this is bbc news. i'm chris rogers with the headlines at eight. ukrainian troops outgunned and outnumbered get the upper hand on russian forces. on the front line of the the counter cat near hark eva. every inch of ground they gain gives the city respite from the russian guns. the city respite from the russian nuns. ~ ., . ' ., the city respite from the russian nuns. . ' ., ., , ., , guns. more than1 million households across the uk — guns. more than1 million households across the uk will _ guns. more than1 million households across the uk will struggle _ guns. more than1 million households across the uk will struggle to - guns. more than1 million households across the uk will struggle to pay - across the uk will struggle to pay their bills over the next 12 months. the prime minister warns of continuing pressure to come. we've already done _ continuing pressure to come. we've already done a _ continuing pressure to come. we've already done a huge _ continuing pressure to come. we've already done a huge amount - continuing pressure to come. we've already done a huge amount and i continuing pressure to come. we've already done a huge amount and we're putting _ already done a huge amount and we're putting billions and billions into helping — putting billions and billions into helping people with the cost of their_ helping people with the cost of their energy, but we have to be

realistic — their energy, but we have to be realistic. there will be continuing pressure. — realistic. there will be continuing pressure, so we will continue to do as much_ pressure, so we will continue to do as much as — pressure, so we will continue to do as much as we can. the pressure, so we will continue to do as much as we can.— as much as we can. the uk signed a mutual security _ as much as we can. the uk signed a mutual security deals _ as much as we can. the uk signed a mutual security deals with _ mutual security deals with sweden and finland, pledging support of either country comes under attack. police say they are treating the disappearance of missing 15—year—old mimi thomas as child abduction. the one time friends are now facing off in court — rebecca vardy announced she asked her agent to look at rooney's accounts. scottish can win if they can avoid defeat against dundee united. tonight, a special report from the

front line. ukrainian forces mount a successful counterattack against russian troops just north of the country's second largest city, hark eva. they've been taking a number of towns and cities —— kharkiv. the fighting has been slow and costly. ukrainian forces say they now have the upper hand. kharkiv is 30 miles from the frontier, and russia's retreat suggest a question mark over president putin's ammo capturing territory. quentin somervell have spent the last week with groups in and around the troops and sent us this report. air raid sirens. the spectre of russian victory once haunted this city. but no more. for months, the invaders

were at the city gates, but kharkiv has cast doubt vladimir putin's foot soldiers, forcing them back towards the border. this road is deadly. there are landmines either side, and a number of times, vehicles have been hit by russian shelling. so, the russians are retreating, but they're not giving up. they're trying to pin these men down, but retreating they are. there's a lot more at stake here than just the city of kharkiv. the russian supply lines to the donbas are also under threat, and these men, they say that if they can take back their city, the second biggest in this country, just by the russian border, why can't they take back all of ukraine? for more than a week, they've been fighting and winning. still, they have to move fast. an army in retreat is just as dangerous,

so they're on guard. above them, they know that enemy drones are watching. these men are exposed. he speaks ukrainian at the top of this ridge, russian tanks and artillery still roam and still lay down fire. this has become a far more mobile fight. a deadly game of hide and seek in the kharkiv countryside. you will go there, behind the fence, yeah? 0k? we're following a ukrainian territorial defence unit, all volunteers. sit down.

every second out in the open risks targeting from russians who are less than half a kilometre away. the men you see are from kharkiv. they're fighting for ukraine, but they're also fighting for their city, and it's a close quarters battle. but every inch of ground they gain here, every other mile gives their city respite from the russian guns from the russian guns that you can hear. explosions. we're now in the third month of this war. who's winning? we are winning, of course. ukrainians are winning. every day that our guys do in mariupol, every day that our guys are doing brave acts that they commit, you know, all these are small

wins in the big war. their fields and villages, they gain ground. from here, russia attacked kharkiv dozens of times daily. now only a handful of shells make it to the city. but there's still a danger in the village. a shell whizzes just overhead. explosion. the enemy is there in the forest. out there, a russian tank is on the hunt. but they've grown used to these tactics, so already the men who make up this unit,

an economist, a businessman, who make up this unit — an economist, a businessman, a mechanic — have taken cover. little prepared them for this, but they haven't flinched. a direct hit knocks out the power. tank fire hammers the bunker. but the men are untroubled and unharmed. and what of the people above ground? a lull, of sorts, gives 66—year—old raissa a chance to escape. she grew up in the soviet union, lived in east germany. she can't believe it's come to this — her home and her history in ruins. translation: shards of the glass hit me in the face. _

how could she forgive russia these wounds? translation: why didn't the shrapnel hit me in the head so that _ i would die immediately? for days, she suffered through this. but i hardly feel physical pain any more. the pain is in my soul. you're lucky to be alive, says the medic. yes, my arm is working. but lucky? god didn't let me die. now i have to live in pain. in a time gone by, raissa's father and vladimir putin's father battled hitler. but that shared memory is now lost to history.

here in russian—speaking ukraine, the past runs deep and the suffering brought here won't be easily forgiven norforgotten. quentin sommerville, bbc news, kharkiv. let show you the latest pictures coming out of the city of mariupol in southeast ukraine. and show some of the ukraine gade fighters who have been holed up under the azovstal steel plant. they've been underground for several weeks now. ukraine says its offering to swap russian prisoners of war in return for allowing wounded soldiers to be taken out of the steelworks. force johnson has signed a mutual security pact with sweden and finland dredging support if they come under

the attack —— borisjohnson. that came as the prime minister visited the swedish and finnish capitals today. the kremlin has warned that repercussions, if the countries abandon their traditionally mutual stance. speaking at a press conference, borisjohnson said the situation in ukraine changed the security situation in europe. a, security situation in europe. pivotal moment in our shared history. it's pivotal because, as i discussed, the russian invasion of ukraine has changed the equation of european security and it has rewritten our reality and reshaped our future. rewritten our reality and reshaped ourfuture. we've

