber attacks, hybrid _ may take different forms, cyber attacks, hybrid warfare, - may take different forms, cyber attacks, hybrid warfare, but- may take different forms, cyber attacks, hybrid warfare, but it'll still be — attacks, hybrid warfare, but it'll still be a — attacks, hybrid warfare, but it'll still be a conflict _ attacks, hybrid warfare, but it'll still be a conflict that _ attacks, hybrid warfare, but it'll still be a conflict that extends l still be a conflict that extends over— still be a conflict that extends over many— still be a conflict that extends over many months _ still be a conflict that extends over many months from - still be a conflict that extends over many months from now. | still be a conflict that extends i over many months from now. at still be a conflict that extends over many months from now. a very complicated — over many months from now. a very complicated picture. _ over many months from now. a very complicated picture. brian, - over many months from now. a very complicated picture. brian, i'm - complicated picture. brian, i'm wondering— there has been a number of republicans that have spoken out saying the us should not be getting involved in a ukraine— russia dispute, more of a unilateral

approach that it should be thinking about instead. is that something you've heard, and what is your thoughts?— you've heard, and what is your thou~hts? �* , ., ., thoughts? i've deftly heard it, and what a far cry _ thoughts? i've deftly heard it, and what a far cry from _ thoughts? i've deftly heard it, and what a far cry from 1994, - thoughts? i've deftly heard it, and what a far cry from 1994, in - what a far cry from 1994, in a kuwait— what a far cry from 1994, in a kuwait and _ what a far cry from 1994, in a kuwait and iraq situation where we had iraq _ kuwait and iraq situation where we had iraq invaded kuwait, then there was this— had iraq invaded kuwait, then there was this huge coalition in the us in charge _ was this huge coalition in the us in charge. that's not happening this time, _ charge. that's not happening this time, joe — charge. that's not happening this time, joe biden has not done any type of— time, joe biden has not done any type of argument to convince while ukraine _ type of argument to convince while ukraine is a — type of argument to convince while ukraine is a strategic asset to the us, by— ukraine is a strategic asset to the us, by american bodies need to be put at _ us, by american bodies need to be put at risk — us, by american bodies need to be put at risk. and i don't think we are going — put at risk. and i don't think we are going to. that's the challenge that they— are going to. that's the challenge that they have, that's the difference this time, 20 years ago you had _ difference this time, 20 years ago you had an — difference this time, 20 years ago you had an aggressive president with a coalition— you had an aggressive president with a coalition of the willing to expel a foreign — a coalition of the willing to expel a foreign actor from another country _ a foreign actor from another country. in this circumstance you have _ country. in this circumstance you have none — country. in this circumstance you have none of those other than sanctions _ have none of those other than sanctions coming in after the fact of the _ sanctions coming in after the fact of the invasion. it'sjust completely mixed up and itjust reeks— completely mixed up and itjust reeks of— completely mixed up and itjust reeks of weakness. completely mixed up and it 'ust reeks of weakness. �* , ., ., reeks of weakness. ambassador, what would ou reeks of weakness. ambassador, what would you respond _ reeks of weakness. ambassador, what would you respond to _ reeks of weakness. ambassador, what would you respond to those _ reeks of weakness. ambassador, what would you respond to those calling -

would you respond to those calling for the us not to get involved? i don't agree with that. this is a different— don't agree with that. this is a different situation— don't agree with that. this is a different situation than - don't agree with that. this is a different situation than when i don't agree with that. this is a - different situation than when saddam tried to _ different situation than when saddam tried to annex — different situation than when saddam tried to annex kuwait. _ different situation than when saddam tried to annex kuwait. we _ different situation than when saddam tried to annex kuwait. we are - tried to annex kuwait. we are dealing — tried to annex kuwait. we are dealing with _ tried to annex kuwait. we are dealing with a _ tried to annex kuwait. we are dealing with a nuclear- tried to annex kuwait. we are dealing with a nuclear armedl dealing with a nuclear armed superpower— dealing with a nuclear armed superpower in _ dealing with a nuclear armed superpower in russia, - dealing with a nuclear armed superpower in russia, so. dealing with a nuclear armed superpower in russia, so we| dealing with a nuclear armed - superpower in russia, so we must be prudent— superpower in russia, so we must be prudent about — superpower in russia, so we must be prudent about how— superpower in russia, so we must be prudent about how we _ superpower in russia, so we must be prudent about how we go _ superpower in russia, so we must be prudent about how we go about - superpower in russia, so we must be prudent about how we go about it. i prudent about how we go about it. but it's— prudent about how we go about it. but it's not— prudent about how we go about it. but it's notjust _ prudent about how we go about it. but it's not just the _ prudent about how we go about it. but it's not just the threat - prudent about how we go about it. but it's not just the threat of - but it's not just the threat of punishment _ but it's not just the threat of punishment after— but it's not just the threat of punishment after the - but it's not just the threat of punishment after the fact, . but it's not just the threat of i punishment after the fact, what but it's not just the threat of - punishment after the fact, what may be a laced _ punishment after the fact, what may be a laced or— punishment after the fact, what may be a laced or dashed _ punishment after the fact, what may be a laced or dashed late _ punishment after the fact, what may be a laced or dashed late start, - punishment after the fact, what may be a laced or dashed late start, the. be a laced or dashed late start, the biden— be a laced or dashed late start, the biden ministration _ be a laced or dashed late start, the biden ministration and _ be a laced or dashed late start, the biden ministration and other alliesl biden ministration and other allies during _ biden ministration and other allies during the — biden ministration and other allies during the end. _ biden ministration and other allies during the end, the _ biden ministration and other allies during the end, the uk _ biden ministration and other allies during the end, the uk have - biden ministration and other allies during the end, the uk have donel biden ministration and other alliesl during the end, the uk have done a lotto _ during the end, the uk have done a lot to train — during the end, the uk have done a lot to train ukrainian _ during the end, the uk have done a lot to train ukrainian armed - during the end, the uk have done a lot to train ukrainian armed forces| lot to train ukrainian armed forces so they— lot to train ukrainian armed forces so they can — lot to train ukrainian armed forces so they can impose _ lot to train ukrainian armed forces so they can impose costs _ lot to train ukrainian armed forces so they can impose costs —— - lot to train ukrainian armed forces so they can impose costs —— bidenl so they can impose costs —— biden administration. _ so they can impose costs —— biden administration. so— so they can impose costs —— biden administration. so i— so they can impose costs —— biden administration. so i think- so they can impose costs —— biden administration. so i think we've i so they can impose costs —— biden. administration. so i think we've had some _ administration. so i think we've had some results— administration. so i think we've had some results in— administration. so i think we've had some results in at _ administration. so i think we've had some results in at least _ administration. so i think we've had some results in at least delaying. some results in at least delaying and creating _ some results in at least delaying and creating some _ some results in at least delaying and creating some doubts - some results in at least delaying and creating some doubts in - some results in at least delaying. and creating some doubts in putin's mind _ and creating some doubts in putin's mind as _ and creating some doubts in putin's mind as to— and creating some doubts in putin's mind as to whether _ and creating some doubts in putin's mind as to whether this _ and creating some doubts in putin's mind as to whether this is - and creating some doubts in putin's mind as to whether this is even - mind as to whether this is even worth_ mind as to whether this is even worth it — mind as to whether this is even worth it but— mind as to whether this is even worth it. but there _ mind as to whether this is even worth it. but there are - mind as to whether this is even worth it. but there are stakes i worth it. but there are stakes involved — worth it. but there are stakes involved as _ worth it. but there are stakes involved as well— worth it. but there are stakes involved as well for— worth it. but there are stakes involved as well for the - involved as well for the united states. — involved as well for the united states. in— involved as well for the united states, in terms _ involved as well for the united states, in terms of— involved as well for the united states, in terms of ensuring . involved as well for the united . states, in terms of ensuring that the world — states, in terms of ensuring that the world order— states, in terms of ensuring that the world order we _ states, in terms of ensuring that the world order we live - states, in terms of ensuring that the world order we live in- states, in terms of ensuring that the world order we live in isn't. states, in terms of ensuring that l the world order we live in isn't one in which _ the world order we live in isn't one in which the — the world order we live in isn't one in which the strong _ the world order we live in isn't one in which the strong can _ the world order we live in isn't one in which the strong can dictate - the world order we live in isn't one in which the strong can dictate to i in which the strong can dictate to

