— and some disagreement — in nato. when it comes to cluster ammunition, there's a difference between allies. we'll bring you a live statement from the white house shortly. also on the programme... a man who shot dead 26—year—old ellie edwards as a part in liverpool on christmas eve is jailed for 48 euros. on christmas eve is “ailed for 48 euros. ., . , on christmas eve is “ailed for 48 euros. ., ., , ., euros. you give a little bit of her love ou euros. you give a little bit of her love you get _ euros. you give a little bit of her love you get to _ euros. you give a little bit of her love you get to three _ euros. you give a little bit of her love you get to three times - euros. you give a little bit of her| love you get to three times back, euros. you give a little bit of her. love you get to three times back, i was missed that. tiara love you get to three times back, i was missed that.— was missed that. two people are still critically _ was missed that. two people are still critically ill _ was missed that. two people are still critically ill after _ was missed that. two people are still critically ill after the - still critically ill after the school crash in southwest london that killed a child will stop and policing no charge will be brought

after britney spears alleged she was backhanded in the face of a security guard on wednesday. hello, i'm rajini vaidyanathan, welcome to the daily global, where we'll bring you the top stories from around the world. welcome — we begin with the war in ukraine — and differences emerging between nato allies over whether controversial cluster munitions should be sent to kyiv. an announcement by washington on a new package of weapons — including cluster munitions — is expected in the coming minutes. these images are from the us department of defence and show cluster bombs detonating. kyiv has been pressing for the weapons for its counteroffensive. but cluster bombs are banned by many countries around the world because of the danger they pose to civilians — sometimes years after a conflict ends. germany has voiced opposition to such a move and humanitarian organisations have urged both russia and ukraine to avoid cluster munitions completely.

this is the scene at the white house where would be expecting the press briefing soon given the reports. let's hear from jens stoltenberg. it is for individual allies to make decisions on what type of weapons. all allies agree on the delivery of weapons and ammunition to ukraine and allies are delivering an unprecedented level of weapons to support ukraine. germany and many other allies are delivering different types of ammunition, weapons to ukraine. but when it comes to cluster ammunition, there is a difference between allies because some allies have signed the convention on cluster munitions and they don't have cluster munitions so of course there is no cluster munitions to provide to ukraine. other allies have not signed the convention and many of them or some of them have cluster munitions.

will go to washington and our correspondent nomia iqbal who is which and the press conference. why is the white house doing this now? why do they want to send cluster bombs to the ukraine? it why do they want to send cluster bombs to the ukraine?— why do they want to send cluster bombs to the ukraine? it was a year auo that bombs to the ukraine? it was a year ago that ukraine _ bombs to the ukraine? it was a year ago that ukraine requested - bombs to the ukraine? it was a year ago that ukraine requested these i ago that ukraine requested these munitions, i imagine that reading between the lines, speculating that for the last year, president biden has been holding talks with various allies, trying to square all of this and trying to come to a conclusion on whether to send them are not because they had held off for some time. bearing in mind that these cluster munitions have been phased out by the us, they were phased out in 2016 due to the concerns around them which human rights watch have spoken about, the fact that these munitions can live on for years and

years and pose a risk to civilians. they do have a huge supply of them ready to go and it seems like perhaps, they have decided it's fine to now export them. we are hearing and seeing there are some cracks in the coalition. germany has come out to condemn it, more than 120 countries, including nato members, do not agree with cluster munitions being sent over, but it's worth bearing in mind that munitions have already been used during this war. ukrainians use them as well as russians, but these been sent over by america is a big deal and we will get more deals details about that, we are which for the press conference.— we are which for the press conference. ., ., , ., , conference. how controversial is this where _ conference. how controversial is this where you _ conference. how controversial is this where you are _ conference. how controversial is this where you are in _ conference. how controversial is this where you are in the - conference. how controversial is this where you are in the united| this where you are in the united states? is it dividing politicians question mark not as much as you would think. question mark not as much as you would think-— would think. generally speaking there is support. _

would think. generally speaking there is support. for _ would think. generally speaking there is support. for backing i there is support. for backing president biden, a rare moment of bipartisanship. if you look at public polls, there is wavering among americans, questioning how much money is being sent in support of ukraine. in term of lawmakers, they the sight of supporting ukraine. when it comes to the cluster munitions, munitions, it's interesting that you have congressional republicans, those on the houses than armed services committee have been asking biden for some time to send it munitions to ukraine to help in this fight against russia, they say these munitions will be beneficial to them. a senior member of the democratic party have been positive about these ministers going, but you have the progressives in the democratic party who aren't keen on this, so there are some divisions there but generally speaking i would say that president biden is with the face more resistant from his allies