rewritten our reality and reshaped our future. we've seen the end of the post—cold war period and the invasion of ukraine, sadly, has opened a new chapter. and that invasion has already failed for two reasons. firstly because of the unbreakable spirit of the ukrainian people, who have fought back and rallied the world behind them, and second, because that ukrainian struggle for freedom, that heroic fight has brought the world together and condemnation of this assault on our values. and it will be fair to say that it is also brought finland and in the uk even closer together today. and in the uk even closer together toda . , ., ., . and in the uk even closer together toda. ., today. our diplomatic correspondent james landale _ today. our diplomatic correspondent james landale has _ today. our diplomatic correspondent james landale has been _ today. our diplomatic correspondent james landale has been following i james landale has been following boris johnson's trip james landale has been following borisjohnson�*s trip and explains what these defence pacts mean. the

prime minister has been in pains to say he _ prime minister has been in pains to say he is _ prime minister has been in pains to say he is not — prime minister has been in pains to say he is not intervening in the debates— say he is not intervening in the debates in— say he is not intervening in the debates in finland and sweden about potentiallyjoining nato. he says these _ potentiallyjoining nato. he says these are — potentiallyjoining nato. he says these are internal matters to be decided — these are internal matters to be decided democratically, but these security— decided democratically, but these security guarantees are clearly part of growing — security guarantees are clearly part of growing moves within europe to bolster— of growing moves within europe to bolster its — of growing moves within europe to bolster its northern flank and its defence — bolster its northern flank and its defence of there. the prime minister said this _ defence of there. the prime minister said this particular deal is not short— said this particular deal is not short it's _ said this particular deal is not short it's for the long—term, but it's cieariy— short it's for the long—term, but it's clearly going to be helpful for both finland and sweden if they decide _ both finland and sweden if they decide to — both finland and sweden if they decide tojoin nato because there will he _ decide tojoin nato because there will he a — decide tojoin nato because there will be a gap between applying to 'oin will be a gap between applying to join nato and actually getting full membership of the military alliance, and other— membership of the military alliance, and other words, an attack on one is at an attack— and other words, an attack on one is at an attack on all. in the middle, while they're waiting for their application to be ratified, that's a potentially vulnerable moment. if russia _ potentially vulnerable moment. if russia were to respond and say this was a _

russia were to respond and say this was a provocative act, then in those crucial— was a provocative act, then in those crucial months before full nato membership, both sweden and finland itii-i'it membership, both sweden and finland might be _ membership, both sweden and finland might be very glad if any security assurances they get. that analysis from james _ assurances they get. that analysis from james landale. _ assurances they get. that analysis from james landale. we'll - assurances they get. that analysis from james landale. we'll find - assurances they get. that analysis | from james landale. we'll find out how the newspaper analyses —— the newspaper analyse the story. our guestjoining me tonight are kate ferguson from the sun and jenny kleeman from times radio. ukrainian troops, despite being outgunned and not number, the upper hand on russian forces and a counterattack the city of kharkiv. the uk signs are mutual security facts with sweden and finland, pledging support if either country comes under attack. new warnings that more than i attack. new warnings that more than 1 million households across the uk will struggle to pay their bills over the next 12 will struggle to pay their bills over the next 12 months.

more on those stories later, but let's catch up with all the latest sport. very big story developing tonight. it could be the title in scotland, with celtic a way to dundee. anything but defeat. we'll see them lift their �*s 50 secondly trophy. the hoops finished 25 points behind rangers last year, but are on the verge with the match having kicked off at 7:30 scott wright goal for rangers. different things that might happen at the top and at the other end. you can get full coverage across the bbc sport website. premier league title race is still on with manchester city away to wolves tonight — hoping to put more breathing space between them and liverpool. the reds have drawn level with city

at the top, but it's only goal difference that separates the two sides for now. pep guardiola's side know that a win or draw would see them go outright top with only two games remaining. the game has just kicked off at 8.15. -- is —— isjust —— is just about to go under way. mason mount handed chelsea the lead against leeds united at ellland road leicester city who haven't won since the 10th of april are at home leicester city haven't won since the 10th of april and are at the bottom of the table in norwich. everton have won their last two, a to watford. that one is goalless as well. the big one kick—off between manchester and wolves is currently goalless. watford have appointed a new manager after their relegation

from the premier league. rob edwards will take over. he's just won the league 2 title with forest green rovers in his first season, and his departure really hasn't gone down well with the owner there. dale vince says he's far from happy about the way watford approached edwards. i bear ibear in i bear in no real mind, gratefulfor what you did for us, and i hope it goes well for him, but i have to say, i do hope that watford languish in the championship. whoever their coach is. former new zealand captain brendon mccullum has agreed to be the next england test coach — subject to the contract being finalised. the ao—year—old coaches the indian premier league side kolkata knight riders. but he's likely to end his work with the franchise to be full—time with england and official confirmation could come by the end of the week. cricket reporter stephan shemilt thinks mccullum has a big personality to offer. people who know him well speak of

someone _ people who know him well speak of someone who's going to be very energetic. — someone who's going to be very energetic, wanting to create an environment where the players feel laid-hack— environment where the players feel laid—back and in a place where they can breathe — laid—back and in a place where they can breathe and prosper. i was told today has — can breathe and prosper. i was told today he's someone who you could trust _ today he's someone who you could trust with — today he's someone who you could trust with uncounted money. that's the sort _ trust with uncounted money. that's the sort of— trust with uncounted money. that's the sort of person. triple olympic swimming champion adam peaty says he's devastated after being ruled out of the world championships next month. he's fractured a bone in his foot whilst training in the gym and has been advised to rest for six weeks. the world championships take place in budapest next month. peaty said in a statement on twitter that he's never had an injury, but he hopes to build up strength for the commonwealth games. french sprinter arnaud demare won today's fifth stage of the giro d'italia, which is still led overall byjuan pedro lopez of spain. mark cavendish was distanced by the rest of the field on the hardest climb of the stage, in sicily. he said he was disapppointed to miss out on the sprint finish in messina, contested by a reduced field and won by demare.