the week— in which the strong can dictate to the week with _ in which the strong can dictate to the week with impunity. - in which the strong can dictate to the week with impunity. there i in which the strong can dictate toi the week with impunity. there are mistakes, — the week with impunity. there are mistakes, even _ the week with impunity. there are mistakes, even if— the week with impunity. there are mistakes, even if it— the week with impunity. there are mistakes, even if it doesn't- the week with impunity. there are mistakes, even if it doesn't call. mistakes, even if it doesn't call for direct— mistakes, even if it doesn't call for direct military— mistakes, even if it doesn't call for direct military involvement, i mistakes, even if it doesn't calli for direct military involvement, i think— for direct military involvement, i think we're — for direct military involvement, i think we're doing _ for direct military involvement, i think we're doing a _ for direct military involvement, i think we're doing a good - for direct military involvement, i think we're doing a good job- think we're doing a good job deterring _ think we're doing a good job deterring present— think we're doing a good job deterring present putin - think we're doing a good job deterring present putin buti think we're doing a good job. deterring present putin but we think we're doing a good job- deterring present putin but we will have to _ deterring present putin but we will have to see — deterring present putin but we will have to see trite _ deterring present putin but we will have to see-— have to see. we will get a clear icture have to see. we will get a clear picture over— have to see. we will get a clear picture over the _ have to see. we will get a clear picture over the coming - have to see. we will get a clear picture over the coming days. l have to see. we will get a clear- picture over the coming days. thanks so much forjoining us with all your experience and nato and also russia and eastern europe. this is context on the bbc. still to come: after a dramatic olympic women's free skate, kamila valieva — the 15—year—old russian skater who failed a drugs test — finished out of the medals. we'll talk to a former olympic figure skating medallist. let's look at some of the other stories making headlines today... one of the worst storms to hit the uk in recent years is set to move in overnight, bringing winds that the met office warns will pose a "danger to life".

forecasters have issued a rare red weather warning for parts of southwest england and south wales, where gusts could reach up to ioomph tomorrow morning. the home secretary, priti patel, has said she's scrapping tieri investment visas with immediate effect. they offered fast—track settlement in the uk, in return for an investment of at least £2 million. ms patel said the scheme had attracted "dirty money" from "corrupt elites". a british man has been named as the swimmer who died in a shark attack in australia yesterday. simon nellist, a 35 year—old expat, was said to have been a regular visitor to little bay in south—eastern sydney. it was the first fatal shark attack off the city's beaches since the 19605.

breaking news. within the past hour, a new york state judge has breaking news. within the past hour, a new york statejudge has ruled that donald trump, his son and daughter must comply with subpoenas to testify in a probe by the new york attorney general. into their family business. our senior north at reporter anthony's is me. good to have you with us, bring us up to speed, what exactly has happened? this speed, what exactly has happened? is you mentioned, speed, what exactly has happened? sis you mentioned, donald trump and two of his children may have to sit down and provide testimony under oath as part of this investigation into donald trump's business practices. i should emphasise this is the civil investigation done by new york state looking at whether donald trump's business organisation misrepresented property valuations. they were saying the properties were worth more to get better terms on loans, but then turning around and saying they were worth less when they were trying to file for lower income tax

evaluations on these. so this is a civil investigation, there's also a criminal probe going on in new york city looking into similar practices by the trump organisation. and what donald trump's lawyers are saying is that the civil investigation should be put on hold until the criminal investigation is done because it could prejudicejuries in a criminal investigation. thisjudge in new york looked at that, didn't buy it, and said that donald trump and his children have to sit down and provide testimony in the next 21 days. provide testimony in the next 21 da s. t, v provide testimony in the next 21 da s. s, �*, days. that's quite quick. so with the subpoena. — days. that's quite quick. so with the subpoena, does _ days. that's quite quick. so with the subpoena, does that - days. that's quite quick. so with the subpoena, does that mean l days. that's quite quick. so with i the subpoena, does that mean he'll go into a room with a deposition? expend our viewers what that means. conceivably depositions can be grueling ordeals where you are sitting in a room of lawyers who are peppering you with questions i can take hours and hours, not like the witness stand you normally see on tv, this is a detailed, lengthier process. now whether that actually

happens with donald trump is still not necessarily going to be the case. donald trump i imagine will appeal this decision to a higher new york state court that could drag things on. also donald trump could choose not to testify, he could invoke his fifth amendment right to not provide incriminating information to just say no to all the questions, much like his son eric trump did in 2020 and that criminal probe into the trump empire. they also said if he refused to testify, that would be splashed all across the pages in the country that could make it less likely they'll be able to find an unbiased jury they'll be able to find an unbiased jury in a criminal trial that would be able to have an open mind about donald trump's guilt or innocence. and have we had a response from the

