this is bbc news. the headlines at 8pm. the intended victim of the gunman who killed nine—year—old of olivia pratt—korbel has been named. 35—year—old, joseph nee, who was on probation was injured in monday's gun fight. he's been detained in hospital by the police and will be questioned. we the police and will be questioned. need everybody and we need everybody to come forward and we need everybody to stand united side by side with us the police to identify those responsible, getting the evidence and bring them to justice. a milestone in the war in ukraine — as the uk and the united states provide another package of military support. six months on and the question is, what's next for ukraine. it says the

counteroffensive here in the south but with all that foreign military aid and all that foreign military training, there has been enough to give ukraine the breakthrough. a fortnight before he leaves office, boris johnson is feted in kyiv, as ukraine marks 31 years of independence. and coming up, they say elephants never forget. i'll be explaining why this one's arrival is something conservationists will never forget. good evening. the chief constable of merseyside police says the investigation into the murder of olivia pratt—korbel is "progressing at pace." the 9—year—old was shot on monday evening, by a masked attacker who'd burst into her home.

35—year—old man who's thought to have been the intended target of the shooting, has been arrested. he's been named asjoseph nee. olivia was shot in the chest and died in hospital after the gunman chased joseph nee into her house and opened fire. that gunman is still being hunted by police. our correspondent danny savage has spent the day at the scene. you can see the still cordoned off but they're less police activity this afternoon than there has been over the past 48 hours. shock and disbelief has turned to anger, how can somebody have done this is what they're asking and information is flowing from these communities to the police. the flowing from these communities to the olice. ., , flowing from these communities to the olice. . , ., ., the police. the “unta still want to find the killer — the police. the junta still want to find the killer of _ the police. the junta still want to find the killer of olivia. _ the police. the junta still want to find the killer of olivia. nine - find the killer of olivia. nine years old —— hunt is. fired at her

and her mother. somebody knows who did it. police say they been given one name from two different sources. it appears this community is not hesitating to help. information has come forward from a number of sources as well. we've had people come to us, we share that information with police, that has been taken seriously. there's reports today that a name has come up from more than one source for that would you say that's your take on it as well? yes. police raids did take place this morning after three fatal shootings in six days there was a growing tempo of action. the 35—year—old man who police believe was being chased by the gunmen at the time of olivia's death has now been arrested. he isjoseph nee and was detained in the hospital for breaching the terms of his release from prison after being jailed for burglary and driving offences.

he will now be questions in connection with the nine—year—olds murder. that man is now under arrest, albeit still receiving medical treatment at this time. i hope that this shows again at merseyside police as broached at merseyside police approach around this terrible and tragic crime. it's still the school holidays here so behind closed doors families are having to explain to young children why they are school friend are having to explain to young children why their school friend won't be there at the start of term. i found my daughter—in—law, she broke down and she said oh how am i going to tell? the way she said was, i just wish they were in school and the school would have counsellors. jean's grandson is in olivia's class school. yesterday was terrible for all the children but he was close to olivia. being in the same class. the things he was coming out with a nine—year—old,

he was very, very sad today. we've asked him how he is, he'sjust said, i'm angry. they now live in a crime scene. one visited today by the chief constable who had this message for anyone helping the gunmen. this is the murder of 89—year—old child. this is the murder of a 9—year—old child. those boundaries have been crossed. you know who's responsible for this murder, you know who supplied the gun, you know who's called this job on. do the right thing. whose side are you on? give us that name. detectives are repeating their message that this is not a time to stay silent when it comes to catching the killer of a nine—year—old girl. a week of shootings and stabbings has left many people in liverpool reeling with shock and feeling unsafe in their community. but how serious a problem is gang culture there? our special correspondent, ed thomas, has this report. a warning it contains

distressing and violent images. the relentless search for evidence, armed police for all to see. this is liverpool right now. the message to the killer and anyone protecting him as the full picture, the moments before olivia's killing, become clear. we have obtained cctv recordings of moments before the shooting. two shots ring out. then a third. by now, the gunman has entered olivia's home and is struggling with her mother, before a fourth shot. then, two and a half minutes later, look at the top of the screen.

feet, reflections of trainers run past the car. we understand police have seen this footage as part of their investigation as the pressure intensifies on those responsible. this man was part of an organised crime gang in liverpool, jailed for violence and gun offences. now rehabilitated he had started to work with gang members to turn the lights around. given an innocent child has been killed, there will be a lot of fear. gangs will be doing what they can to protect the perpetrator, that is what they do, but saying that there will be others in the criminal fraternity trying to put this individual... give details covertly. it is almost a matter of time before whoever responsible is caught. there are now three murder investigations in liverpool,

three killings in a week. 22—year—old son rimmer was shot in the streets, ashley dale, an unintended target, shot in her own garden. as reported violent crime rises in liverpool to above three covid levels. this was filmed injuly. a daytime shooting in liverpool, the victim was shot in the back and leg in the view for all to see. this extreme violence echoes through communities, the indiscriminate use of guns on top of the grief of families. there is a real sense of fear left behind. amy and her daughter ava, on the school run, pass the police called in, the crime scene. she is petrified, does not want to come out. how are you calming her down? about telling her that she is fine, everything will be ok. young kids and baby should not have to see this, it is not fair whatsoever.