abroad than anyone at home. nomia lubal in abroad than anyone at home. nomia iqbal in washington _ abroad than anyone at home. nomia iqbal in washington my _ abroad than anyone at home. nomia iqbal in washington my thanks - abroad than anyone at home. nomia iqbal in washington my thanks for i iqbal in washington my thanks for the moment, we will bring you that white house news conference, that briefing us up you can see the pictures there of the podium, the journalist there which and at the press briefing room at the west wing for that announcement to come and as soon as it begins we will go straight to it. meanwhile president zelensky is in talks with the turkish president for assistance. live now to yevgeniya gaber — a nonresident senior fellow at the atlantic council in turkey and former foreign policy adviser to the ukrainian prime minister. thank you forjoining us, how significant is president zelensky�*s visit to turkey? hi

significant is president zelensky's visit to turkey?— visit to turkey? hi and thank you for havin: visit to turkey? hi and thank you for having me. — visit to turkey? hi and thank you for having me, it _ visit to turkey? hi and thank you for having me, it is _ visit to turkey? hi and thank you for having me, it is important - visit to turkey? hi and thank you for having me, it is important to | for having me, it is important to visit because this is the first in person visit after the war has started, if we don't count the meeting with the secretary general of the united nation's and president ertl won last year. so there's a lot to discuss. this support is about the support that can be provided to give, so it's an important one. we were the whole of your thought there because it looks like that white house news conference we were spoken about five just going under way, we can see the white house press secretary karinejean—pierre secretary karine jean—pierre speaking, secretary karinejean—pierre speaking, lets go into it now. his trip to the nato summit as you know all started, and other questions you have.-

know all started, and other auestions ou have. ., questions you have. good afternoon eve bod questions you have. good afternoon everybody thank _ questions you have. good afternoon everybody thank you _ questions you have. good afternoon everybody thank you for being - questions you have. good afternoon everybody thank you for being with l everybody thank you for being with me today _ everybody thank you for being with me today i'm with to start by laying out the _ me today i'm with to start by laying out the plan for the trip that his upcoming — out the plan for the trip that his upcoming this weekend and then because — upcoming this weekend and then because there been numerous reports ahout— because there been numerous reports about the _ because there been numerous reports about the provision of cluster munitions to ukraine, i would say something — munitions to ukraine, i would say something about that at the top and then take _ something about that at the top and then take your questions. president biden said on day one of his administration we will revitalise our alliances and re—engage with the world to meet the -reat re—engage with the world to meet the great challenges of our time. on sunday. — great challenges of our time. on sunday, the president was the part for his_ sunday, the president was the part for his next— sunday, the president was the part for his next major trip overseas at the time — for his next major trip overseas at the time when we have regained our global— the time when we have regained our global standing as a strong and entrusted partner for peace progress and security. this trip would reflect — and security. this trip would reflect that process progress and show _ reflect that process progress and show the — reflect that process progress and show the presidents leadership in the world — show the presidents leadership in the world stage. first, the president will travel to the united kingdom — president will travel to the united kingdom and will meet with king charles_ kingdom and will meet with king charles at windsor castle and engage with the _ charles at windsor castle and engage with the forum that will focus on

mobilising climate finance, especially bringing private finance of the _ especially bringing private finance of the silanes for clean energy deployment and adaptation in developing countries. he will meet with prime minister sunak regarding bilateral— with prime minister sunak regarding bilateral and global issues. next, the president was troubled to the the president was troubled to the the nato — the president was troubled to the the nato summit, it will take place against _ the nato summit, it will take place against the backdrop of russia's pre—continuing brutal war against the grain — pre—continuing brutal war against the grain. he was wholly bilateral meeting — the grain. he was wholly bilateral meeting with you lithuanian president and then meet with all that need to leaders at the summit as well_ that need to leaders at the summit as well as — that need to leaders at the summit as well as a — that need to leaders at the summit as well as a number of nato partners from europe — as well as a number of nato partners from europe and the indo—pacific. there _ from europe and the indo—pacific. there was— from europe and the indo—pacific. there was discuss a range of subject from strengthening nato's plans and modernising nato's defensive capabilities. for large part, needs a stronger, — capabilities. for large part, needs a stronger, more organised and also larger— a stronger, more organised and also larger than _ a stronger, more organised and also larger than ever with finland have joined _ larger than ever with finland have joined the — larger than ever with finland have joined the alliance and sweden soon