trump family?— and have we had a response from the trump family? we've not had one yet, donald trump sent _ trump family? we've not had one yet, donald trump sent out _ trump family? we've not had one yet, donald trump sent out a _ trump family? we've not had one yet, donald trump sent out a press - donald trump sent out a press release on tuesday calling this whole thing a sham, saying it was politically motivated, he's criticised the new york attorney general repeatedly in the past, saying she was out to get him and that she was then prosecuting him or investigating him in an attempt to punish him for his political beliefs and political speech. so i imagine we will see more of the same in the coming days. i we will see more of the same in the coming days— coming days. i want to bring in brian and _ coming days. i want to bring in brian and aisha. _ coming days. i want to bring in brian and aisha. of _ coming days. i want to bring in brian and aisha. of course - coming days. i want to bring in brian and aisha. of course youj coming days. i want to bring in - brian and aisha. of course you have worked with trump on communications and as an adviser. what would you be advising today? keep and as an adviser. what would you be advising today?— advising today? keep fighting. the media in new _ advising today? keep fighting. the media in new york, _ advising today? keep fighting. the media in new york, especially - advising today? keep fighting. the | media in new york, especially new york politicians are saying they're going _ york politicians are saying they're going to — york politicians are saying they're going to take you down. you always fight _ going to take you down. you always fight the _ going to take you down. you always fight. the attorney general ran on a platform _ fight. the attorney general ran on a platform that she would put donald trump _ platform that she would put donald trump in _ platform that she would put donald trump injail, and the voters of new york wanted — trump injail, and the voters of new york wanted that. so for donald trump _ york wanted that. so for donald trump to— york wanted that. so for donald trump to navigate through this, he

has to— trump to navigate through this, he has to keep — trump to navigate through this, he has to keep fighting it at every corner, that'sjust the experience of what _ corner, that'sjust the experience of what happens with this trump phenomenon, that you have new york prosecutors. _ phenomenon, that you have new york prosecutors, city prosecutors who will be _ prosecutors, city prosecutors who will be relentless in going after him, _ will be relentless in going after hint. and — will be relentless in going after him, and the only thing he can do is keep— him, and the only thing he can do is keep fighting. him, and the only thing he can do is keep fighting-— keep fighting. thanks for that, one ofthe keep fighting. thanks for that, one of the stories _ keep fighting. thanks for that, one of the stories that _ keep fighting. thanks for that, one of the stories that has _ keep fighting. thanks for that, one of the stories that has just - keep fighting. thanks for that, one of the stories that has just been i of the stories that has just been breaking over the past hour, thanks also to my colleague anthony in north america. now to the winter olympics — where one of the most controversial moments of the games, and perhaps olympic history came to an end today in tears with a fourth—place finish in the free skate for 15—year—old, kamila valieva of russia. the teenager, who was the favourite for gold, has been in the spotlight after a court ruled she could compete in beijing after a failed drugs test. valieva missed on the podium after numerous falls and errors in her skating routine. joining us from toronto, canada for more on this story is olympic figure skating medallist

meagan duhamel. good to have you with us, i was following your twitter feeds over the last few days when this was all playing out, and i'm just wondering how you feel today or how you look back on this whole scenario with missa valieva? it back on this whole scenario with missa valieva?— back on this whole scenario with missa valieva? it definitely feels like it's been _ missa valieva? it definitely feels like it's been a _ missa valieva? it definitely feels like it's been a circus, _ missa valieva? it definitely feels like it's been a circus, starting i like it's been a circus, starting with— like it's been a circus, starting with the — like it's been a circus, starting with the positive _ like it's been a circus, starting with the positive doping - like it's been a circus, starting with the positive doping result coming — with the positive doping result coming through— with the positive doping result coming through and _ with the positive doping result coming through and allowing i with the positive doping result| coming through and allowing a with the positive doping result- coming through and allowing a skater to compete — coming through and allowing a skater to compete it's — coming through and allowing a skater to compete. it's very— coming through and allowing a skater to compete. it's very unprecedentedl to compete. it's very unprecedented and it— to compete. it's very unprecedented and it served — to compete. it's very unprecedented and it served as— to compete. it's very unprecedented and it served as a _ to compete. it's very unprecedented and it served as a double _ to compete. it's very unprecedented and it served as a double standard l and it served as a double standard for every— and it served as a double standard for every other— and it served as a double standard for every other athlete _ and it served as a double standard for every other athlete that's - and it served as a double standard for every other athlete that's ever| for every other athlete that's ever tested _ for every other athlete that's ever tested positive _ for every other athlete that's ever tested positive in— for every other athlete that's ever tested positive in doping. - tested positive in doping. they've been _ tested positive in doping. they've been suspended _ tested positive in doping. they've been suspended until— tested positive in doping. they've been suspended until the - been suspended until the investigation _ been suspended until the investigation is _ been suspended until the | investigation is complete. been suspended until the - investigation is complete. they decided — investigation is complete. they decided not _ investigation is complete. they decided not to _ investigation is complete. they decided not to suspend - investigation is complete. they decided not to suspend her- investigation is complete. they decided not to suspend her as. investigation is complete. they- decided not to suspend her as they investigate — decided not to suspend her as they investigate so— decided not to suspend her as they investigate. so it's _ decided not to suspend her as they investigate. so it's been _ decided not to suspend her as they investigate. so it's been a - decided not to suspend her as they investigate. so it's been a whole i investigate. so it's been a whole circus, _ investigate. so it's been a whole circus, i— investigate. so it's been a whole circus, i think— investigate. so it's been a whole circus, i think she's _ investigate. so it's been a whole circus, i think she's been- investigate. so it's been a whole i circus, i think she's been extremely voung _ circus, i think she's been extremely young and _ circus, i think she's been extremely young and vulnerable _ circus, i think she's been extremely young and vulnerable and we - circus, i think she's been extremely young and vulnerable and we needi circus, i think she's been extremely. young and vulnerable and we need to look young and vulnerable and we need to took at _ young and vulnerable and we need to took at the _ young and vulnerable and we need to look at the people _ young and vulnerable and we need to look at the people who _ young and vulnerable and we need to look at the people who were - look at the people who were surrounding _ look at the people who were surrounding her, _ look at the people who were surrounding her, their- look at the people who were l surrounding her, their support look at the people who were - surrounding her, their support team, and i_ surrounding her, their support team, and i don't _