cavendish will try again on the italian mainland tomorrow. that's all the sport for now. done the united is goalless, and it has reached the house side point. i'll have more sport later on. it’s i'll have more sport later on. it's auoin to i'll have more sport later on. it's going to be a — i'll have more sport later on. it�*s going to be a very long have time for a lot of people.— there's been new warnings today about the scale of the cost of living crisis. an independent think—tank — the national institute of economic and social research — says one—and—a—half million households in the uk will soon face food and energy bills that are greater than their disposable income, while a quarter of a million will be pushed into into destitution — meaning they will not be able to afford essential needs. and the energy regulator ofgem warned that another rise in energy bills this autumn is "almost inevitable". our consumer affairs correspondent, colletta smith, reports.

no one here needs to be told that prices are rising. food costs a lot of money. gas and electric has gone up, so we can't afford it. it's unreal. there's queues out the door here, with members getting £40 worth of food for a lot less. £7.50 please, jonathan. thank you. without this, i couldn't survive, i really couldn't. so, oh, my gosh, yeah. over the next few months, food prices are going to be going up even more, and we know that in the autumn, it's likely that gas and electricity prices will be going up again, too. that's putting everybody here under even more pressure, and that in turn is putting more pressure on the government to do something else to help out with living costs. 61, 62, 63... the government say they're taking action to support households through these anxious times, but this charity is already oversubscribed. we have around 25,000 people who have reached out to us. it's just a case of trying to figure out how best to feed,

help as many people as possible, really. malcolm's one of the volunteers, but he is a member, too, sharing his weekly bags with neighbours and family. me daughter is a community midwife, and her partner's a nurse, and they've got three children, and even they're struggling. the food is donated by supermarkets and manufacturers, with members paying enough to cover costs. we've had people in tears, saying i don't know how saying, "i don't know how i've come to this point." and we say, "look, it's not charity, you're paying." and that's what matters to kylie, too. it's nice to have your independence, and it also gives you stability to get on with life and then go, right, i'm going to go and get a job, like i've done, instead of going, can i have, can i have?

as more families need help to fill the fridge, people here can still carry their sense of dignity. colletta smith, bbc news, in south manchester. the prime minister's admitted that that people are likely to face "continuing pressure" over the cost of living. he was being interviewed by our diplomatic correspondent james landale while on his trip to sweden. he was asked what the government actually intended to do to help people struggling with rising bills. we've already done a huge amount, and we're putting billions and billions into helping people with the cost of their energy. but we have to be realistic. there will be continuing pressure, so we will continue to do as much as we can. but i want to stress that the answer to the problem is notjust to help people with their bills, it's also — which is what we're doing — to make sure we fix the underlying issues. here in sweden, they've got loads of hydro, loads of nuclear. we failed 20 years ago, 30 years ago to invest in nuclear in the way that we

should've done. we now want to work with sweden to put in more wind power. we need to be getting the supply rapidly that will help us bring down the cost in the medium, perhaps even then the short term, for people in our country. that means a huge amount of work to fix the underlying issues. that's what the underlying issues. that's what the queen �*s speech was about yesterday, trying to address some of those underlying supply issues as well as helping people with the immediate impact of the energy crisis. �* ., . , , m crisis. but no emergency budget? no immediate--- — crisis. but no emergency budget? no immediate... of _ crisis. but no emergency budget? no immediate... of course, _ crisis. but no emergency budget? no immediate... of course, i'm - crisis. but no emergency budget? no immediate... of course, i'm not- immediate... of course, i'm not ruling out... immediate... of course, i'm not ruling out- - -_ immediate... of course, i'm not ruling out... you're not ruling out? of course — ruling out... you're not ruling out? of course we _ ruling out... you're not ruling out? of course we will _ ruling out... you're not ruling out? of course we will do _ ruling out... you're not ruling out? of course we will do more - ruling out... you're not ruling out? of course we will do more to - ruling out... you're not ruling out? of course we will do more to help. | of course we will do more to help. what i said is that we want to try to help people through the aftershocks of covid, with all the energy and the compassion and ingenuity that we used to get people

through covid, and whatever you say about the furlough scheme, it got us through the biggest economic shock we've had for hundreds of years. we will look very carefully at how we help people. with me now is dan paskins, director of uk impact at save the children uk. down, i'll ask you a bit more about what we heard borisjohnson say, but first, just reminder that this report says one and a half million households in the uk will face energy bills that theyjust count afford. maybe even destitution as well. are you seeing signs of that already in your work? what are your people experiencing right now? thank ou. exactl people experiencing right now? thank you- exactly this- _ people experiencing right now? thank you. exactly this. we _ people experiencing right now? thank you. exactly this. we work _ people experiencing right now? thank you. exactly this. we work to - people experiencing right now? triag�*ia; you. exactly this. we work to help families in the uk, and this is what

people have already spoken about. they are finding it even tougher as prices rise. people who may be... getting by ok and have been called into these challenges. maybe three months ago, there have been about 25 people. maybe even come once a month. people are starting to come, so the need is rising and rising, and we know and this report makes clear that it will tougher.— clear that it will tougher. they're getting tougher _ clear that it will tougher. they're getting tougher for _ clear that it will tougher. they're getting tougher for longer. - clear that it will tougher. they're | getting tougher for longer. we're talking of may be at least 12 months, so that's notjust an increase in demand on food banks, that's going to affect children's well—being, education, mental health, ability to work. can you

tell us about what 12 months of poverty can do to a typical family? it has a huge impact. in all kinds of ways. for many parents skipping meals to make sure their children can continue to eat. one—off costs, new pairs of shoes, can be really devastating. children pick up on these things as well. children know not to ask for things we all want for our kids, things that children should enjoy. they know it can be a stress for their parents so they learn to go without. you get people getting more into debt. who knows how long that can be for people afterwards? some parent campaigners

that we work with are renting, but if something goes wrong or something breaks, they don't trust the landlord. they can't afford the written to go up. people are finding all kinds of ways. —— the rent to go up. but it'sjust all kinds of ways. —— the rent to go up. but it's just too all kinds of ways. —— the rent to go up. but it'sjust too much all kinds of ways. —— the rent to go up. but it's just too much to cope with without more help. up. but it'sjust too much to cope with without more help.— up. but it'sjust too much to cope with without more help. parents will alwa s ut with without more help. parents will always put their _ with without more help. parents will always put their kids _ with without more help. parents will always put their kids first, _ with without more help. parents will always put their kids first, won't - always put their kids first, won't they? unless i've missed something, i haven't heard any politicians from any party, including the prime minister, talk about families that aren't working and support for them. there's been a lot of support for working families on low incomes. my rights? are you concerned they aren't thinking about everybody? that's exactly right. unfortunately, this is where the government has its head in the sand in terms of its response. there are families...