to follow _ joined the alliance and sweden soon to follow. this is important for the security— to follow. this is important for the security and safety of the american people _ security and safety of the american people because a strong need to makes _ people because a strong need to makes the united states and the entire _ makes the united states and the entire world more safe and secure. at the _ entire world more safe and secure. at the summit, the president and our allies— at the summit, the president and our allies will_ at the summit, the president and our allies will demonstrate our unity and resolve in support of ukraine, when _ and resolve in support of ukraine, when president putin launched a war he expected that western unity would fracture _ he expected that western unity would fracture and need to would break and our support— fracture and need to would break and our support to ukraine with with her over time _ our support to ukraine with with her overtime. he our support to ukraine with with her over time. he was wrong. the united overtime. he was wrong. the united states— over time. he was wrong. the united states has— over time. he was wrong. the united states has built a coalition of dozens— states has built a coalition of dozens of countries from europe, to the middle — dozens of countries from europe, to the middle east, to the indo—pacific, to help greene defend against _ indo—pacific, to help greene defend against russian aggression and we have mobilised a security assistance ukraine _ have mobilised a security assistance ukraine needs including by facilitating contributions from partners _ facilitating contributions from partners and allies around the world so ukraine _ partners and allies around the world so ukraine is in the best possible situation — so ukraine is in the best possible situation to succeed on the battlefield. we continue to stand with the — battlefield. we continue to stand with the people of ukraine as they defend _ with the people of ukraine as they defend their sovereignty, their freedom, and democracy. after the summit, _ freedom, and democracy. after the summit, president biden will give a significant _

summit, president biden will give a significant address in lithuania about— significant address in lithuania about his — significant address in lithuania about his vision of a strong, confident, _ about his vision of a strong, confident, america, flanked by strong — confident, america, flanked by strong and confident allies and partners — strong and confident allies and partners taken on the significant challenge of our russia's invasion of ukraine — challenge of our russia's invasion of ukraine to the climate crisis. finally, — of ukraine to the climate crisis. finally, the president was travel to helsinki _ finally, the president was travel to helsinki finland, where he will meet with the _ helsinki finland, where he will meet with the resident of finland and participate in a us— nordic meeting. there _ participate in a us— nordic meeting. there will_ participate in a us— nordic meeting. there will speak on shared regional security— there will speak on shared regional security objectives as well as short shared _ security objectives as well as short shared efforts on health, climate and technology. we're looking forward — and technology. we're looking forward to a busy week in europe and we're _ forward to a busy week in europe and we're looking forward to the president being able to further solidify— president being able to further solidify strengthening and give momentum to the strong united alliance — momentum to the strong united alliance that has been standing up and so _ alliance that has been standing up and so effectively against russian aggression. as i mentioned, because we have _ aggression. as i mentioned, because we have seen all these reports on the provision of cluster munitions to ukraine, — the provision of cluster munitions to ukraine, i would leave it to the

pentagon— to ukraine, i would leave it to the pentagon to make a formal announcement later this afternoon for the _ announcement later this afternoon for the next drawdown package, and to go— for the next drawdown package, and to go into _ for the next drawdown package, and to go into the details of that drawdown package and specifics on the types _ drawdown package and specifics on the types of munitions being provided, but i will use this opportunity to make a few points. first. _ opportunity to make a few points. first. we — opportunity to make a few points. first, we base our security assistance decision on the ground, and ukraine — assistance decision on the ground, and ukraine it needs artillery to sustain— and ukraine it needs artillery to sustain its— and ukraine it needs artillery to sustain its offensive and defensive operations. artillery as of at the core _ operations. artillery as of at the core of— operations. artillery as of at the core of this— operations. artillery as of at the core of this conflict. ukraine is firing — core of this conflict. ukraine is firing thousands of rounds a day to defend _ firing thousands of rounds a day to defend against russia's efforts to advance — defend against russia's efforts to advance and support its efforts to retain _ advance and support its efforts to retain its — advance and support its efforts to retain its sovereign territory. we have _ retain its sovereign territory. we have provided ukraine with a historic— have provided ukraine with a historic amount of unitary artillery rounds— historic amount of unitary artillery rounds and — historic amount of unitary artillery rounds and are ramping up production of these _ rounds and are ramping up production of these rounds. we've already seen substantial _ of these rounds. we've already seen substantial increases in production but this— substantial increases in production but this process will continue to take _ but this process will continue to take time — but this process will continue to take time and it will be critical to provide _ take time and it will be critical to provide ukraine with a bridge of