surrounding her, their support team, and i don't think— surrounding her, their support team, and i don't think she _ surrounding her, their support team, and i don't think she was _ surrounding her, their support team, and i don't think she was well - and i don't think she was well taken care of— and i don't think she was well taken care of in— and i don't think she was well taken care of in this— and i don't think she was well taken care of in this case _ and i don't think she was well taken care of in this case while _ and i don't think she was well taken care of in this case while being - care of in this case while being allowed — care of in this case while being allowed to— care of in this case while being allowed to compete _ care of in this case while being allowed to compete and - care of in this case while being allowed to compete and it - care of in this case while being - allowed to compete and it all kept crumbly— allowed to compete and it all kept crumbtv out — allowed to compete and it all kept crumbtv out of— allowed to compete and it all kept crumbly out of her— allowed to compete and it all kept crumbly out of her hands - allowed to compete and it all kept crumbly out of her hands today. . allowed to compete and it all keptl crumbly out of her hands today. do ou crumbly out of her hands today. you think that's what it was? crumbly out of her hands todaym you think that's what it was? some people say she was one of the best figure skaters in the world — i don't know whether you agree with that, but do you think it was that pressure on how it crumbled today? she differently is one of the best figure _ she differently is one of the best figure skaters _ she differently is one of the best figure skaters in _ she differently is one of the best figure skaters in the _ she differently is one of the best figure skaters in the world, - she differently is one of the best figure skaters in the world, and. she differently is one of the besti figure skaters in the world, and in my opinion, — figure skaters in the world, and in my opinion. she— figure skaters in the world, and in my opinion, she doesn't - figure skaters in the world, and in my opinion, she doesn't need - figure skaters in the world, and in my opinion, she doesn't need anyj my opinion, she doesn't need any performance _ my opinion, she doesn't need any performance enhancing _ my opinion, she doesn't need any performance enhancing drugs- my opinion, she doesn't need any performance enhancing drugs to i performance enhancing drugs to sustain— performance enhancing drugs to sustain that _ performance enhancing drugs to sustain that number— performance enhancing drugs to sustain that number one - performance enhancing drugs to i sustain that number one position, she has— sustain that number one position, she has that — sustain that number one position, she has that good. _ sustain that number one position, she has that good. if _ sustain that number one position, she has that good. if i _ sustain that number one position, she has that good. if i think- sustain that number one position, she has that good. if i think about putting _ she has that good. if i think about putting myself— she has that good. if i think about putting myself in _ she has that good. if i think about putting myself in that _ she has that good. if i think about putting myself in that position, i she has that good. if i think aboutl putting myself in that position, the endless _ putting myself in that position, the endless nights— putting myself in that position, the endless nights that _ putting myself in that position, the endless nights that had _ putting myself in that position, the endless nights that had no - putting myself in that position, the endless nights that had no sleep, i endless nights that had no sleep, probably— endless nights that had no sleep, probably for— endless nights that had no sleep, probably for her, _ endless nights that had no sleep, probably for her, and _ endless nights that had no sleep, probably for her, and a _ endless nights that had no sleep, probably for her, and a lot - endless nights that had no sleep, probably for her, and a lot of- probably for her, and a lot of stress, — probably for her, and a lot of stress, is _ probably for her, and a lot of stress, is she _ probably for her, and a lot of stress, is she or— probably for her, and a lot of stress, is she or isn't - probably for her, and a lot of stress, is she or isn't she - stress, is she or isn't she competing? _ stress, is she or isn't she competing? then- stress, is she or isn't she competing? then the - stress, is she or isn't she - competing? then the pressure of meeting — competing? then the pressure of meeting after— competing? then the pressure of meeting after the _ competing? then the pressure of meeting after the programme - competing? then the pressure of meeting after the programme isi competing? then the pressure of| meeting after the programme is a lot. meeting after the programme is a lot i_ meeting after the programme is a lot ithink— meeting after the programme is a lot. i think she's _ meeting after the programme is a lot. i think she's extremely - lot. i think she's extremely vulnerable, _ lot. i think she's extremely vulnerable, she _ lot. i think she's extremely vulnerable, she is- lot. i think she's extremely. vulnerable, she is extremely lot. i think she's extremely - vulnerable, she is extremely young and she _ vulnerable, she is extremely young and she is— vulnerable, she is extremely young and she is not— vulnerable, she is extremely young and she is not who _ vulnerable, she is extremely young and she is not who we _ vulnerable, she is extremely young and she is not who we should - vulnerable, she is extremely young and she is not who we should be i and she is not who we should be pointing — and she is not who we should be pointing our— and she is not who we should be pointing our fingers— and she is not who we should be pointing our fingers at, - and she is not who we should be pointing our fingers at, but - and she is not who we should be pointing our fingers at, but the i pointing our fingers at, but the team _ pointing our fingers at, but the team surrounding _ pointing our fingers at, but the team surrounding her. - pointing our fingers at, but the team surrounding her. so- pointing our fingers at, but the team surrounding her.- team surrounding her. so what ha--ens team surrounding her. so what happens now? _ team surrounding her. so what happens now? what _ team surrounding her. so what happens now? what do - team surrounding her. so what happens now? what do expect| team surrounding her. so what i happens now? what do expect to happens now? what do expect to happen may be as opposed to what you want to happen? i

happen may be as opposed to what you want to happen?— want to happen? i think the ioc and our own governing _ want to happen? i think the ioc and our own governing party, _ want to happen? i think the ioc and our own governing party, as - want to happen? i think the ioc and our own governing party, as well. want to happen? i think the ioc and our own governing party, as well as| our own governing party, as well as wada. the — our own governing party, as well as wada, the world _ our own governing party, as well as wada, the world responsible - our own governing party, as well as wada, the world responsible —— - our own governing party, as well as| wada, the world responsible —— they need _ wada, the world responsible —— they need to— wada, the world responsible —— they need to took at — wada, the world responsible —— they need to look at everything _ wada, the world responsible —— they need to look at everything involved i need to look at everything involved in this— need to look at everything involved in this doping — need to look at everything involved in this doping scandal, _ need to look at everything involved in this doping scandal, but - need to look at everything involved in this doping scandal, but also - need to look at everything involved in this doping scandal, but also at. in this doping scandal, but also at issues _ in this doping scandal, but also at issues into— in this doping scandal, but also at issues into the _ in this doping scandal, but also at issues into the child _ in this doping scandal, but also at issues into the child abuse... - in this doping scandal, but also at issues into the child abuse... i’mul issues into the child abuse... i'm afraid we've _ issues into the child abuse... i'm afraid we've just _ issues into the child abuse... afraid we've just lost the line to megan, i'm so sorry about that, but instead we are just showing you the absolute distraught 15 —year—old— thatis absolute distraught 15 —year—old— that is her coach they the blonde lady there, that actually there has been a fair bit of criticism about as well throughout these olympics. that's just one of the stories we are following here on context. don't forget, you can get in touch with me and some of the team on twitter — i'm @cfraserbbc. do stay with us here on the bbc.

storm eunice looks to be a very dangerous weather system indeed. it's coming our way for friday. the met office have already issued a top—tier rare red weather warning for eunice. it's for strong winds across southern wales and south west england, where gusts could reach 90 mph. widespread disruption here, a large number of trees down. and as well as that, there will be a surge of ocean water pushing up the severn estuary combined with high tide and large battering waves, we could see coastal inundation. a much broader amber weather warning in force for large parts of england and wales. because of that, there's going to be a large number of trees down with widespread disruption expected. here is eunice continuing to develop. this is its emerging cloudhead, the part of the storm system that has the most

fierce, destructive winds. it's already starting to show its hand on the satellite picture. and as we go through this evening and overnight, rain starts to move its way north—eastwards, turning to snow across the high ground of scotland, northern ireland, northern england. the winds really beginning to ramp up. but the strongest winds will start to move through during friday morning around this hook in the weather system. now, across wales and south west england, first of all, we'll get those fierce winds, but then they spread to the midlands, central, southern england, east anglia and the south east. the winds for these areas strong enough to blow down a large number of trees. there'll be widespread disruption to travel, both road, rail and at the airports. and as well as that, quite a high chance of getting some power cuts as well. further north, with that snow continuing to affect the high ground of scotland, northern ireland, northern england, there'll be blizzards. and because the snow�*s going to come down so quickly, in those blizzard conditions, gritters and snowplows may struggle to keep up. we may well see a number of vehicles stranded on those high—level routes. so, multiple hazards from this dangerous storm system for friday.