people are looking for work but the cost of childcare, they find that difficult to work. there is certainly really tough pressures on families who aren't working. one of the things the prime minister talked about, the response to covid, during covid, you had extra money of universal credit helping family, and the number of families who were dropped as well... very recent examples of what the government can do. it's proved to be very effective to help, just tell my post to low—paid workers and those out of work. —— both to those. what we really need to see now is action.

just give us a little bit more about what kind of action you're talking about. you talked about financial help during covid, the prime minister saying we can't pay our way out of this problem, it's going to take more than that. he's talking about long—term solutions of. certainly, they are needed, and rather than paying out more and more money, things which would help to reduce energy bills for long—term. but that can't be... children can't bear all the pain. that willjust be unacceptable and result in more costs. what would be practical, the report called for an increase in universal credit and a payment of £250. that wouldn't fully mitigate

the pressures, but it would do lots to ease it. we know the government... how much more will be needed, butjust starting... if the government wants to do it tomorrow, we should make such a difference... make a real difference for those families who are having a really tough time, but also, part of the challenge that we've got, the economy should be with us... putting more money into the pockets of people who will spend it, who will be paying for things and helping our local economies to thrive. it's good for children and families.— for children and families. indeed. there's a lot _ for children and families. indeed. there's a lot that _ for children and families. indeed. there's a lot that you _ for children and families. indeed. there's a lot that you want - for children and families. indeed. there's a lot that you want to - for children and families. indeed. j there's a lot that you want to see

happen, i can tell. keep in touch. many thanks for your time. police say they are treating the disappearance of a 15—year—old girl as child abduction. maddy has been missing for 15 days. she is 15. she is in care. from a previous history we believe there is a chance you could be with an adult man and because of that no one has permission to keep herfrom their care, and we will be going forward with that. �* , . with that. a detective chief inspector— with that. a detective chief inspector from _ with that. a detective chief inspector from avon - with that. a detective chief inspector from avon & - with that. a detective chief - inspector from avon & somerset police giving reporters on the update on the disappearance of maddie thomas, more on that on the bbc news website. let's have a look at the weather with susan powell. after an area of rain and across england and wales through the day

today, the system now making its way into the continent is allowing high pressure to build and overnight that will mean a lot of fine weather, when spalding later in the south, loads of just three when spalding later in the south, loads ofjust three celsius across parts of england and wales, more breezy for scotland and northern ireland, some showers clipping the west coast of scotland. we have a weather front around that area of low pressure set to push into scotland through thursday daytime so some showers first then, turning to heavier, more persistent rain leading up towards the northern isles. some isolated showers for northern england, northern ireland and wales, but generally across the southern half of the uk, drier, brighter and warmerfor southern half of the uk, drier, brighter and warmer for thursday. friday look similar, rain to western scotland, dry elsewhere, warmerfor all through the weekend with a fine day on saturday but look out for some showers overnight saturday into sunday. this

some showers overnight saturday into sunda . , , “ , , sunday. this is bbc news with chris roaers. sunday. this is bbc news with chris rogers- the — sunday. this is bbc news with chris rogers. the headlines. _ sunday. this is bbc news with chris rogers. the headlines. ukrainian i rogers. the headlines. ukrainian troops, despite being outgunned and outnumbered get the upper hand on russian forces in a front—line counterattack in the second city of kharkiv. new warnings that more than a million households across the uk will struggle to pay bills over the next 12 months. the prime minister warned that continuing pressure will still come. the uk science mutual security deals with sweden and finland, pledging support if either country comes under attack. the wartime friends who are facing off in court, rebekah vardy admits she asked her agent to look at coleen rooney's instagram account. we will get more now on the mutual security packs that britain has signed with sweden and finland. the deal pledged support from the uk should they come

under attack. they also guarantee more intelligence sharing, joint exercises and closer ties to combat cyber attacks. exercises and closer ties to combat cyberattacks. both exercises and closer ties to combat cyber attacks. both sweden and finland are considering whether to join nato in the face of warnings from russia not to abandon their traditional neutral stance. joining me from washington, many thanks for joining us on bbc news this evening. we know that it is going to take some time, should both countries press ahead withjoining some time, should both countries press ahead with joining nato from the moment of signing up tea actually becoming members could be some time. what was agreed today? was that the uk offering protection in that kind of no—man's—land period? in that kind of no-man's-land eriod? ~ ., ~ , period? what the prime minister did toda , i period? what the prime minister did today. i would _ period? what the prime minister did today, i would see _ period? what the prime minister did today, i would see as _ period? what the prime minister did today, i would see as an _ period? what the prime minister did today, i would see as an extension l today, i would see as an extension of the cooperation that the uk already has with sweden and finland and much of northern europe on the

fence was up yes, it has provided assurances more explicitly than has been before, and that will fill a gap between if and when sweden and finland say they would like to join nato and in general that seems like a good idea from nato leaders but there was a while before all of the nato countries are prove that and ratify their entry. so it provides a bit of a stopgap, potentially for that period but it is really coming out of nowhere during the long—standing cooperation and leadership the uk has shown in northern european security including with sweden and finland apart from this entire nato bit. haifa with sweden and finland apart from this entire nato bit.— this entire nato bit. how worried should both _ this entire nato bit. how worried should both countries _ this entire nato bit. how worried should both countries and - this entire nato bit. how worried| should both countries and indeed nato be about russian threats of repercussions if this goes ahead? have they attack ukraine because it is not in nato and left nato countries alone because the reality is they don't want a world warjust as much as we don't?