supplies— provide ukraine with a bridge of supplies while our domestic production is ramped up. we will not leave _ production is ramped up. we will not leave ukraine defenseless end at any point in _ leave ukraine defenseless end at any point in this conflict, period. second. _ point in this conflict, period. second, russia has been using cluster— second, russia has been using cluster munitions since the start of this war— cluster munitions since the start of this war to— cluster munitions since the start of this war to attack ukraine, it has been _ this war to attack ukraine, it has been using — this war to attack ukraine, it has been using those magicians with high data of— been using those magicians with high data of our— been using those magicians with high data of our failure rates between 30-40%~ — data of our failure rates between 30-40%. in this data of our failure rates between 30—40%. in this requirement, ukraine has been _ 30—40%. in this requirement, ukraine has been requesting cluster munitions in order to defend its own sovereign _ munitions in order to defend its own sovereign territory, the munitions we would — sovereign territory, the munitions we would provide have good reads far below _ we would provide have good reads far below what _ we would provide have good reads far below what russia is doing, not higher— below what russia is doing, not higher than 2.5%. and third, we are coordinated — higher than 2.5%. and third, we are coordinated with ukraine as it has requested — coordinated with ukraine as it has requested these munitions. ukraine is committed to post—conflict demanding efforts to mitigate harm to civilians — demanding efforts to mitigate harm to civilians and this will be necessary regardless of whether the united _ necessary regardless of whether the united states provides these munitions are not because of russia's_

munitions are not because of russia's widespread use of cluster munitions — russia's widespread use of cluster munitions. we would have to continue to assess _ munitions. we would have to continue to assess ukraine with the mining efforts— to assess ukraine with the mining efforts no— to assess ukraine with the mining efforts no matter what given the significant use of cluster munitions already— significant use of cluster munitions already perpetrated by russia. the bottom _ already perpetrated by russia. the bottom line is this, we recognise that cluster munitions create risk of harm — that cluster munitions create risk of harm to — that cluster munitions create risk of harm to civilians which is why we deferred _ of harm to civilians which is why we deferred the decision for as long as we could, _ deferred the decision for as long as we could, but there's also a massive risk of— we could, but there's also a massive risk of civilian — we could, but there's also a massive risk of civilian harm if russian troops — risk of civilian harm if russian troops and _ risk of civilian harm if russian troops and tanks rolled over ukrainian _ troops and tanks rolled over ukrainian positions and take more ukraine _ ukrainian positions and take more ukraine in— ukrainian positions and take more ukraine in territory, and subjected more _ ukraine in territory, and subjected more ukrainian civilians because ukraine — more ukrainian civilians because ukraine does not have enough artillery — ukraine does not have enough artillery. that is intolerable to us. ukraine would not use these munitions— us. ukraine would not use these munitions in some foreign land, this is their— munitions in some foreign land, this is their country and their citizens they— is their country and their citizens they are — is their country and their citizens they are protecting. they are meted to use _ they are protecting. they are meted to use any— they are protecting. they are meted to use any weapon system they have in a way _ to use any weapon system they have in a way that minimizes risk to those — in a way that minimizes risk to those citizens. with that, i would be happy— those citizens. with that, i would be happy to take your questions. what's _ be happy to take your questions.

what's yourjournal, i've was acting if you could come on news earlier this week that the russians may be open to a prisoner swap for evan gershkovich, i also had a question for you about how the uprising by the wagner group may in your view, impact russia's leaders willingness or lack of willingness to make a deal that would release evan? dealthat would release evan? karine jean-pierre as _ dealthat would release evan? karine jean-pierre as mentioned _ dealthat would release evan? karine jean-pierre as mentioned before - jean—pierre as mentioned before today— jean—pierre as mentioned before today is— jean—pierre as mentioned before today is the hundredth day of kevin's — today is the hundredth day of kevin's unlawful detention, for those — kevin's unlawful detention, for those 100 days president biden and our team, _ those 100 days president biden and our team, the secretary of state and others _ our team, the secretary of state and others have — our team, the secretary of state and others have been personally invested in try to _ others have been personally invested in try to bring them home safely. second. — in try to bring them home safely. second. i— in try to bring them home safely. second, i had the opportunity this morning _ second, i had the opportunity this morning to — second, i had the opportunity this morning to meet with evans employees at the _ morning to meet with evans employees at the wall— morning to meet with evans employees at the wall street journal and personal representatives of his family— personal representatives of his family to — personal representatives of his family to talk about the latest status — family to talk about the latest status in _ family to talk about the latest status in his case and efforts to bring _