it's bringing the strong winds to europe into the weekend, but we get another area of low pressure chasing its way in. now, this is going to continue the theme of very windy weather, with gales or even some severe gales around through saturday and sunday. rain and showers around as well, so it stays very unsettled and blustery as well. but the main focus is on the multiple hazards from storm eunice. gusts of wind up to 90 mph, as well as those blizzard conditions across the hills of northern england, we are expecting widespread disruption. there could be further updates to our weather warnings.

hello, i'm nuala mcgovern. you're watching context on bbc news. the ukraine crisis deepens still further: the un security council meets in new york, as the us repeats its warning that russia could launch an attack at any moment. let me be clear, i am here today not to start a war, but to prevent one. satellite images show an increase in russian troops on the border. moscow says its actually withdrawing its troops. how to regulate the internet. a survey suggests three in four americans would like tougher rules to protect personal information. going to mars or stopping

the aging process? we'll look at what the world's richest men spending their money on. yes, all men... tonight with the context, tonight with the context, bryan lanza, republican party strategist normally based in the us, and ayesha hazarika, a london—based journalist and former adviser to the labour party in the uk. what to do about big tech? that's the question lawmakers in the us are grappling with, amid growing calls for stricter regulation of the likes of facebook and google. while there is bipartisan support for reigning in the power of technology companies, dozens of bills have failed in recent years as congress remains unable to agree just what that regulation looks like. president biden himself has said addressing the power of the tech giants is a priority of his administration, but other issues rank higher.

so how does the american public feel about it? a new poll by the bipartisan advocacy group, the future of tech, found 76% of those surveyed said companies should not be able to collect and use personal data beyond what's necessary for the service being provided. 75% said that us democracy could be at risk without stronger regulation of false information online. there is growing momentum at state level. today, california is introducing a new bill to protect children's data online, echoing regulation that was recently adopted here in the uk. will it prompt a ripple effect? deval patrick is the former democratic governor of massachusetts, now co—chair of the future of tech commission. governor, welcome to the programme, thanks forjoining us. why do you think, just running through the figures, people want more regulation, the general public, but

why is it difficult for the us to enact it in a way that would satisfy the public? enact it in a way that would satisfy the ublic? , �* . . enact it in a way that would satisfy the public?— the public? isn't that a broad cuestion the public? isn't that a broad question on _ the public? isn't that a broad question on a _ the public? isn't that a broad question on a range - the public? isn't that a broad question on a range of - the public? isn't that a broad| question on a range of issues right now? i think this one has some real promise to read because of the points you were making, there's real momentum. two opinion polls we've done, one in the summer and the one you just referenced show that we've moved frankly, in a decade from lots of people saying, you know, surrendering our information was fine in exchange for the convenience and pleasure of being able to access so much information and connect to so much information and connect to so many others online. today folks are beginning to realise how hazardous that is and frankly how careless the tech platforms have beenin careless the tech platforms have been in harvesting the information and selling it on. sol been in harvesting the information and selling it on. so i think the momentum in the states actually has

an impact on how the industry itself thinks about the value of federal level regulation. because they don't want to have to deal with a patchwork of different rules and of course europe is well ahead of the united states and we are competitive that way. i united states and we are competitive that wa . ., �* ~' . , united states and we are competitive thatwa. .,�* ~'., , , that way. i don't think any country feels they've _ that way. i don't think any country feels they've got _ that way. i don't think any country feels they've got it _ that way. i don't think any country feels they've got it completely - feels they've got it completely right yet, either. what occurs to me is i feel that the genie is out of the bottle and will you really be able to put it back in? there's also theissues able to put it back in? there's also the issues coming up immediately whenever someone tries to the tech giants, there are claims, criticisms of censoring free speech or expression for example. how do you find the line?— find the line? there are a couple of thins. find the line? there are a couple of things- we — find the line? there are a couple of things- we very _ find the line? there are a couple of things. we very much _ find the line? there are a couple of things. we very much on _ find the line? there are a couple of things. we very much on the - things. we very much on the commission, just as in the general public, respect the expectation of free expression. you have the right

of free speech but not necessarily free reach. we are not necessarily talking about limiting what is said online. there are all kinds of indiscretions, a lack of decorum seems to be in fashion today but what happens, as you know and many of your viewers may, all of this personal data is harvested without our information and used to profile us and target us with information. and the more outrageous the information, the more the algorithms of the tack industry amplify it. so we are saying, just get access to the information necessary for the service you provide. if you want to buy some genes online, you can buy them online and get enough information for that. you should be able to turn it off at any time and not have it spread around. rather than going at the substance of the information that's put out there,

we're talking about limiting the reach of that information, not having it take of our society the way it has. d0 having it take of our society the way it has-— way it has. do you really think ou'll be way it has. do you really think you'll be able _ way it has. do you really think you'll be able to _ way it has. do you really think you'll be able to do _ way it has. do you really think you'll be able to do that? - way it has. do you really think. you'll be able to do that? well, way it has. do you really think i you'll be able to do that? well, i ho -e so. you'll be able to do that? well, i hepe s0- one — you'll be able to do that? well, i hope so. one thing _ you'll be able to do that? well, i hope so. one thing we've - you'll be able to do that? well, i hope so. one thing we've tried l you'll be able to do that? well, i | hope so. one thing we've tried to you'll be able to do that? well, i - hope so. one thing we've tried to do is to balance those interests, as i was saying, and do it in a responsible way. i think it's enormously important that congress take up the issue and not avoid it because it's complicated or because there's more than one way to skin this cat. we've done this in a very bipartisan way, taking in hundreds of bits of information and advice and insights from experts and tech leaders and regular americans and theirfamilies. what leaders and regular americans and their families. what we're trying to do is come up with set of solutions that gives a road map, a blueprint for regulatory framework at our national level and i hope that what