our kids have to grow up into this place. we want to be safe and not fear for their lives when walking to the shops or even in their own home, it is so wrong. merseyside police's recent efforts to tackle organised crime has beenjudged outstanding, as detectives to reassure, describing the investigation into the murder of olivia is first class. tony blockley is a former police detective and head of policing at the university of derby. d you the sense of where this degree of impunity comes from the people think they can, apparently use can so casually with relatively limited fear of consequences?—

so casually with relatively limited fear of consequences? yeah, i think it's a real complex _ fear of consequences? yeah, i think it's a real complex picture. - fear of consequences? yeah, i think it's a real complex picture. it's - it's a real complex picture. it's terrific what's happened to olivier and ashley and evidence from the report. and you can see the crime is operating in organised gangs are operating in organised gangs are operating in terms of criminal activity and also the intimidation and the complete disregard to anybody safety. within the communities. in terms of getting people to get in this particular case, this is to be an issue about a fear of retribution and retaliation of people, provide a name. part of it appears to be people talking in the next few days the fear not so much of coming forward but the fear

that it might become public that you gave that information otherwise committed to give evidence of some future or your name might become known. how can police overcome that? nobody wants to give the whole of their life to go into witness protection programme however how much they want someone who has done this terrible crime in case of olivia, to be brought tojustice. i don't is the reality that there are few individuals that give that kind of evidence that the going to the full witness protection programme criteria and partly that's because, individuals can supply the information and police will operate within that information for their intelligence and start to piece together. i think the key bed if someone does get some information, it might be part of thatjigsaw, that whole picture and police are

very sensible about information and individuals that give information. the knots going the past peoples names out and they've tortoise this or whatever. names out and they've tortoise this orwhatever. no, names out and they've tortoise this or whatever. no, that's not the way it works and there is a protective screen around individuals that gives those details in the names don't become public. i5 those details in the names don't become public.— become public. is there a possibility _ become public. is there a possibility that's - become public. is there a possibility that's all - become public. is there a possibility that's all for i become public. is there a l possibility that's all for that achievement be because of this but olivia's death because of the circumstances, a random act of violence and set her own home, by people who had nothing to do with her home and should not of been there. and the fact that she was the victim, a child, we heard how many parents are frightened and angry for their child, that that will galvanise the community saying we've had enough of this. this must stop

in a way that sadly the deaths in adults, less adults might have been involved in crime, so that the case of those but another cases, would not have that effect? i of those but another cases, would not have that effect?— not have that effect? i think that is a aood not have that effect? i think that is a good point — not have that effect? i think that is a good point when _ not have that effect? i think that is a good point when the - not have that effect? i think that is a good point when the child i not have that effect? i think that is a good point when the child is| is a good point when the child is involved in this a greater emotion and that is understandable, isn't it, given the age of olivia and the circumstances that surrounded it. but either two elements to this, a community in which olivia lived and people go about their business and live their lives and have a separate community that sums the community, gangland community. and even that gangland community. and even that gangland community, there is still that sense of, aid to use the word. it's almost a sense that they have

cross that boundary. the chief constable quite clearly said, there was a crossing of boundaries and absolutely there is because somebody innocent has become prelude into whether it's an inter—gang war drugs were, whatever you want to call it, but in the reality is, it's highlighting some of those challenges within those communities about the organised criminalisty, the drugs, that's what it's about or if it's about weapons or whatever the causation, it is about how to start and begin the impact on some of those behaviours.— start and begin the impact on some of those behaviours. there has been talk of increased _ of those behaviours. there has been talk of increased street _ of those behaviours. there has been talk of increased street policing. - talk of increased street policing. how much of a difference can i make? —— that make. the presence of police officers on the street and

communities and the confidence in the safety that generates part i think that's more of a political position and the fact that there are police officers on the street is necessarily mean that crime stops, it might move away. the difference is that more police officers doing the dealing with the incidence that they have to deal with the officers then to start tearing out investigations and a covert way around these organised crime groups and so, the most freeze up a resource in order to concentrate on this type criminalisty.— this type criminalisty. thank you very much- _ this type criminalisty. thank you very much. will _ this type criminalisty. thank you very much. will see _ this type criminalisty. thank you very much. will see at _ this type criminalisty. thank you very much. will see at 1030 - this type criminalisty. thank you very much. will see at 1030 and | this type criminalisty. thank you - very much. will see at 1030 and 1130 this evening. evening in the papers — our guestsjoining me tonight

are the daily mirror columnist, susie boniface — and ali miraj, who's a columnist at the article. the headlines on bbc news. the intended victim of the gunman who killed nine—year—old of olivia pratt—korbel is named. 35—year—old joseph nee, who was on probation, was also shot, but is in a stable condition. he's been detained in hospital and will be questioned by police. six months after russia's invasion, ukraine remembers those who have been lost in the war that followed. sport, and now a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. as it stands, to qualify for the

group stage for the first time in over ten years. the bbc sport website for the latest while the lead cup also continues with four second—round matches, three of them containing premier league side some mothers premier league sites is down. newcastle united are struggling 1—0 down and not be newcastle over 30 years, could tonight be the night and teaming against the rovers and trail bristol city and against barnsley, the website for all the latest on that. england manager sarina wiegman has paid tribute to ellen white and jill scott after the pair announced their retirement from football. white is england's top scorer, whilst midfielder scott is their second most capped player. as she announced her squad for the upcoming world cup qualifiers without the pair that helped england win the women's euros, wiegman said it was time for the next generation to make their mark.

there such big personalities and i think that's what we already saw during the summer with the captain that she grew in the role so well and the whole team will deal with the other more experienced members of the team and i think now the dynamics of the team will change a bit and that is normal. and there are missiles to put the losses stabilised over the next chance and also give an opportunity for a place to step up. here's the squad in full then. goalkeeper hannah hampson is omitted, sandy mcilver called up. in midfield, jordan nobbs and katie zelem replace scott and the injured fran kirby whilst chloe kelly is injured so laurenjames and ebony salmon are drafted in too.