status in his case and efforts to bring them home. third, we did see the comments from the kremlin that there have _ the comments from the kremlin that there have been contacts between the us and _ there have been contacts between the us and russia regarding evan and other— us and russia regarding evan and other unjustly detained americans, it is true, _ other unjustly detained americans, it is true, and we have said that remain— it is true, and we have said that remain in— it is true, and we have said that remain in contact with russian authorities at high levels on these cases— authorities at high levels on these cases to _ authorities at high levels on these cases to try to figure out a week to bring _ cases to try to figure out a week to bring unjustly detained americans home: _ bring unjustly detained americans home, including evan. we have also made _ home, including evan. we have also made it— home, including evan. we have also made it clear for months now, even before _ made it clear for months now, even before evan — made it clear for months now, even before evan was detained, as we were dealing _ before evan was detained, as we were dealing with _ before evan was detained, as we were dealing with paul that we learned, that we _ dealing with paul that we learned, that we were prepared to do hard things— that we were prepared to do hard things in— that we were prepared to do hard things in order to get our citizens home including evan. i do not want to give _ home including evan. i do not want to give also — home including evan. i do not want to give also. what the kremlin said earlier— to give also. what the kremlin said earlier this — to give also. what the kremlin said earlier this week is correct, there have _ earlier this week is correct, there have been— earlier this week is correct, there have been discussions. but those discussions have not produced a clear— discussions have not produced a clear pathway to a resolution and so i clear pathway to a resolution and so i cannot _ clear pathway to a resolution and so i cannot stand here today and tell you that — i cannot stand here today and tell you that we have a clear answer to how we _ you that we have a clear answer to how we are — you that we have a clear answer to how we are going to get evan home, although— how we are going to get evan home, although i_ how we are going to get evan home, although i can do is tell you that we have — although i can do is tell you that we have a — although i can do is tell you that we have a clear commitment and conviction—

we have a clear commitment and conviction to do everything possible to get— conviction to do everything possible to get him — conviction to do everything possible to get him home. regarding the question— to get him home. regarding the question of actions for ev of the progression and action surrounded that will— progression and action surrounded that will give new opportunities, i can't _ that will give new opportunities, i can't say— that will give new opportunities, i can't say anything to that directly but of— can't say anything to that directly but of course this is something that changes— but of course this is something that changes they by day and we will see how that _ changes they by day and we will see how that plays out. in the meantime, we will— how that plays out. in the meantime, we will do _ how that plays out. in the meantime, we will do everything we can directly— we will do everything we can directly with the russians and other allies— directly with the russians and other allies and _ directly with the russians and other allies and partners around the world were invested in the safe return of evan— were invested in the safe return of evan to _ were invested in the safe return of evan to try— were invested in the safe return of evan to try to get him out as soon as possible — evan to try to get him out as soon as possible-— evan to try to get him out as soon as ossible. , , as possible. president zelensky said and invitation _ as possible. president zelensky said and invitation for _ as possible. president zelensky said and invitation for ukraine _ as possible. president zelensky said and invitation for ukraine to - as possible. president zelensky said and invitation for ukraine to the - and invitation for ukraine to the summit, why is that not been there to be the right approach for the summit question mark as you know, the united states supports the open—door policy that ukraine and nato can make a decision together about its pathway to membership. it about its pathway to membership. it would be an important moment because the united _ would be an important moment because the united states are in allies and