congress now does promptly, following many of the proposals that have been filed already, is to create legislation and rules, guardrails, really, that can be refined as we learn. i guardrails, really, that can be refined as we learn.— guardrails, really, that can be refined as we learn. i hear what ou're refined as we learn. i hear what you're saying — refined as we learn. i hear what you're saying and _ refined as we learn. i hear what you're saying and it _ refined as we learn. i hear what you're saying and it sounds - you're saying and it sounds optimistic. i'm already thinking about the lawsuits. one particular part, a bill that would force platforms to scan every message that users post. critics say it is a massive overstep and worries that the federal government for example could impinge on the privacy of the public. ijust think it's a very difficult place to be able to appease these various competing groups and some of them are the giants within the industries as well, focused on making profits and

whether that's through personal information or click bait or using that information to target people. well, you've really hit it on the head. it's not that the american people generally isn't in a place where they have this information harvested without their knowledge and being targeted in ways that we are. it really goes to the business model of some companies. you know, the disinformation that runs rampant in our country and i think to some extent in britain and certainly other parts of the world, big companies make a profit from that, off of divisiveness and hate and bullying, the kinds of impact on young people, body images and so on. there's a lot of data to show that this isn't hyperbole and speculation. this is happening. so we've had at times in our history

and world history when economic forces have run a mock and in a free market system we encourage economic freedom. but we've also got responsibility, as government, when government is after alljust the name we give to do things we choose to do together, to impose limits and guardrails and i think we can do that. , , ., ., , . that. let us see how ed goes. we wish ou that. let us see how ed goes. we wish you luck _ that. let us see how ed goes. we wish you luck with _ that. let us see how ed goes. we wish you luck with trying - that. let us see how ed goes. we wish you luck with trying to - that. let us see how ed goes. we wish you luck with trying to find l that. let us see how ed goes. we wish you luck with trying to find a j wish you luck with trying to find a consensus on that, governor. thanks forjoining us. let's return to ukraine. for days, the west has claimed that an attack is imminent — while moscow says it is moving some of troops away from the border. and on thursday, russia's defence ministry released more pictures that they say show military equipment being moved back to bases — after exercises in crimea.

but the west has its own intelligence saying otherwise. this was taken by a private american company on monday, a day before russia said it was withdrawing its troops. in this photo, you can see a build—up of armed vehicles, helicopters and artillery. and this satellite image was taken on tuesday — it shows the construction of a bridge across a potentially strategic portion of the pripyat river in belarus. less than four kilometres from ukraine's border. the us defense secretary lloyd austin was in brussels meeting other nato defense leaders, and had this assessment. we see them fly in more combat and support aircraft. we see them sharpening their readiness in the black sea. we even see them stocking up their blood supplies. you know, i was a soldier myself, not that long ago. and i know first—hand that you don't do these sort of things for no reason.

and you certainly don't do them if you're getting ready to pack up and go home. russia continues to deny it plans to invade ukraine. the foreign minister, sergei lavrov, said it was nato that was escalating the situation — not russia. translation: with respect to when i de-escalation starts, or when it i would end, these are not our words. these are the words being introduced by the propaganda machines. these words about escalation and de—escalation are something that every european politician simply has to say right now. they cannot help it. i'm joined now by angela stent, she's a professor at georgetown university who's also the author of the book, "putin's world," which investigates what drives vladimir putin to act the way he does. i'm just wondering, and you're welcome to the programme, so good to have you, as we look at the request by secretary blink and to withdraw

troops, he says that if they refuse to do so it will show that they have diplomatic options and didn't follow them, how does a public request like that work with somebody like mr putin? , , t, , that work with somebody like mr putin? ,, . ., _ that work with somebody like mr putin? the russians obviously don't like ublic putin? the russians obviously don't like public requests _ putin? the russians obviously don't like public requests because - putin? the russians obviously don't like public requests because they i like public requests because they deny that they're not bringing their troops back and they don't like to be called out for that. i think you'll also know that there was a shilling today in the donbas region. we already have russian backed separatists there. we see the russians in that part of ukraine trying to provoke the ukrainians to shoot back and use it as a pretext to go in. so there are many things going on that the russians aren't admitting that they have any responsibility for. we are in a very tense situation.— tense situation. what about also some of those _ tense situation. what about also some of those images _ tense situation. what about also some of those images that - tense situation. what about also some of those images that we i tense situation. what about also i some of those images that we were showing, the war of words as well,

about whether they're withdrawing troops or not, even if images show that they aren't. why would mr putin or those around him say that they are when there are images to show that they're not?— that they're not? well, we're in an information _ that they're not? well, we're in an information war _ that they're not? well, we're in an information war and _ that they're not? well, we're in an information war and we _ that they're not? well, we're in an information war and we have - that they're not? well, we're in an information war and we have been| that they're not? well, we're in an i information war and we have been for time with the russians so sometimes they'll have alternative facts. they all say that things are an inaccurate interpretation of things going on when the us and a lot of intelligence says no, that the troops aren't withdrawing. this is how they hit back, and deny it. i how they hit back, and deny it. i was speaking earlier to a former ambassador who predicted that there would be a limbo that may continue for the coming months. i wonder how you see this playing out and whether there is some sort of path that the us or nato could try and go down

with mr putin to try and let him save face and prevent a war? i save face and prevent a war? i certainly agree that this save face and prevent a war? i certainly agree that this could go on for some time, neither war nor peace, the continuing russian pressure. they'll have to withdraw some of the troops because you can't keep that many in the tents in freezing weather for so long. the pressure will go on and russia will do all they can to drive down the ukrainians and their economy has already been quite badly affected by this, investors not wanting to put their money there. there is no quick solution and it could go on for a long time. nato and the united states have responded to russia and said that even though we aren't going to tell you categorically that nato will never enlarge their right a lot of other things we can discuss that concern russian security, to do with troop deployments in central europe, with us missile defence in

the eastern nato members, they have to do with different confidence building measures. there are a number of areas where there could be negotiations and i believejust today, again secretary blinken offered that as soon week we could start having talks with russia on a range of issues but the russians have said they are not willing to talk about it unless we agree to what they called their non—negotiable demands. if the kremlin decide that yes, it is worth starting to talk about some of these issues, of course they could say things, they could say that nato came back to us, they recognised our security concerns on a range of issues which could also be presented as a win for russia but there has to be the will to do it. haifa