welsh fire and london spirit are trying to keep their outside hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the women's hundred alive. neither has won a game so far. london spirit need 120 to win after a decent performance with the ball to peg back a strong start from the fire. lando norris says it's been a joy to work with daniel ricciardo after it was announced the australian was leaving mclaren at the end of the season, a year before his contract was due to expire. ricciardo has had an underwhelming season and a half with the woking—based team, despite winning in italy last year. he said he'd announce his future plans in due course, adding he had no regrets despite being outshone by his younger teammate. he's expected to be replaced by formula two champion and fellow australian oscar piastri. golf's pga tour has announced a raft of measures to boost player earnings, in what appears to be a move to stem the exodus of players to the lucrative

saudi funded liv series. following a meeting with the likes of rory mcilroy and tiger woods, the tour has announced more prize money and rewards for the top players and three more events on the calendar. it will also guarantee income for lower ranked players. that's all the sport for now. fifteen people have been killed in an attack on a railway station in ukraine today, president volodymyr zelensky has said — on the six month anniversary of the full scale russian invasion. another 50 people were injured, he said. today is also ukraine's 31st independence day — marking its separation over three decades ago frome the soviet union. the prime minister borisjohnson has been to kyiv to mark the day. he said that fighting russian aggression included households in the uk enduring

soaring energy prices. at a meeting in kyiv with ukraine's president zelensky, mrjohnson said the west must "stay the course" despite the economic pain, saying that �*people in ukraine are paying with blood.�* six months on, ukraine has put up a strong resistance to russia — but current battle lines appear to be largely frozen. russia controls large chunks of ukraine territory in the south and east. ukraine says it's planning a counter—offensive around the occupied city of kherson, but russian troops are dug in there and ukrainian forces still lack the manpower and the equipment to dislodge the invaders, as quentin sommerville reports. once more into the line of fire and it is just another day for the 59th brigade of the flying the odds. this is a sprawling front line,

100 miles long and it has mostly been fought and held by these men. the positions here have not moved in months. they are outgunned and outnumbered but it has been like this from day one and they have grown used to it. they are a range of russian firepower now so they move fast, barely a word spoken, almost without thinking. this brigade helped halt at the enemy's sweep across the south. the howitzer is older than most of, dating from soviet times. but it has almost become a part of life. there's is a practice driven. a drumbeat of shelling on the enemy eight miles south. six months on, the question is what is next for ukraine? it needs a win here and says

it is planning a counteroffensive here in the south. but with all that foreign military aid and training, has it been enough to give ukraine the breakthrough it needs? the russians arejog in and will be hard to shift and the terrain is not helping, says this nature. translation: the units got it in the neck, the russians - had so much ammunition, they were shelling a lot. as you can see, this terrain is flat, hard to move around freely. there is nowhere to hide, really, very little cover. he knows what it is like to lose everything and stops to help a teacher stranded by the roadside. translation: | teach kids - so they can learn about the world and learn about all life's wonderful things, but with such a war, when they forced our people to three, these kids... i have calls with parents.

sorry, my tears are just pouring. they are dispersed across our entire country. tatiana and herfamilyjoin millions of ukrainians trying to escape russian aggression. even so, despite its people being scattered to the four winds, this country has never been more united. for the gun crew it is the end of another day. six months on, the defenders�* burton gets no lighter. only last week a number of the comrades were killed by russian fire and tonight's blackout carries extra manners. cities across ukraine are on alert. this independence day won't go

unnoticed by russia. ukrainian cities will face a special onslaught is to be believed. since leaving the soviet army, 31 years of ukrainian independence. tonight, he is without his wife and grandchildren and now in london. the shift is not over but it's time to open a window to a world away from here. hello to you. glory to ukraine. i world away from here. hello to you. glory to ukraine.— glory to ukraine. i wish you happy independence. — glory to ukraine. i wish you happy independence, dad. _ glory to ukraine. i wish you happy independence, dad. into - glory to ukraine. i wish you happy independence, dad. into you. --| glory to ukraine. i wish you happy i independence, dad. into you. -- and to ou. it independence, dad. into you. -- and to you- it is — independence, dad. into you. -- and to you- it is war _ independence, dad. into you. -- and to you. it is war your— independence, dad. into you. -- and to you. it is war your every _ independence, dad. into you. -- and to you. it is war your every day. - to you. it is war your every day. please, be strong. i to you. it is war your every day. please, be strong.— please, be strong. i am so glad ou're please, be strong. i am so glad you're somewhere _ please, be strong. i am so glad you're somewhere safe. -

please, be strong. i am so glad you're somewhere safe. i - please, be strong. i am so glad you're somewhere safe. i hope | please, be strong. i am so glad i you're somewhere safe. i hope we will see each other again soon. i wish us a quick victory. for- wish us a quick victory. for everyone- _ wish us a quick victory. for everyone. for— wish us a quick victory. for everyone. for ukrainians wherever they are, no escape from the war. and it is fitting for ukraine, you're fighting for your family too. we are notjust fighting for our grandchildren but of the world. i'm saying this from the heart, my family is in a safe place, i did not need to fight but children are dying. of course i know it's dangerous but as an officer, i have to be here. this is my sacred duty. this year, like millions of others, they will morgan national day and ukraine parts are empty, silence. it

is an muted national day but six months into this war, the cause of ukrainian independence is never run so far or so loudly. more than 100 thousand ukrainian refugees have fled to the uk since the russian invasion. they're here under the government's homes for ukraine scheme. people who are hosting receive payments of £350 a month, in return for accommodation in their homes for a minimum of six months. our midlands correspondent phil mackie has been to meet a ukrainian family living in leicestershire. six months ago we didn't expect such a big turn in our life. their heart is still in ukraine, but for yana and her sons igor and ilya, for the forseeable future, home will be in hinkley in leicestershire. in march, her apartment in kharkiv was badly damaged in a missile attack, as was the car her family escaped in.