ukraine _ the united states are in allies and ukraine would have the opportunity to discuss— ukraine would have the opportunity to discuss the reforms still necessary for ukraine to come up that needs — necessary for ukraine to come up that needs standards. this will in fact to _ that needs standards. this will in fact to be — that needs standards. this will in fact to be a — that needs standards. this will in fact to be a milestone but ukraine still has _ fact to be a milestone but ukraine still has further steps you need to take before membership. ukraine will not be _ take before membership. ukraine will not be joining nato coming out of the summit, we will discuss what steps _ the summit, we will discuss what steps are — the summit, we will discuss what steps are necessary for some what is the right— steps are necessary for some what is the right time regarding doing cluster— the right time regarding doing cluster munitions given the concerns allies— cluster munitions given the concerns allies brought? the cluster munitions given the concerns allies brought?— allies brought? the reason you are brinuain allies brought? the reason you are bringing cluster _ allies brought? the reason you are bringing cluster munitions - allies brought? the reason you are bringing cluster munitions is - bringing cluster munitions is because ukraine is running out of artillery rounds?— artillery rounds? first, we'll be lookin: artillery rounds? first, we'll be looking at— artillery rounds? first, we'll be looking at this _ artillery rounds? first, we'll be looking at this for _ artillery rounds? first, we'll be looking at this for quite - artillery rounds? first, we'll be looking at this for quite some l artillery rounds? first, we'll be - looking at this for quite some time and what _ looking at this for quite some time and what we have been then is this basic— and what we have been then is this basic of— and what we have been then is this basic of civilian harm. the challenge for cluster munitions is that even— challenge for cluster munitions is that even at low data rates they can potentially — that even at low data rates they can potentially pose a risk to seven is on the _ potentially pose a risk to seven is on the road. we did not immediately come _ on the road. we did not immediately come out _ on the road. we did not immediately

come out of— on the road. we did not immediately come out of the gate gates and root provide _ come out of the gate gates and root provide this but the problem is if ukraine — provide this but the problem is if ukraine doesn't have sufficient artillery— ukraine doesn't have sufficient artillery and ammunition. we are reaching — artillery and ammunition. we are reaching this point in the conflict of the _ reaching this point in the conflict of the dramatically high expenditure artillery— of the dramatically high expenditure artillery rates by it ukraine and russia, — artillery rates by it ukraine and russia, where we need to build a bridge _ russia, where we need to build a bridge from where we are today to when we _ bridge from where we are today to when we have enough monthly production of unitary rounds, that unitary— production of unitary rounds, that unitary rounds i don't will suffice to give _ unitary rounds i don't will suffice to give ukraine what your needs. as a result, _ to give ukraine what your needs. as a result, this — to give ukraine what your needs. as a result, this is a moment to begin the construction of that bridge, so there _ the construction of that bridge, so there isn't— the construction of that bridge, so there isn't any. over the summer or heading _ there isn't any. over the summer or heading into— there isn't any. over the summer or heading into the fall, where ukraine is short— heading into the fall, where ukraine is short on— heading into the fall, where ukraine is short on our territory and being short— is short on our territory and being short on— is short on our territory and being short on artillery is being vulnerable to russian attacks that can subjugate more ukrainian civilians _ can subjugate more ukrainian civilians. that is our decision that we consulted closely with allies in deciding _ we consulted closely with allies in deciding to do this, and some allies not signatory to the oslo convention and embraced it with open arms, who

said it _ and embraced it with open arms, who said it was _ and embraced it with open arms, who said it was right thing to do it. even _ said it was right thing to do it. even those signatory to the oslo convention, why they cannot formally support— convention, why they cannot formally support something they signed it convention against, have indicated both privately, and many publicly over the — both privately, and many publicly over the course of today, that they understand — over the course of today, that they understand our decision and recognise the difference between russia _ recognise the difference between russia using its cluster munitions to attack— russia using its cluster munitions to attack ukraine and green using cluster— to attack ukraine and green using cluster munitions to defend itself and its _ cluster munitions to defend itself and its citizens and territory to. we do — and its citizens and territory to. we do not _ and its citizens and territory to. we do not believe this will disrupt the strong unity we have going into the strong unity we have going into the nato _ the strong unity we have going into the nato summit. to the strong unity we have going into the nato summit.— the strong unity we have going into the nato summit. to follow up on the cluster munitions, _ the nato summit. to follow up on the cluster munitions, (— the nato summit. to follow up on the cluster munitions, ( march _ the nato summit. to follow up on the cluster munitions, ( march the - the nato summit. to follow up on the cluster munitions, ( march the us - cluster munitions, (march the us ambassador to the united nations described those munitions as exceptionally lethal weaponry that has no place on the battlefield, how do square those comments with this decision? has ukraine provide you with the root assurances and guarantees in terms of usage in civilian areas russian mark ukraine