is they don't want a world war 'ust as much as we don't?i as much as we don't? ukraine is a secial as much as we don't? ukraine is a special case _ as much as we don't? ukraine is a special case for _ as much as we don't? ukraine is a special case for russia, _ as much as we don't? ukraine is a| special case for russia, something thatis special case for russia, something that is very much its own idea that ukraine would have the gall of trying to be fully european and not look in rush hour's orbit. that is a personal thing in many ways for president putin, for the kremlin. the fact that sweden and finland would considerjoining nato, this is not popular with the kremlin either stop the kremlin has used threatening language against this but it is a different case. yes, russia will try to flex its muscles during this time but i don't think we should be too worried about military incursions or threats against finland or sweden. you cannot rule anything out of course but that does not seem the most likely scenario. it is more likely that we would see hybrid attacks of the kind of cyberspace, information operations rather than something involving troops in these countries.

might we not see some redeployment of russian military artillery around its borders and pointing at european countries? ., ., its borders and pointing at european countries? . ., �* ., its borders and pointing at european countries? . . �* ., , countries? callinan brad is right across the _ countries? callinan brad is right across the sea _ countries? callinan brad is right across the sea from _ countries? callinan brad is right across the sea from sweden --| across the sea from sweden —— kaliningrad. st petersburg and helsinki are very close, finland has an 800 mile border with russia. russia is there and has been there with its missiles and nuclear weapons in kaliningrad close to europe this entire time. yes russia is talking about this more right now but it has been there and russia has been upgrading and updating all of this already facing europe, since 2014, since the crimean operation and the activities in the donbas. so there is much more talk about it right now, but the impact is that this has been happening and has been there, it is not something new that russia would be doing now. looking

at a map of — russia would be doing now. looking at a map of how _ russia would be doing now. looking at a map of how nato _ russia would be doing now. looking at a map of how nato is _ russia would be doing now. looking at a map of how nato is growing, i at a map of how nato is growing, while we were talking and it is growing, and as you touched upon, there was a history with ukraine and russia which is partly the reason why he has decided to conduct this invasion but it is about nato, it is mainly about nato as it grows so when borisjohnson says security in europe has now changed, what does that look like two the best of your expertise? ju that look like two the best of your exertise? , that look like two the best of your exertise?, .,, .,, expertise? ju reti in europe has chanced expertise? ju reti in europe has changed in _ expertise? ju reti in europe has changed in that _ expertise? ju reti in europe has changed in that sweden and - expertise? ju reti in europe has- changed in that sweden and finland will not be standing in the middle of something any more, but we are making explicit things that have been implicit or quiet for a long time. sweden and finland have been in close cooperation and partnership with nato for a number of years. their past sets of neutrality has gone out of the window since they joined the eu in the 90s. this is the qualification in many ways or processes that have been started and

are now accelerating because of russia's invasion of ukraine. so i don't think this is a switch in the direction that these northern countries have been going for, and the threat that russia poses in northern europe. it is there in the middle of nato, between lithuania and poland with nuclear weapons, and it has been, we simply don't want to look at it very much, but having finland and sweden there and there are significant military capabilities on nato's side could help in terms of addressing the threat that has been there, and now we're going to talk about that more. fascinating if a little worrying, christine, thank you for your analysis and insight. let's have a look at the increasingly acrimonious relationship between the uk and the european union over the northern ireland protocol. that is the post—brexit trading arrangements that mean goods from britain going to northern ireland have to be

checked. that is because northern ireland still follows some eu rules. as we have been reporting the protocol has emerged as a huge stumbling block in attempts to set “p stumbling block in attempts to set up a new executive in stormont after last thursday's elections. vicki young reports. forsome last thursday's elections. vicki young reports. for some businesses in northern ireland trading opportunities have grown but adapting to new rule since brexit can cause disruption to. this garden centre in belfast is dealing with extra paperwork and supply issues. it has no deliveries down, we would order los from england and holland and our frustration is that we need to get ordering when the weather is good, so for monday from friday delivery and that has completely changed, we are now ordering two to three per side and it is hard to do that considering the weather. this is wh the that considering the weather. this is why the extra _ that considering the weather. this is why the extra checks are happening. when we left the eu, it was agreed goods arriving in northern ireland from the rest of the uk would be monitored to make sure that they met eu standards.

that is because northern ireland shares a land border with eu member ireland and brussels does not want unchecked products ending up in its single market, and an open border is seen as an essential part of the peace process. applause last week's northern ireland assembly elections have added to the pressure again. sinn fein winning the election, and they say the brexit arrangements must stay but they cannot govern unless unionists share power, which they are refusing to do, unless the protocol is scrapped. and uk ministers are in washington explaining why changes are essential. this washington explaining why changes are essential.— are essential. this is the bundle of documents — are essential. this is the bundle of documents that _ are essential. this is the bundle of documents that has _ are essential. this is the bundle of documents that has to _ are essential. this is the bundle of documents that has to be - are essential. this is the bundle of documents that has to be filled - are essential. this is the bundle of| documents that has to be filled out ijy documents that has to be filled out by companies moving goods within our own country. we still want a negotiated solution, but if you are negotiating partner is at the point of saying there is nothing to talk about, then we have to do, we have a moral obligation to take action to

protect our citizens in northern ireland. , ., protect our citizens in northern ireland. ,., ., , ireland. the uk government wants smoother trade _ ireland. the uk government wants smoother trade arrangements - ireland. the uk government wants smoother trade arrangements and | ireland. the uk government wants i smoother trade arrangements and is threatening to take matters into its own hands by scrapping parts of the brexit treaty it signed up to, which could mean trouble ahead. unilateral action will make _ could mean trouble ahead. unilateral action will make all _ could mean trouble ahead. unilateral action will make all of _ could mean trouble ahead. unilateral action will make all of this _ could mean trouble ahead. unilateral action will make all of this worse, - action will make all of this worse, because what it will do as it will result in legal action, it will result in legal action, it will result in legal action, it will result in potentially countermeasures, and nobody wants to see friction between the european union and the uk right now. senior cabinet ministers _ union and the uk right now. senior cabinet ministers here _ union and the uk right now. senior cabinet ministers here think - union and the uk right now. senior cabinet ministers here think the i cabinet ministers here think the situation has dragged on forfar too long. they are even considering the dramatic step of drawing up a new law which would allow them to ignore parts of the brexit treaty that borisjohnson signed. that could come as soon as next week, and could lead to a trade war. many fear that this is sowing the seeds for a wider confrontation with the eu that could affect businesses across the uk. vicki young, bbc news, westminster.