she said farewell to her husband alexander at the polish border and then made the long journey through europe. everything she had with her fitted into these two cases. we were welcomed here by local people and we got support. luckily, a family friend, ray, was willing to be her sponsor. he is happy to continue hosting them for as long as it takes. even though they've settled in and made friends, it's extremely tough for igor and ilya. are you glad, therefore, that you're here with the boys? i'm glad that they are safe, i'm glad that they can get an education and they can go to school, and we are happy to be here. yana had hoped to be able to visit her husband in ukraine, but it's just too dangerous. so they have to keep in touch over zoom. today's call is especially important because it's independence day. on the one hand it's a happy day,

it's independence day, on the other, because of the war, it's a sad day. however, we still try to be close, to be united and to support each other. the news from kharkiv isn't good. there were more russian missile attacks this week. but as far as yana is concerned, it's still home. untilthen, yana, igorand ilya are safe in leicestershire. phil mackie, bbc news, hinkley. will be speaking about the lessons from ukraine in the past months. let's look at the weather. wednesday brought a change were a lot of us have had a lot of cloud, the rain it's been quite slow moving and the parts of southwest england and the parts of southwest england and wales towards parts of northeast

england but societies, heavy thundershowers of the second half of the night and the likes of kent towards norfork. still quite humid but most of us a bit fresher of her neighbour he could see in the countryside across scotland and northern ireland. we start with a heavy downpour is across the southeast of england and east anglia and it could be some local is flooding that falls in the small space of time on dry ground. in the afternoon, orall space of time on dry ground. in the afternoon, or all lived in the dry weather with sunny spells, mostly light winds and pleasant and dispose of sunshine for 15 to 24 degrees on thursday. the site higher pressure builds once again for friday and into the weekend and keeping the weather largely drained settled, the high teens in the north low to mid 20s up towards the south. goodbye. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... the intended victim of the gunman who killed nine—year—old of olivia pratt—korbel is named. 35—year—old joseph nee,

who was on probation, was also shot, but is in a stable condition. he's been detained in hospital and will be questioned by police. six months after russia's invasion, ukraine remembers those who have been lost in the war that followed. some btec students have still not had the results they were due to get last week when a—level results were handed out. it means university places being held and delayed. the exam board pearson said that 7,000 students were what it calls "ineligible to receive their grade" and the bbc understands it could be due to some marks not being logged into the system. gcse results, due out tomorrow, aren't expected to be affected.

let's speak now to robert halfon, chair of the commons education select committee and conservative mp for harlow. thank you for being with us. i am wondering what you make of the problem is that pearson has been having. they were first identified last week for those btec results that should have come out at the same time as the a—level results. we didn't get figures but we have now had those, but it has persisted now for a week and it looks like it may go on longer. the for a week and it looks like it may go on longer-— for a week and it looks like it may go on longer. the first thing i want to do, go on longer. the first thing i want to do. if you _ go on longer. the first thing i want to do, if you don't _ go on longer. the first thing i want to do, if you don't mind, _ go on longer. the first thing i want to do, if you don't mind, is- go on longer. the first thing i want to do, if you don't mind, is to - go on longer. the first thing i want to do, if you don't mind, is to wish j to do, if you don't mind, is to wish luck to the around 700,000 teenagers due to receive results tomorrow. 5.9 million exams. i want to wish them luck and thank the teaching and support staff who have done everything possible to help students through their exams. but i am incredibly concerned about this. it is bad enough having the delay in some of the btec results, which has affected thousands of students, and

we now know that around 7000 students are estimated to get delayed level to results. this is not acceptable from pearson. i will, as soon as parliament returns, be asking for a while to come to our education select committee which i chair, and also i hope to speak to pearson over the next coming days. there was a suggestion, although we haven't had a lot of details from the statement they issued over the weekend, pearson, that the problem was not systemic, as they put it, and that the implication appeared to be that it stemmed from individual schools or colleges either not supplying the information that allows them to issue the grades, or perhaps not having completed the work. it wasn't clear. have you got any proper sense of what is causing this? it must be hugely frustrating for students, and for their parents. we have had lots of examples of people saying, i don't what is

happening with my future. in some cases, they lost the opportunity to do things like clearings, which might have given them a greater range of options for other places where they didn't get the grades they were hoping for. it has just added to the uncertainty. they were hoping for. it has 'ust added to the uncertaintyfi they were hoping for. it has 'ust added to the uncertainty. well, it is not on because _ added to the uncertainty. well, it is not on because have _ added to the uncertainty. well, it is not on because have known - added to the uncertainty. well, it is not on because have known forj added to the uncertainty. well, it i is not on because have known for a long time the date of the exams. we now have date of occasional qualifications at the same time as gcses and a—levels, we also had beat eggs and tomorrow it will be level two results. there may be cases with schools, but there has been enough time to prepare for this and if there were delayed results being sent in, that could have been dealt with over the past few weeks. so i think that pearson, a company i hugely respect, but they need to get their act together. i think that the department for education and skills minister should be calling pearson

in and asking what is going on, and making sure that these students get their results, if not tomorrow, as soon as possible because their futures are at stake. these students are choosing their future education, their future colleges. they may be going to. one thing that is highlighted is that yet again, vocational education is treated as less important. they seem to be second class citizens. we need to build up the best of vocational education in our country and be proud that many thousands of students are doing level two and btec and other level three. they should get the result at the same time as those who are doing academic degrees. there is absolutely no reason for this, and pearson and the government need to get together, sort it out sooner rather than later. , ., ., , sort it out sooner rather than later. , . .,, ,., sort it out sooner rather than later. , . sort it out sooner rather than later. ,. , later. yes, and as you say, perhaps the reaction — later. yes, and as you say, perhaps the reaction might— later. yes, and as you say, perhaps the reaction might have _ later. yes, and as you say, perhaps the reaction might have been - the reaction might have been different if it had been a—levels or

more academic qualifications. it tells you quite a lot. maybe the media would have also given it more coverage. thank you forjoining us. let's get more on boris johnson's visit to ukraine. it's his third trip to kyiv and the last before he leaves office. he said he believe that ukraine can, and will, win the war with russia, and president zelensky used the day to show his appreciation of uk support. here's our ukraine correspondent james waterhouse. supporting state sovereignty and territorial integrity of ukraine... ukraine likes borisjohnson. why? because the uk is one of the country's biggest military supporters. so, as a thank you, president zelensky presented him with his country's order of liberty medal. the prime minister claims unity amongst western countries is growing, despite reports suggesting european support was drying up because of the cost of living crisis.