has provided written assurances in a carefully. has provided written assurances in a carefull . ., ., , ., , carefully. that would minimise any risk to civilians. _ carefully. that would minimise any risk to civilians. by _ carefully. that would minimise any risk to civilians. by the _ carefully. that would minimise any risk to civilians. by the way, - risk to civilians. by the way, ukraine _ risk to civilians. by the way, ukraine, the democratically elected government of ukraine, has every incentive — government of ukraine, has every incentive to — government of ukraine, has every incentive to minimise risk to civilians _ incentive to minimise risk to civilians because it is their citizens. _ civilians because it is their citizens, ukrainians that they are trying _ citizens, ukrainians that they are trying to— citizens, ukrainians that they are trying to protect and defend. it's not ukraine taking them and going then using them in the middle east or soutb— then using them in the middle east or south east asia or some far—away land, _ or south east asia or some far—away land. they— or south east asia or some far—away land, they are using them on their territory— land, they are using them on their territory to — land, they are using them on their territory to defend their territory so we _ territory to defend their territory so we believe they're highly motivated to do this and beyond being _ motivated to do this and beyond being motivated, they have, in regards — being motivated, they have, in regards to— being motivated, they have, in regards to your question, provided assurance — regards to your question, provided assurance. in regards to the ambassadors comments and others bandied _ ambassadors comments and others bandied about, let me say, the use of cluster— bandied about, let me say, the use of cluster munitions by russia in this conflict is completely unacceptable on multiple counts. first. _ unacceptable on multiple counts. first, they're using them to attack

a sovereign — first, they're using them to attack a sovereign country in flagrant violation — a sovereign country in flagrant violation of international law, secondly _ violation of international law, secondly, there using them to strike after civilian targets, not only military— after civilian targets, not only military targets. also in flagrant addition — military targets. also in flagrant addition of international law, and this weapon systems and other weapon systems— this weapon systems and other weapon systems we _ this weapon systems and other weapon systems we have identified war crimes— systems we have identified war crimes by— systems we have identified war crimes by the russians. third, critically, there is a big difference between the type of cluster— difference between the type of cluster munitions being used by russia — cluster munitions being used by russia and the type we would provide to ukraine _ russia and the type we would provide to ukraine, as i mentioned always having _ to ukraine, as i mentioned always having maximum 2.5% died rates, the dud rate _ having maximum 2.5% died rates, the dud rate for— having maximum 2.5% died rates, the dud rate for the russian munitions is about— dud rate for the russian munitions is about 30%. sol dud rate for the russian munitions is about 30%. so i don't get us wrong — is about 30%. so i don't get us wrong i— is about 30%. so i don't get us wrong i will read it to you the department of defence ice is that in the first— department of defence ice is that in the first year of the conflict unknown client russia deployed cluster— unknown client russia deployed cluster munitions from a range of munitions— cluster munitions from a range of munitions have lightly expended tens of millions— munitions have lightly expended tens of millions of sub or bomblets in ukraine — of millions of sub or bomblets in ukraine. and the final point, which ithink— ukraine. and the final point, which i think it's — ukraine. and the final point, which

i think it's important, when it's about— i think it's important, when it's about what russia is doing with cluster— about what russia is doing with cluster missions i'm not saying they do it so— cluster missions i'm not saying they do it so we — cluster missions i'm not saying they do it so we will, the argument i am making _ do it so we will, the argument i am making is— do it so we will, the argument i am making is that russia has already spread _ making is that russia has already spread tens of millions of these bomblets across ukrainian territory so we _ bomblets across ukrainian territory so we have — bomblets across ukrainian territory so we have to ask ourselves, is ukraine's— so we have to ask ourselves, is ukraine's use of cluster munitions on that— ukraine's use of cluster munitions on that land actually that much of an edition— on that land actually that much of an edition of exhibited arm given that area — an edition of exhibited arm given that area has to be the mind regardless? that's why when we look at the _ regardless? that's why when we look at the decision today as opposed to one year— at the decision today as opposed to one year ago, and look at what ukraine — one year ago, and look at what ukraine would be doing with the weapons — ukraine would be doing with the weapons as a poster russia, we see a substantial — weapons as a poster russia, we see a substantial difference. it doesn't make _ substantial difference. it doesn't make it — substantial difference. it doesn't make it an easy decision and i will not say— make it an easy decision and i will not sayjesus easy. it's a difficult decision that which we deferred, and required _ decision that which we deferred, and required a _ decision that which we deferred, and required a real, hard, look on the potential harm to civilians, and when _ potential harm to civilians, and when we — potential harm to civilians, and when we put all of that together, there _ when we put all of that together, there was— when we put all of that together, there was a unanimous recommendation from the _ there was a unanimous recommendation from the national security team and president _ from the national security team and president biden ultimately decided