conflicting claims have been made about the death of the al—jazeera correspondent who was shot dead while covering an israeli army raid in the occupied west bank. the tv channel says she was shot in the head by israeli forces injenin, but the really said that she could have been hit by palestinian gunfire. our two corresponding lyse doucet has spoken to bbc news about the death of this correspondence. there spoken to bbc news about the death of this correspondence.— of this correspondence. there has been this outpouring _ of this correspondence. there has been this outpouring of— of this correspondence. there has been this outpouring of shock i of this correspondence. there has been this outpouring of shock and sadness across the middle east and far beyond, and what especially poignant is the number of young female arab journalists who are saying that the first female arab journalist that they saw on their screens in 1997 when she started was that of shirin who has been an inspiration to a generation of arab

journalist. i started inspiration to a generation of arab journalist. istarted in inspiration to a generation of arab journalist. i started in the middle east the same time as shirin did, she was always this quiet and commanding presence, and it is kind of a shocking story which resonates with the media community worldwide. on her coffin that was the palestinian flag but also that blue armoured vest with "press" written across it in white, put on top of her coffin, it has become a badge of honour, protection forjournalists around the world. it failed to protect her. she was also wearing a helmet and here in ukraine when we see that kind of body armour we think of the ukrainian journalist, now eight foreign and ukrainian journalists have been killed, also wearing that same kind of blue vest including a 24—year—old journalist, sasha gushkonova who was killed on the outskirts of kyiv, a tragic loss for the media community but also this important task of telling the story from the ground. lyse doucet

on shireen — story from the ground. lyse doucet on shireen shirin _ story from the ground. lyse doucet on shireen shirin abou _ story from the ground. lyse doucet on shireen shirin abou akla. i'm i on shireen shirin abou akla. i'm going to show you the police appeal for help in finding a missing 15—year—old girl. detectives are treating the disappearance of maddie thomas as child abduction. she has been missing for 15 days from a foster home in bristol and police say that she is vulnerable. police have asked that anyone who sees or notices her online to call 999, or 101. we willjust stay notices her online to call 999, or 101. we will just stay with that picture for a few more seconds. the headlines on bbc news. ukrainian troops, despite being outgunned and outnumbered, get the upper hand on russian forces in a counterattack in the city of kharkiv. the uk science mutual security pacts with sweden and finland, pledging support if either country comes under attack.

new warnings that more than a million households across the uk will struggle to pay their bills over the next 12 months. relentless, unbearable and overwhelming. just some of the words used by people describing the chronic pain that blights their lives for months, even years. medical specialists have told the bbc that they fear that millions are not receiving effective treatment to help them manage the condition. dominic hughes has been to meet a woman who is desperate to wean herself off powerful painkillers. i herself off powerful painkillers. i get this overwhelming rage. i never thought i could think about withdrawing —— murdering somebody but when i am in withdrawal, i want to hit my bosses, which is so against who i am.—

to hit my bosses, which is so against who i am. these are the terri in: against who i am. these are the terrifying feelings _ against who i am. these are the terrifying feelings that - against who i am. these are the i terrifying feelings that withdrawing from opioid painkillers can stir up. nicki's horses are perhaps the most precious thing in her life. she is devastated by even thinking that she could harm them. but that shows how difficult and dangerous this process of withdrawal is. i difficult and dangerous this process of withdrawal is.— of withdrawal is. i woke up one mornin: of withdrawal is. i woke up one morning and. _ of withdrawal is. i woke up one morning and, i— of withdrawal is. i woke up one morning and, ijust _ of withdrawal is. i woke up one morning and, ijust wanted i of withdrawal is. i woke up one morning and, i just wanted to i of withdrawal is. i woke up one i morning and, ijust wanted to die. i could not access any feelings of love, and i realised this is withdrawal.— love, and i realised this is withdrawal. , . withdrawal. opioid such as the hiuhl withdrawal. opioid such as the highly addictive _ withdrawal. opioid such as the highly addictive vento - withdrawal. opioid such as the highly addictive vento entered j highly addictive vento entered nicky's life because of an excruciatingly painful nerve condition in which developed 20 years ago. it condition in which developed 20 ears auo. , ~' condition in which developed 20 years ago-— condition in which developed 20 earsauo. , ~ i, years ago. it is like somebody stuck a cattle prod _ years ago. it is like somebody stuck a cattle prod on _ years ago. it is like somebody stuck a cattle prod on the _ years ago. it is like somebody stuck a cattle prod on the side _ years ago. it is like somebody stuck a cattle prod on the side of - years ago. it is like somebody stuck a cattle prod on the side of my i a cattle prod on the side of my face, this extraordinary, overwhelming pain, i literally hit the floor. it has basically destroyed my life. this is the patch that i am on, this is the fentanyl.