do you have real concerns that the level of uk military support is just not sustainable? ii level of uk military support is 'ust not sustainable?i level of uk military support is 'ust not sustainable? if we are paying in our ener: not sustainable? if we are paying in our energy bills _ not sustainable? if we are paying in our energy bills for _ not sustainable? if we are paying in our energy bills for the _ not sustainable? if we are paying in our energy bills for the evils - not sustainable? if we are paying in our energy bills for the evils of - our energy bills for the evils of vladimir— our energy bills for the evils of vladimir putin, the people of ukraine — vladimir putin, the people of ukraine are paying in their blood. despite _ ukraine are paying in their blood. despite russia trying to pull his country to the east, and his dependence on weapons from the west, president zelensky said ukraine was as independent as possible. translation:. i think today we are all united. more than 90% believe they are completely independent and understand that they want to be in europe. understand that they want to be in euro e. , ., ., understand that they want to be in euroe. , . ., , . , europe. understand that security guarantees _ europe. understand that security guarantees are _ europe. understand that security guarantees are needed, - europe. understand that security guarantees are needed, and - europe. understand that security guarantees are needed, and see | guarantees are needed, and see themselves. this is kyiv having a very different independence day. russian tanks have displays a military parade and there is a ban on gatherings. president zelensky is using this independence day to thank some of his biggest

military supporters, but he knows borisjohnson �*s is accessible come under growing pressure to address the more immediate cost of living crisis, despite this war being one of the biggest causes. a plaque bearing borisjohnson �*s name was unveiled outside parliament. on bravery ali, kyiv �*s own hollywood boulevard. well, today the uk and the us have offered more support to ukraine. the uk has given over £50 million worth of military support, with the united states providing an extra $3 billion — its biggest package yet. and it appears that the american public are still behind president biden's continued support of ukraine's fight against russia. in a poll conducted by reuters and ipsos/mori — just over half of americans backed the support for ukraine "until all russian forces are withdrawn from territory claimed by ukraine". let's talk about how both the russian and the ukrainian armies have performed since

the invasion six months ago. i'm joined now by the military affairs analyst, brendan kearney. brendan, i think i'm right in saying that you ended up in charge of marine forces in europe, so you worked quite extensively with nato in europe as well. i worked quite extensively with nato in europe as well.— in europe as well. i did, yes. it is a pleasure _ in europe as well. i did, yes. it is a pleasure to _ in europe as well. i did, yes. it is a pleasure to be _ in europe as well. i did, yes. it is a pleasure to be with _ in europe as well. i did, yes. it is a pleasure to be with you. - in europe as well. i did, yes. it is a pleasure to be with you. the i in europe as well. i did, yes. it is. a pleasure to be with you. the last three years of my career were in germany, so it was an interesting end to a long career. did germany, so it was an interesting end to a long career.— germany, so it was an interesting end to a long career. did you ever envisaae end to a long career. did you ever envisage a — end to a long career. did you ever envisage a situation _ end to a long career. did you ever envisage a situation like - end to a long career. did you ever envisage a situation like this, i end to a long career. did you ever envisage a situation like this, in l envisage a situation like this, in which russia would attempt to regain territory that had been lost when the soviet union broke up? you know, uuite the soviet union broke up? you know, quite frankly — the soviet union broke up? you know, quite frankly no- _ the soviet union broke up? you know, quite frankly no. i _ the soviet union broke up? you know, quite frankly no. ithink— the soviet union broke up? you know, quite frankly no. i think we _ the soviet union broke up? you know, quite frankly no. i think we had - quite frankly no. i think we had hoped, and i guess i was one of joining a large group of others, we thought russia may be had learnt its lesson in that actions against the near abroad as they call it, there

are areas of concern, was something in the past, but clearly that is not the case, as putin has been talking about here for the last number of years. about here for the last number of ears. . , about here for the last number of ears, ., , . ., about here for the last number of ears. years. has it changed perceptions in american military _ years. has it changed perceptions in american military and _ years. has it changed perceptions in american military and political- american military and political circles, do you think, about the nature of the russian threat, both because it is now a live threat again, but also because arguably, the russians have not performed as well are some people might have feared they would be able to? well. feared they would be able to? well, two arts feared they would be able to? well, two parts to — feared they would be able to? well, two parts to the _ feared they would be able to? well, two parts to the answer. _ feared they would be able to? well, two parts to the answer. one, i feared they would be able to? -ii two parts to the answer. one, the military certainly has changed its perceptions of the russian threat and i think probably it is a welcome change, and one that is long overdue. the political aspects of the american society, i am a little worried that they may be reaping wrong things into the lessons learnt out of what is coming out of ukraine, buti out of what is coming out of ukraine, but i grew up in the cold

war serving ukraine, but i grew up in the cold warserving in the ukraine, but i grew up in the cold war serving in the us military, so we really did look at the soviet soldier in light of the world war ii experience, and we held them in a great deal of respect. i am sure that was the case for many of those here, who said they would have fulfilled those obligations in the same manner as their forefathers. but the performance in ukraine, and quite honestly the performance in syria before that, really reflects a russian military that would be unrecognisable to their fathers and grandfathers. it isjust unrecognisable to their fathers and grandfathers. it is just simply not performing in the manner that those soldiers did in world war ii. yes. soldiers did in world war ii. yes, some writers _ soldiers did in world war ii. yes, some writers in _ soldiers did in world war ii. yes, some writers in the _ soldiers did in world war ii. yes, some writers in the uk, - soldiers did in world war ii. yes, some writers in the uk, military writers, have commented on the russian military ethic not being what it once was, in terms for example, treatment of civilians. do you think that has actually backfired for russia, that it has as