as a win for russia but there has to be the will to do it.— as a win for russia but there has to be the will to do it. how do use the alliance, be the will to do it. how do use the alliance. how _ be the will to do it. how do use the alliance, how unified _ be the will to do it. how do use the alliance, how unified it _ be the will to do it. how do use the alliance, how unified it is _ be the will to do it. how do use the alliance, how unified it is and - be the will to do it. how do use the alliance, how unified it is and how. alliance, how unified it is and how much willingness there is to go along the diplomatic route? what's been interesting _ along the diplomatic route? what's been interesting is _ along the diplomatic route? what's been interesting is that _ along the diplomatic route? what's been interesting is that the - been interesting is that the situation with russia has sort of allowed — situation with russia has sort of allowed nato to kind of re—consolidated cell. it has allowed an opportunity for the nato partners to come _ an opportunity for the nato partners to come together. there have been guestions _ to come together. there have been questions over germany but most nato partners seem to be singing from the same _ partners seem to be singing from the same hymn— partners seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet now. i think what will be _ same hymn sheet now. i think what will be interesting is the timescale of this— will be interesting is the timescale of this because if this is going to id of this because if this is going to go on _ of this because if this is going to go on and — of this because if this is going to go on and on, and i think that is going _ go on and on, and i think that is going to — go on and on, and i think that is going to be _ go on and on, and i think that is going to be more difficult because i think a _ going to be more difficult because i thinka certain going to be more difficult because i think a certain amount of fatigue will set _ think a certain amount of fatigue will set in — think a certain amount of fatigue will set in with the public in terms of the nato countries. questions will be _ of the nato countries. questions will be asked, how long is this going — will be asked, how long is this going to — will be asked, how long is this going to go on for? and of course, many— going to go on for? and of course, many countries find themselves in the middle of an energy crisis. they

are very— the middle of an energy crisis. they are very reliant on russian gas. we know— are very reliant on russian gas. we know there's — are very reliant on russian gas. we know there's a big pipeline project going _ know there's a big pipeline project going into — know there's a big pipeline project going into germany, nord stream two. britain _ going into germany, nord stream two. britain has _ going into germany, nord stream two. britain has an energy crisis. i suppose _ britain has an energy crisis. i suppose the endgame question is, if there _ suppose the endgame question is, if there just _ suppose the endgame question is, if there just carries on, does it feel that russia — there just carries on, does it feel that russia has the upper hand because — that russia has the upper hand because at some point they may feel that there _ because at some point they may feel that there has to be a concession to make _ that there has to be a concession to make this _ that there has to be a concession to make this end? because it can't go on indefinitely.— make this end? because it can't go on indefinitely. good question. has russia won — on indefinitely. good question. has russia won if _ on indefinitely. good question. has russia won if in _ on indefinitely. good question. has russia won if in fact _ on indefinitely. good question. has russia won if in fact this _ on indefinitely. good question. has russia won if in fact this continuesl russia won if in fact this continues in limbo forthe russia won if in fact this continues in limbo for the coming months? melt in limbo for the coming months? well it will certainly — in limbo for the coming months? iii it will certainly have the upper hand and i agree with your previous speaker, the alliance may not hold together strongly if this goes on and on. and the energy isn't there to focus on it.— to focus on it. thanks so much for 'oinin~ to focus on it. thanks so much for joining me. _ to focus on it. thanks so much for joining me. and — to focus on it. thanks so much for joining me, and our— to focus on it. thanks so much for

joining me, and our panellists. . still to come on the programme. we'll look at the disparity in pay between the top chief executives and their companies. the met office has warned of a threat to life from storm eunice in parts of south—west england and south wales tomorrow. the army is on standby to help deal with disruption as strong winds of up to 90 miles per hour have been forecast. travel disruption is widely expected, and the met office says damage to homes and power cuts are also likely. people are being urged to stay at home if possible. tamsin melville reports on how cornwall is preparing for the arrival of eunice. with forecasts of gust of wind up to 90 mph tomorrow morning, coupled with the spring tide, fishermen in st ives are planning ahead. what are you up to?

st ives are planning ahead. what are ou u- to? . s st ives are planning ahead. what are ouuto? you up to? taking the engine off in case the boat _ you up to? taking the engine off in case the boat sinks. _ you up to? taking the engine off in case the boat sinks. st _ you up to? taking the engine off in case the boat sinks. st ives - you up to? taking the engine off in case the boat sinks. st ives is - case the boat sinks. st ives is one ofthe case the boat sinks. st ives is one of the places _ case the boat sinks. st ives is one of the places on the _ case the boat sinks. st ives is one of the places on the north - case the boat sinks. st ives is one of the places on the north coast i case the boat sinks. st ives is one | of the places on the north coast of call and devon that is predicted could bear the brunt of eunice. going to be a bad one, yeah. as long as people take aid of the warnings, don't get washed away, life is more precious. don't get washed away, life is more recious. . ,., ., don't get washed away, life is more recious. . ., , , ,, , precious. harbour front businesses are ready for _ precious. harbour front businesses are ready for the _ precious. harbour front businesses are ready for the onslaught. - precious. harbour front businesses are ready for the onslaught. we've j are ready for the onslaught. we've not our are ready for the onslaught. we've got our flood _ are ready for the onslaught. we've got our flood defence _ are ready for the onslaught. we've got our flood defence boards - are ready for the onslaught. we've got our flood defence boards that. are ready for the onslaught. we've got our flood defence boards that go on the _ got our flood defence boards that go on the front of the pub. sandbanks behind _ on the front of the pub. sandbanks behind them and then we do the side of the _ behind them and then we do the side of the pub— behind them and then we do the side of the pub and that, hopefully, stops _ of the pub and that, hopefully, stops the — of the pub and that, hopefully, stops the sea from coming in. the met office says — stops the sea from coming in. tie: met office says the red stops the sea from coming in. ti9 met office says the red warning stops the sea from coming in. ti9: met office says the red warning says there could be a danger to life from flying debris, structural damage to buildings with moves coming off and road, railand bridges buildings with moves coming off and road, rail and bridges closes, buildings with moves coming off and road, railand bridges closes, power cuts and trees uprooted. many organisations are issuing safety warnings including the police, the environment agency and the councils. many schools, businesses and outdoor attractions across the region have

already said they are closing. for now it is a case of battening down the hatches. for more on that story and all the others that we are covering on the bbc, go to our website or the news at. now let's turn to the corporate world, where the world's largest company — apple — is facing a backlash over a $99 million pay package awarded to its ceo tim cook last year. that's up from $14.8 million the previous year. a shareholder advisory firm — institutional shareholder services — is urging investors to vote against it. so just how big is mr cook's pay? well, let's look at how it compares with that of apple's staff.