in consultation with our partners and members of congress to move forward _ and members of congress to move forward. g ., . .,, ., ,., and members of congress to move forward. g ., . .,, ., i. , forward. jacob, are you satisfied with the pace — forward. jacob, are you satisfied with the pace and _ forward. jacob, are you satisfied with the pace and progress - forward. jacob, are you satisfied with the pace and progress of. forward. jacob, are you satisfied | with the pace and progress of the ukrainian country offensive thus far question mark we will leave that press conference there, jake sullivan, national security adviser at the white house something that's bringing nomia iqbal. jake at the white house something that's bringing nomia iqbal.— bringing nomia iqbal. jake sullivan said ukraine _ bringing nomia iqbal. jake sullivan said ukraine asking _ bringing nomia iqbal. jake sullivan said ukraine asking for _ bringing nomia iqbal. jake sullivan said ukraine asking for these - said ukraine asking for these munitions for some time, what does it is a question mark he pretty much did confirm that us will be sending cluster munitions but he said the pentagon will be confirming that information later this afternoon. he: said ukraine needs are artillery at the core of the conflict and is critical to supply ukraine with the bridge of supplies. he makes a point that america always makes which is they want leave ukraine vulnerable. what's he's ultimately saying is that russia has been using munitions and ukraine is thereforejustified in using them to, and russia has

been using them, and his point is that these munitions, heavy and lower failure rates than the ones that serve have been used, there will not be as risky to civilians. he also made a point, i will quote you, the ukrainians are using it on their territory, to defend their territory so they are highly motivated to reduce civilian harm. he also said that they do have allies on board at he spent some time making sure that everyone would get on board in the end.— get on board in the end. nomia iqbal in washington. _ get on board in the end. nomia iqbal and a fresher feel to in washington, thank _ get on board in the end. nomia iqbal in washington, thank you _ get on board in the end. nomia iqbal in washington, thank you for - get on board in the end. nomia iqbal in washington, thank you for giving l in washington, thank you for giving the weather as thank you for giving in washington, thank you for giving us your analysis and we will very us your analysis and shortly be hearing from the pentagon, we are expecting a news conference in the next 30 minutes. so do stay with us here on bbc news. hello there. we had quite a mixed weather picture for friday,

certainly for scotland and northern ireland. we started the day with rather grey and cloudy skies, like these. and the rain that we had that started on thursday lasted into the first part of friday morning, bringing about a third of a month's worth of rain in places, so it was really quite a wet spell of weather. even as that cleared, there were just one or two showers that followed through through the afternoon. but, generally, the weather at least did turn brighter. further south across england, wales, different story — lots of sunshine, both morning and afternoon, and blue sunny skies like these in eastbourne were really commonplace. it was also a hot day across parts of eastern england. that's where we had the highest temperatures, with highs hitting the 30—degree mark in london's st james's park, but 28 there for hull and for cambridge as well. overnight tonight, we'll keep those dry weather conditions going for the vast majority of the uk. it's a night where, well, it's going to be quite warm, really, with temperatures for northern ireland, england and wales, about 18—20 degrees for our towns and cities. a bit fresher and more comfortable in scotland. tomorrow, well, it should be a fine

and sunny start to the day, but showers get going quickly for northern ireland, wales and western england. they'll turn thundery through the morning, and then, into the afternoon, those storms start to leap northwards into northern england and scotland as well, with some really torrential downpours possible. now, in the heaviest of those downpours, we could see around 50 millimetres of rain in the space ofjust a few hours. and that could bring some communities flash flooding, but there'll be others at the same time, they completely dodge the rain and stay dry, with sunny weather all day. now, the highest temperature is probably again across eastern england, upper 20s here, but 27 or so for northern scotland, where it's going to be a warmer day overall compared with friday. at the wimbledon tennis championships, yes, you might well see a rain delay. there could be some showers around, but they could turn up just about any time. now, saturday, night—time thunderstorms work across northern england and scotland. lots of thunder and lightning in these still with some hefty downpours, and those storms still around for the first part of sunday clearing northwards out of the way. we might also see some

storms come up from france to clipper eastern england. otherwise, a dry and sunny morning with showers developing from the south and west into the afternoon with a few thunderstorms around. overall, temperatures a little bit lower, generally low—to—mid 20s, and a fresher feel to the weather as well.