one of the things that has galvanised ukraine and opinion, some of those atrocities? i do galvanised ukraine and opinion, some of those atrocities?— of those atrocities? i do believe that. ithink— of those atrocities? i do believe that. l think that _ of those atrocities? i do believe that. i think that it _ of those atrocities? i do believe that. i think that it not - of those atrocities? i do believe that. i think that it not only i of those atrocities? i do believe that. i think that it not only in l that. i think that it not only in galvanised ukraine, but it galvanised ukraine, but it galvanised a lot of the western opposition that may have been sitting on the fence as to whether or not to support the ukrainian efforts. you know, any military organisation that goes ahead and results to the outright criminality that the russian army has displayed in ukraine here in the last six months, what that really reflects is a complete lack of leadership, and a complete lack of discipline. both of which are critical for any successful military organisation anywhere in the world, so the russians have quickly shown that there military is really, quite honestly, borderline useless. they

really... you can't perform the way they have and their treatment of the civilian populations and expect to be successful on the battlefield. it just doesn't allow for it. it doesn't reflect the required integral strength of the organisation when it can be so ill discipline. organisation when it can be so ill disciline. ~ . ., organisation when it can be so ill disciline. . ., ., .., discipline. what about the coming six months _ discipline. what about the coming six months question _ discipline. what about the coming six months question but _ discipline. what about the coming six months question but nobody i six months question but nobody thinks this war is going to end soon. we seem to have got to a period of, if not quite a stalemate, at least a stand—off between the two sides. how do you see it progressing customer is it possible it will progress in the next six months, or do you think we should expect more of the same against the backdrop of an understandable reluctance to intervene militarily by nato countries, but a kind of wariness creeping in, physically for those europeans who are going to see their energy bills rising and rising,

especially if it is a cold winter —— weariness. especially if it is a cold winter -- weariness— especially if it is a cold winter -- weariness. , . ., , ., weariness. yes, a great question. i think there — weariness. yes, a great question. i think there is _ weariness. yes, a great question. i think there is a _ weariness. yes, a great question. i think there is a short _ weariness. yes, a great question. i think there is a short window i weariness. yes, a great question. i think there is a short window of i think there is a short window of opportunity where the ukrainians might be able to achieve some significant successes against the russians. this is all predicated on the weather. we have got, here we are in august, one of the warmest months in ukraine and then the temperature starts to drop from now, through december, january, february and the depths of winter. no one can forecast whether it is going to be a mild winter or a brutal winter. none of us know. but the ukrainians between now and say late october, november, when the temperatures start to drop, they do have an opportunity to achieve some success. whether that success will be so great as to inject russian forces from ukraine, i don't know. ——

inject. but that's the opportunity. if they can't pull this off prior to the real start of winter, with the drop in temperatures, the ice and the snow, major mud, mud taking over and relegating wheeled vehicles to roads, then i really think we are going to have to wait until the spring time again to see if there can be a renewal of hostilities. but at the same time, this is the toughest time on the military. when you go into this type of season. the morale sinks even further. so, we will see if the russian military can withstand it. they may well crack under ukrainian military pressure, and the pressure of mother nature. we will just and the pressure of mother nature. we willjust have to see. former chief of staff of the marine forces europe, a great pleasure to speak to you. thank you for your analysis. thank you.

an interesting take on the developing situation in ukraine. some normality did return to regain —— to ukraine yesterday. football return. the score was 0—0. there were no fans, these stadiums were fitted with bomb shelters in case of air raids, so there is hope that sometime in the nearfuture it will be possible for fans to return. the head of the ukrainian fa said before the start of the season this would be a unique competition, it will happen during the war, during military aggression, during bombardments. there is talk live to the british ukrainian sports journalist andrew, who was at the game yesterday. and you, good to speak to you. how did they do, despite the fact it was 0—0? speak to you. how did they do, despite the fact it was 0-0? well, i think the football _ despite the fact it was 0-0? well, i think the football was _ despite the fact it was 0-0? well, i think the football was the _ despite the fact it was 0-0? well, i think the football was the least i think the football was the least important thing that happened yesterday, in the grand scheme of things. it was properly a game best forgotten because, obviously, both

sides have not played competitive football for nine months, since the last season was postponed and stopped midway due to the war. however, i think the main positives of this was the signal that ukrainian football has restarted, it will carry on as best as possible, and yesterday all four matches on match day one that took place went without any air sirens, so as a result, all of them went to plan. however, there was a match today that took 4.5 hours to complete the full 90 minutes, due to three different areas. i full 90 minutes, due to three different areas.— full 90 minutes, due to three different areas. . ., �* , different areas. i mean, that's the concern, different areas. i mean, that's the concern. i — different areas. i mean, that's the concern, i suppose, _ different areas. i mean, that's the concern, i suppose, isn't- different areas. i mean, that's the concern, i suppose, isn't it? if- different areas. i mean, that's the concern, i suppose, isn't it? if the air raid siren goes off, if you have to get all those fans into their is a raid shelters as well, it is not going to happen, is it? absolutely. there is no — going to happen, is it? absolutely. there is no fans _ going to happen, is it? absolutely. there is no fans allowed _ going to happen, is it? absolutely. there is no fans allowed anyway, l going to happen, is it? absolutely. i there is no fans allowed anyway, and i think that is a positive from the

start. they are able to watch on streaming services that are available to them through the official broadcasters. on the whole, for the fans, it's more of a morale boost, similar to the fans that will be watching on the front line. a lot of the football ultras and managers and other people have been getting involved in that active fighting, so this is just a signal that the thing that they are fighting for is worthwhile, the fact that they are allowing people in the other parts of the country that probably are not impacted by the war as much. they are able to live their lives as to the fullest as possible.- are able to live their lives as to the fullest as possible. what about -la ers? the fullest as possible. what about players? you _ the fullest as possible. what about players? you said _ the fullest as possible. what about players? you said they _ the fullest as possible. what about players? you said they have - the fullest as possible. what about players? you said they have not i players? you said they have not exactly been training in the way they normally do. presumably some of them have been in active military service. presumably therefore, if they play they have to be given leave to do that. it is a difficult balancing act, isn't it? this is a country fighting for its survival