according to the tech giant itself, it was 1,447 times the pay of typical employees, who collected an average of $68,000. but it's worth noting that returns for apple shareholders are up by more than 1,000% since mr cook took over in 2011. the apple's chief executive had a staggering 570% pay increase on the previous year. well, company's shareholders will have a say on mr cook's remuneration when they meet in march. lawrence mishel is an expert in income distribution at the think tank, the economic policy institute. he has been tracking ceo pay for years, and says tim cook's pay is very unseemly to see such high pay compensation in the midst of pandemic, when people are struggling to make ends meet. very unseemly, to see such very unseemly, to see such wealth very unseemly, to see such wealth bein- created, such hi-h being created, such high compensation being provided in the midst of a pandemic where people are struggling. the billionaires are doing well, a lot of wealth has been

created at the top and the stock market has gone up tremendously and that's helping to raise chief executive compensation. the stock market going up doesn't mean that they are working harder or being more effective. it goes up because demand has been fuelled by the stimulus or because companies as a whole have been able to squeeze workers. that's not a basis for a 500% increase in compensation. apple ceo tim cook maybe flush with cash at the moment with his $99 million pay package, but ever wondered what these top global ceos do with all their huge pay money? well, some top executives such as telsa's elon musk and virgin's richard branson are in love with outer space — spending their fortunes building spacecraft to fly away from earth. while others such as billionaire co—founder of paypal peter thiel, and amazon'sjeff bezos have been

pouring huge sums into startups aiming to keep us all young or even cheat death. i'm just wondering, brian, varies a lot of criticism of the likes of jeff bezos or richard branson saying they should spend their money on something for earth, something for him and that instead of flying off to space. him and that instead of flying off to sace. :, :, i. him and that instead of flying off to space-— l - him and that instead of flying off i to space._ i think to space. how do you feel? i think the are to space. how do you feel? i think they are spending _ to space. how do you feel? i think they are spending money - to space. how do you feel? i think they are spending money for - they are spending money for humanity, the technology they are developing and creating to get us into space is technology we are going to be using in the next 30, 40 years. the nasa government programme in the 505, years. the na5a government programme in the 505, things they created in the 605 and 705 are helping the internet today. the difference is that now it is coming from somebody's personal paycheque. billionaires, they make a lot of money, they push the envelope but i can't fault elon mu5k orjeff bezos for spending the

can't fault elon musk orjeff bezos for spending the money to develop technology that advances humankind. what do you think? the longevity, looking to live to be 200, 300 years old, may even cheat death. these start—ups they are getting back into after the pandemic. how do you see how they spend their money? it how they spend their money? it reminds me of the film don't look up to be _ reminds me of the film don't look up to be honest. it feels completely otherworldly. they can spend their money— otherworldly. they can spend their money on — otherworldly. they can spend their money on what they want. it's quite funny— money on what they want. it's quite funny that _ money on what they want. it's quite funny that they are these ageing men with an _ funny that they are these ageing men with an obsession with rockets. i think what— with an obsession with rockets. i think what would be nice is an acknowledgement that there is a yawning — acknowledgement that there is a yawning gap between them and a lot of their— yawning gap between them and a lot of their staff. amazon for example, if you _ of their staff. amazon for example, if you look — of their staff. amazon for example, if you look at the minimum wage in some _ if you look at the minimum wage in some of— if you look at the minimum wage in some of their warehouses, the pay and conditions, it would be nice if jeff bezos— and conditions, it would be nice if jeff bezos and his team decided to -ive jeff bezos and his team decided to give amazon workers better pay. these _ give amazon workers better pay. these gaps are not good for society. coming _ these gaps are not good for society. coming through the pandemic there is a feelingm _ coming through the pandemic there is a feeling... at the beginning of the

pandemic— a feeling... at the beginning of the pandemic we said we are all in it together— pandemic we said we are all in it together but actually the pandemic has proved otherwise. some of us would _ has proved otherwise. some of us would quite like to get into one of those _ would quite like to get into one of those spaceships. find would quite like to get into one of those spaceships.— those spaceships. and fly away! thanks for _ those spaceships. and fly away! thanks for spending _ those spaceships. and fly away! thanks for spending time - those spaceships. and fly away! thanks for spending time with l those spaceships. and fly away! l thanks for spending time with us. storm eunice looks to be a very dangerous weather system indeed. the met office have issued a rare top tier red weather warning for this already. and that's in force across parts of southern wales and south—west england. it's here where we'll get gusts of wind up to 90 mph through friday morning. that's strong enough to bring widespread disruption, blow a number of trees down, but aside from that relatively narrow red area we've got a much larger amber weather warning covering much of england and wales, gusts of wind 60—80 mph will blow down quite a large number of trees. here is eunice developing. you see this cloud head emerging. it's around this that we get the most powerful wind wrapping

around the storm and the storm continues to grow stronger under the very powerfuljet stream that's blowing at about 230 mph. the jet stream is the fast winds high up in the earth's atmosphere. so, eunice, we're going to get these very strong winds starting across parts of wales and south—west england, wrapping around the cloud head feature and then they drive east across the midlands, central and southern england, east anglia and south—west england. widespread disruption likely on friday the road, rail and even at airports we may see problems. as well as that, probably a number of power power cuts because of power lines being brought down by falling trees. further north, different problem. the hills of northern ireland, northern england and scotland seeing very heavy snow. 10—30 centimetres, blizzard conditions. probably going to find that snowploughs and gritters struggled to keep pace with the falling snow accumulations and we may see vehicles becoming trapped overnight as well. that's an additional hazard from eunice. heading into friday night, the worst of the severe wind

will start to blow away and the weather will gradually settle down, which probably isn't the right word because it stays pretty blustery but we'll lose the 70—80 mph gusts. this weekend we're going to see another area of low pressure move in off the atlantic as storm eunice brings damaging wind to northern europe. the second low pressure system will continue to bring very windy weather with gales or severe around through the weekend. a band of rain pushing east on saturday, cold enough for some snowfall across the higher hills in scotland and northern england as well. very blow weak conditions with showers in the west later. the weather doesn't settle down for the second half of the weekend. again, a band of rain moving from west to east, accompanied by strong, gusty wind, potentially gales or severe gales over the north—west with frequent showers following in. temperatures will begin to drop away from these values across the north—west as the air turns colder later in the day. we may see wintry showers moving back in.

what about next week? the atlantic continues to flex its muscles, staying very unsettled, further zones of strong wind and further weather systems bringing rain followed by sunshine and showers. no sign really of the weather settling down. stays very windy although not the severe went that storm eunice is going to bring us on friday. so, a recap of what we are expecting from eunice. across england and wales, concerns, very strong went widely, gusts 70—90 mph, a large number of trees brought down so significant disruption. hill snow and blizzards over the high ground of northern england and northern ireland and scotland bringing additional hazards and we may well see further upgrades to the weather warnings.

the uk braces itself as storm eunice is set to hit tomorrow morning, with the met office issuing its strongest possible weather warning — a threat to life. battening down the hatches, with winds of up to 90 miles per hour expected in some areas. the wind strengths are going to be stronger than we would normally see in these kind of storms and it's going to hit highly populated areas, so it's going to have a really big impact. thousands living along the river seven _ thousands living along the river seven have been told to expect flooding — seven have been told to expect flooding and some have even been advised _ flooding and some have even been advised to— flooding and some have even been advised to leave their homes —— living _ advised to leave their homes —— living along _ advised to leave their homes —— living along the river in severn. we'll be looking atjust where and when storm eunice is going to hit. also tonight... president biden says russian military manoeuvres on ukraine's

borders are not evidence of them moving out — and they could invade within days.