the orange ones? find that i am on, this is the fentanyl. the orange ones? and here, i have cut off little — the orange ones? and here, i have cut off little bits. _ the orange ones? and here, i have cut off little bits. there _ the orange ones? and here, i have cut off little bits. there is - the orange ones? and here, i have cut off little bits. there is no i cut off little bits. there is no exit strategy for these patches. in a bid to withdraw safely nicky shaves off tiny slivers from the fentanyl shaves off tiny slivers from the fenta nyl patches, shaves off tiny slivers from the fentanyl patches, less than a millimetre at a time. every time i reduce my opioids are my pain increases as i go through the withdrawal process and then it decreases and i feel so withdrawal process and then it decreases and ifeel so much better each time, and i think that one of the things that would help this medicine to be a little bit more supportive and a little bit more humble, about the way they treat people in withdrawal, because, we are not the ones writing those prescriptions, they are. shy, are not the ones writing those prescriptions, they are. a leading ain prescriptions, they are. a leading pain expert _ prescriptions, they are. a leading pain expert has — prescriptions, they are. a leading pain expert has looked _ prescriptions, they are. a leading pain expert has looked at - prescriptions, they are. a leading pain expert has looked at our i pain expert has looked at our nationwide survey which suggests millions of people are taking powerful medication they may not need. ., _ , , , ,

powerful medication they may not need. ., _, , , , ., need. the whole system is set up to su ort need. the whole system is set up to support prescribing, _ need. the whole system is set up to support prescribing, we _ support prescribing, we have pharmacies where people can collect things, pads, but the other things that people with chronic pain can benefit from, physical activity programmes, programmes to help with mental health, community support, peer support, all of the sorts of things, they are not so readily available and even where they are available and even where they are available they are not well connected in the with health services. ., ., modern services. three, two, one... modern ain services. three, two, one... modern pain management — services. three, two, one... modern pain management involves _ services. three, two, one... modern pain management involves a - services. three, two, one... modernl pain management involves a different way of thinking about pain bringing together notjust medication but other therapies including physical and psychological help. nicky has taken that on board and despite her pain she has completed a 170 mile charity bike ride. from breathing exercises to mindfulness and understanding that the brain can misinterpret the signals it receives, nicky is managing her pain better. ., , receives, nicky is managing her pain better. ., receives, nicky is managing her pain better. . , ., ., , , better. there was a massive misunderstanding _ better. there was a massive misunderstanding of - better. there was a massive misunderstanding of pain. i better. there was a massive i misunderstanding of pain. we better. there was a massive - misunderstanding of pain. we think that hurt equals harm, but knowing

that hurt equals harm, but knowing that persistent pain is different and complex, means that you absolutely have the ability to change it yourself, and that is enormously empowering. ittrui’ith change it yourself, and that is enormously empowering. with so many --eole enormously empowering. with so many people dependent _ enormously empowering. with so many people dependent on _ enormously empowering. with so many people dependent on painkillers, i people dependent on painkillers, that better understanding of how to cope with pain could help to transform the lives of millions of people. dominic hughes, bbc news. for more on the life changing impact of the condition and how people can regain control of their lives, head to bbc iplayer and watch a life of pain available now. how would you feel if your neighbours could decide whether or not you could extend your home? whether there should be a new estate in your area? street very is a part of a package of measures proposed by ministers in reforms to local planning laws. critics warn that the reforms will lead to even fewer new homes being built, and it comes as the minister in charge of housing michael gove admitted that the government will fail to meet its housing target this year. here is

our home editor mark easton. boris johnson loves a heart attack, elected on a promise to build, build, build, his manifesto set a target of 300,000 extra homes a year in england by 2025, with new planning rules to stop so—called nimbys saying not in my backyard and now those plans have been scrapped in favour of giving people living close to a development a street vote on whether it should go ahead. this place perhaps explains the u—turn, the true blue constituency of amersham and buckinghamshire went live them in a shop by—election last year, with a tory defeat blamed on local worries over housing developments. try to convince people that new homes in their area are a good thing is never easy, but the housing secretary is convinced that if local communities are confident that the houses will be beautiful and will come with the right infrastructure, opposition will fall away. infrastructure, opposition will fall awa . ., , infrastructure, opposition will fall awa . . infrastructure, opposition will fall

awa. ., , ., away. people have been resistant to development _ away. people have been resistant to development because _ away. people have been resistant to development because too _ away. people have been resistant to development because too often i away. people have been resistant to development because too often you | development because too often you had numbers plonked down, linked to an arbitrary target, dormitory is not lipid cuts, so beautifully, infrastructure, environment, neighbourhood. jae infrastructure, environment, neighbourhood.— infrastructure, environment, neiuhbourhood. . ., , ., infrastructure, environment, neihbourhood. , ., neighbourhood. joe is right about a development _ neighbourhood. joe is right about a development near _ neighbourhood. joe is right about a development near his _ neighbourhood. joe is right about a development near his home - neighbourhood. joe is right about a development near his home in i development near his home in cheshire and says these street vote is a good idea. cheshire and says these street vote is a good idea-— is a good idea. more consultation and nicer looking, _ is a good idea. more consultation and nicer looking, those - is a good idea. more consultation and nicer looking, those are i and nicer looking, those are definitely... and nicer looking, those are definitely. . ._ and nicer looking, those are definitel ., ., , ., , , definitely... you would be happier if that is going _ definitely... you would be happier if that is going to _ definitely... you would be happier if that is going to happen? - if that is going to happen? absolutely.— if that is going to happen? absolutely. if that is going to happen? absolutel . , ., , .,, absolutely. the people with those are those who _ absolutely. the people with those are those who already _ absolutely. the people with those are those who already live - absolutely. the people with those are those who already live in i absolutely. the people with those are those who already live in a i are those who already live in a place, not those who would like to, and that a housing conference in brighton today there was concern about giving residents more of a say. in about giving residents more of a sa . , . , ., , ., about giving residents more of a sa , , . , ., , ., ., say. in principle that is a great idea but it _ say. in principle that is a great idea but it has _ say. in principle that is a great idea but it has to _ say. in principle that is a great idea but it has to be _ say. in principle that is a great idea but it has to be people i say. in principle that is a great i idea but it has to be people from across the spectrum and within a context of everybody, as we need to build more homes to house ourselves properly as a nation and if we don't manage that there was a risk that it