and i suspect there will be those who will say well, you know, right now it should be all hands to the pump, let's park the football until we have got our country back. weill. we have got our country back. well, i would counter _ we have got our country back. well, i would counter that _ we have got our country back. well, i would counter that with _ we have got our country back. well, i would counter that with the - we have got our country back. -ii i would counter that with the fact that the ukrainian government have been pushing for the premier league to starve themselves. they see it as a sign of defiance, of continuity, the fact that we will not be shying away from the russian aggression and that these matches are being played in kyiv and in western ukraine, said they are in the safe areas that have got better air defences. so the players should be at less risk. of course, a lot of foreigners have left and it is more unpredictable, and will probably be an exciting campaign on the whole because there will be at these stoppages as i have mentioned, but also there will be new players. for example, from what you just there, there is one you could say active military service men, and that is the manager who was

managing one team in the champions league last year. after that campaign he went to fight in the ukrainian artillery services, and now he is managing another team from his home town. {line now he is managing another team from his home town-— his home town. one last thought on this. what ukraine _ his home town. one last thought on this. what ukraine can't _ this. what ukraine can't realistically do at this stage is engage in any european level competitions. this has to be strictly domestic, for now. ida. competitions. this has to be strictly domestic, for now. no, they are. the strictly domestic, for now. no, they are- they are _ strictly domestic, for now. no, they are. they are available _ strictly domestic, for now. no, they are. they are available too, - strictly domestic, for now. no, they are. they are available too, but i are. they are available too, but they are only able to play abroad. one team is playing football, the champions league stage football in warsaw. another will play europa league football in crackle. and then another will play their european football in slovakia, i think. so thatis football in slovakia, i think. so that is covered, but they are not allowed to play in ukraine due to safety. allowed to play in ukraine due to safe . ., ., , ., allowed to play in ukraine due to safe . ., ., , allowed to play in ukraine due to safe. ., ., , .,

safety. for those of us who don't know our ukrainian _ safety. for those of us who don't know our ukrainian football, i safety. for those of us who don'tj know our ukrainian football, who safety. for those of us who don't i know our ukrainian football, who is the best team at the moment? tliei;r the best team at the moment? they are the the top _ the best team at the moment? they are the the top side _ the best team at the moment? he are the the top side and the best team at the moment? iie: are the the top side and they the best team at the moment? ““ii21: are the the top side and they will play in the champions league. but for those people that probably think that a better site will be the one that a better site will be the one that have lost the least amount of foreigners and have the most number of ukrainians in their team prior to the full scale invasion, and they are most adapted to the current situation. ,, , , . _ are most adapted to the current situation. ,, , ' . _ ., , situation. self-sufficiency. lovely to seak situation. self-sufficiency. lovely to speak to _ situation. self-sufficiency. lovely to speak to you. _ situation. self-sufficiency. lovely to speak to you, thank _ situation. self-sufficiency. lovely to speak to you, thank you. i british gas is to donate a percentage of its profits to help people struggling with the cost of living. grants are expected to between between £250 — £750 and go to thousands of its customers. the raf has confirmed that an investigation's underway into allegations of what it calls innapropriate behaviour involving the world renowned

red arrows display team. fewer than ususal hawkjets — seven instead of nine — have been taking part at air shows, after the departure of a number of pilots. a newspaper has claimed that an investigation was been ordered into allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and drunkenness. the raf has denied that any pilot would fly while drunk, and armed forces ministerjames heappey has said the reports are very concerning. the bbc has learnt that the raf�*s now ordered internal leak inquiries following recent press reports. more than 3 million households have not received the help with household

bills. £150 rebate was from april. one, two, three. holiday club is in full swing, but at this community centre, the parents have different numbers on their minds. {lin centre, the parents have different numbers on their minds.- numbers on their minds. on the electricity. _ numbers on their minds. on the electricity. i— numbers on their minds. on the electricity, i have _ numbers on their minds. on the electricity, i have been - numbers on their minds. on the electricity, i have been putting i numbers on their minds. on the| electricity, i have been putting a lot more in. electricity, i have been putting a lot more in-_ electricity, i have been putting a lot more in. especially if you have not a lot more in. especially if you have got a drier. _ lot more in. especially if you have got a drier. i— lot more in. especially if you have got a drier, i think _ lot more in. especially if you have got a drier, i think i _ lot more in. especially if you have got a drier, i think i had _ lot more in. especially if you have got a drier, i think i had it - lot more in. especially if you have got a drier, i think i had it on i got a drier, i think i had it on once — got a drier, i think i had it on once and _ got a drier, i think i had it on once and you can see the numbers going _ once and you can see the numbers going down — once and you can see the numbers going down-— going down. have either of you manaued going down. have either of you managed to — going down. have either of you managed to get _ going down. have either of you managed to get hold _ going down. have either of you managed to get hold of - going down. have either of you managed to get hold of the i going down. have either of you | managed to get hold of the £150 going down. have either of you i managed to get hold of the £150 yet? no, i got a letter the other day and it is on— no, i got a letter the other day and it is on my— no, i got a letter the other day and it is on my to—do list, sitting on my worktop— it is on my to—do list, sitting on my worktop when i get home. | it is on my to-do list, sitting on my worktop when i get home. i have had mine. my worktop when i get home. i have had mine- i — my worktop when i get home. i have had mine- i got _ my worktop when i get home. i have had mine. i got mine _ my worktop when i get home. i have had mine. i got mine automatically. | had mine. i got mine automatically. a nice surprise. that is something else on— a nice surprise. that is something else on my— a nice surprise. that is something else on my to—do list that i do need to do. _ else on my to—do list that i do need to do. but— else on my to—do list that i do need to do. but i— else on my to—do list that i do need to do, but i don't really get a minute _ to do, but i don't really get a minute. �* ~ . , ., ., , minute. and michelle is not the only one. here minute. and michelle is not the only one- here in — minute. and michelle is not the only one. here in liverpool, _ minute. and michelle is not the only one. here in liverpool, 200,000 i one. here in liverpool, 200,000 households who don't have a direct debit have had to apply online to get hold of the £150 they are

entitled to. councils have contacted people in different ways. some ask you to apply online, but others said call. some are asking for bank details, but others sent a cheque in the post. those that got money to people the quickest are those that sent vouchers to cash in here. customers in this area definitely need to help. customers in this area definitely need to help-— customers in this area definitely need to help. customers in this area definitely need to hel-. . , , ., ., need to help. manchester is one of 100 council— need to help. manchester is one of 100 council sending _ need to help. manchester is one of 100 council sending out _ need to help. manchester is one of 100 council sending out post i need to help. manchester is one of 100 council sending out post office | 100 council sending out post office vouchers. when they first landed on the doorsteps, there was a queue around the block here. indie the doorsteps, there was a queue around the block here.— the doorsteps, there was a queue around the block here. we had 1000 customers in — around the block here. we had 1000 customers in one _ around the block here. we had 1000 customers in one week— around the block here. we had 1000 customers in one week only - around the block here. we had 1000 customers in one week only for i around the block here. we had 1000| customers in one week only for these vouchers, in this one branch. some of them were for gas and electric. some they put on their account, but most of them took the cash. customers are struggling. customers here, they are not rich. sometimes they come here and draw out £1 only.

backin they come here and draw out £1 only. back in liverpool, those extra steps before getting the cash have been a barrier for many people here. thea;r barrier for many people here. they are at the coal _ barrier for many people here. they are at the coal face, _ barrier for many people here. they are at the coal face, it _ barrier for many people here. they are at the coal face, it is _ barrier for many people here. they are at the coal face, it is most needed — are at the coal face, it is most needed for— are at the coal face, it is most needed for them. if it's on a website, _ needed for them. if it's on a website, people don't necessarily have internet access. if it is payment _ have internet access. if it is payment through a bank account, they don't necessarily have one. does payment through a bank account, they don't necessarily have one.— don't necessarily have one. does it feel like you _ don't necessarily have one. does it feel like you have _ don't necessarily have one. does it feel like you have extra _ don't necessarily have one. does it feel like you have extra work i don't necessarily have one. does it feel like you have extra work to i don't necessarily have one. does it feel like you have extra work to do| feel like you have extra work to do to deliver this government policy question mark yes, absolutely. without any additional funding to do that. liverpool, like many other councils, say payments are still being processed but the government is saying money should be given as quickly as possible. as the autumn price rise creeps closer, millions of those most in need are still waiting for the money that was supposed to help them through the summer. energy is certain to feature on the front pages of tomorrow morning �*s papers, not least that promise from british gas to contribute 10% of its profits to supporting people who are struggling with their energy bills.

we will have all the details of the front pages, i will have two guests with me, tonight at 10:30pm and then again at 1130b if it stay with us or come back to us for that. now, what has been hailed as a successful conservation, a tiny endangerment baby elephant was born on monday at whipsnade zoo today. her mum is called donna. these are the first of the biggest baby steps, an unforgettable new addition to the herd. this female calf struggled to feed to begin with, causing keepers some concern, but then she got the hang of it and was described as "drunk on milk." when she has had a good feed for about two minutes she will be dozing with her trunk loose on the ground. she fills her belly with milk and then she is really tired. she is learning all the time, developing every day, getting stronger and stronger, so she is doing really well. watch the top of the picture.

this 18 stone arrival landed with a bumpety—bump on monday morning, and at first the rest of the herd stood back in admiration, before stepping in to help mum donna and grandmother kayleigh. not only is she adorably cute, she is also really important because she is an asian elephant — note the smaller ears — they are an endangered species, their natural habitat has been under threat and it is estimated there are only about 52,000 left in the wild. as for her name, that is still to be decided, with some link to her natural home and based on the personality this big little lady displays. danjohnson, bbc news, at whipsnade zoo. researchers say the dugong, a marine mammal also known as the gentle giant of the sea, is now extinct in china.

hello, wednesday brought a mixed day weather wise. some of us have had a lot of cloud and outbreaks of rain, more of that to come through parts of thousand south—west of england, parts of wales in north—east england. in wales and the south—east heavy thundery showers moving around kent and norfolk. still quite humid but most of us will feel fresher overnight and we could see single figures in the countryside across scotland and northern ireland. thursday starts with heavy downpours across the south—east of england and east anglia and they could be localised flooding is a lot of rain falls in a small space of time on dry ground. slowly that'll clear into the afternoon, and then we are all left with drier weather, sunny spells and light winds. a touch fresher than recent days for some of us, but pleasant in sunshine, 15—24 on thursday. high pressure builds once again for friday and into the weekend. it will keep the weather largely dry and settled. the high teens in the north, low to mid 20s towards the south.

goodbye.

hello, i'm nuala mcgovern. you're watching the context on bbc news. president biden announces a $3 billion military aid package for ukraine, six months after the start of the war. the european union and the uk also promise to stand by ukraine but leaders warn of economic hardship ahead because of the conflict. in the us, a night for the establishment candidates in the primaries, as democratic voters pick charlie crist to take on ron desantis in the race to be florida's next governor. and last night on the context, glasgow weighed in on the scottish bin strike — this hour edinburgh responds. tonight with the context, from edinburgh, alex massie, scotland editor of the spectator, and republican strategist rina shah, who's in washington.