becomes about stopping development which is not what the government wants. despite government promises to make housing more affordable the price of the average home in england has soared to almost £300,000, and compared to average annual earnings, back in 1997 it was 3.5 times, last year, it was more than nine times, and set to go higher still. 19—year—old law student imani is helping out that the housing conference but wonders whether she will be able to afford a home of her own. i will be able to afford a home of her own. ., will be able to afford a home of her own. . ., , ., , will be able to afford a home of her own. . ., , .,, ., ., own. i am worried people of our generation _ own. i am worried people of our generation might _ own. i am worried people of our i generation might not be able to buy a house in our lifetime, really. i think we will be quite pushed back and not have a chance as all the resources to do so.— resources to do so. reaching the taruet resources to do so. reaching the tar: et of resources to do so. reaching the target of 300,000 _ resources to do so. reaching the target of 300,000 new - resources to do so. reaching the target of 300,000 new homes i resources to do so. reaching the | target of 300,000 new homes in england that year means increasing supply by almost 40% from current levels. will that happen with macro on the evidence, no. mark easton, bbc news. to the high court where it was day two of rebekah vardy�*s libel

case against coleen rooney. giving evidence, vardy can see that she told her agent to look for coleen rooney's private instagram account. rebekah vardy seeks damages from coleen rooney who claims that she leaked stories to newspapers. colin paterson reports. in court, coleen rooney's eyes did not move from rebekah vardy the whole time she was answering questions about allegedly leaking stories to the sun newspaper. in one example, rebekah vardy contacted her isn't that riyad mahrez had not turned up to training for the second day in a row when her agent suggested selling the story rebekah vardy reply, yes, let's do it. the court heard that rebekah vardy�*s

agent caroline watt, seen here on the left was repeatedly asked by her client to leak stories to the sun newspaper, something rebekah vardy denies, although she did concede that on one occasion she specifically directed her agent to get information from coleen rooney put my private instagram about a damaged car. at one stage rebekah vardy broke down in tears when it was mentioned how trolls had threatened to harm herfamily. she was offered the chance to take a break but chose to continue. so, an uncomfortable day in the witness stand for rebekah vardy. she will face more questioning tomorrow. colin paterson, bbc news, the high court. ukraine has made it through to the eurovision song contest final after last night's semifinal heat. the ukrainian folk rapper and hip—hop group, kalash orchestra has become the favourite to win. turin, the morning after the night before,

unlike that was all about ukraine, as the kalash orchestra made its way to the final. there were many blue and yellow flags at the many gatherings across the city. this was a moment when your vision becomes something more thanjust a moment when your vision becomes something more than just a song contest. it something more than 'ust a song contest. , . ., something more than 'ust a song contestfi it i something more than 'ust a song contesti it is l contest. it is so much also. it is like a big _ contest. it is so much also. it is like a big family _ contest. it is so much also. it is like a big family in _ contest. it is so much also. it is like a big family in europe, i contest. it is so much also. it is like a big family in europe, and| contest. it is so much also. it is i like a big family in europe, and you green— like a big family in europe, and you green use— like a big family in europe, and you green use part of our family and this is— green use part of our family and this is like — green use part of our family and this is like celebration of this european _ this is like celebration of this european union and all of the values, the european values, so it means— values, the european values, so it means a _ values, the european values, so it means a lot — values, the european values, so it means a lot-— means a lot. whilst they are the odds-on favourite, _ means a lot. whilst they are the odds-on favourite, it _ means a lot. whilst they are the odds-on favourite, it is - means a lot. whilst they are the odds-on favourite, it is not i means a lot. whilst they are the odds-on favourite, it is not overj odds—on favourite, it is not over yet. turin has sprung a surprise in the betting. there could be on saturday night a few union jacks flying along the famous streets. if you are a film fan you might recognise this location, plucky

brits carrying out a daring heist, and if you look at the betting, there was a feeling that maybe, just maybe, this year, there could be a 2022 uk italianjob! sam ryder, is this year, a real contender. he brinus this year, a real contender. he brings the _ this year, a real contender. he: brings the light, literally because he is in kind of a crystal maze structure with beams and bars of light, and it pays are naughty rock, eltonjohn, freddie mercury, and older viewers will love that but his 12 million followers on tiktok, and they are notjust in the uk.- they are not 'ust in the uk. whilst ukraine has — they are notjust in the uk. whilst ukraine has captured _ they are notjust in the uk. whilst ukraine has captured people's i ukraine has captured people's hearts, from italy that could be something rather better than nil poins for the uk. it is nil points

for the weatherfor most poins for the uk. it is nil points for the weather for most of us, susan powell has the details. shatter susan powell has the details. after an area of rain _ susan powell has the details. after an area of rain moved _ susan powell has the details. the an area of rain moved across england and wales through the comedy system making sway towards the continent is allowing high pressure to build. and a remap that will actually mean a lot of fine weather. wins for the south. we could see the rule allows down to three degrees across england and wales, more breezy for scotland and northern ireland with showers clipping into the west coast of scotland. with a weather front wrapped around an area of low pressure set to push into the west of scotland through thursday daytime, some showers first thing turning to heavier, more persistent rain come the afternoon, extending up rain come the afternoon, extending up towards the northern isles. one or two isolated showers for northern england, northern ireland and wales. generally across the southern half of the uk, drier, brighter and warmerfor of the uk, drier, brighter and warmer for thursday. friday look similar, rainforwestern warmer for thursday. friday look similar, rain for western scotland, dry also, warmerfold during the weekend, ifine day dry also, warmerfold during the

weekend, i fine day on saturday but look out for thundery showers overnight, saturday into sunday.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. the ukrainians are making advances — limited in nature, but strategically important. and in the north of the country, the russians are drawing back to protect the rear guard supply lines. you will go there behind the fence. our correspondent has been on the frontlines of this counter attack near the second city of kharkiv. we will be there for you. borisjohnson signs mutual defence pacts with sweden and finland, two countries now on the brink of nato membership. the us senate prepare to vote on a bill that would aim to preserve nationwide access to abortion. tonight with the context, pippa crerar, the daily mirror's political editor, and republican party strategist ron christie.