hello, i'm christian fraser. this is the context. ukraine's action on the battlefield speaks for itself. we as a nation and as a government are doubling down on our support for ukraine. a line has been crossed, yet another, and russia will now have to consider how it's going to respond. when you bear in mind - what storm shadow is capable of, it has a very substantial payload and is designed - to cause damage to - well—reinforced structures. russia can make things complicated, for instance, in the middle east or on the korean peninsula. and that is something that we should be expecting.

ukraine has hit targets inside russia, using the british storm shadow for the first time. joe biden is sending anti—personnel mines to ukraine and another significant tranche of military aid. so what does it all add up to? we have got a special edition tonight of the security brief. and we will get the thoughts of the former british ambassador to ukraine. also tonight, job cuts at ford. a slump in ev sales will means 4,000 jobs go across europe. do we have the right strategy for electric cars? and, look, no hands, the advent of the neural earbuds, used for the first time to fly a 737 airliner. welcome to the programme. the bbc has learned that ukraine has fired a british—made storm shadow missile into russian

territory for the first time. it's thought they were fired on at least one target inside russia, and it comes just a day after ukraine fired the us—made ballistic missiles known as atacms into a neighbouring russian region. british weapons have been used on russian soil before in this war — notably, the challenger tanks. and the storm shadow has been used in crimea. but that is considered, under international law, part of ukraine territory. the uk government is downplaying the significance, but for putin and those around him, it marks a significant shift. he has warned consistently that if british missiles were fired at russia, then the uk would move from being considered an ally of ukraine to becoming a full participant in the war. we as a nation and as a government are doubling down on our support for ukraine. and determines to do more. i discussed this with minister umerov in the call yesterday, where he talked about the robust response that ukraine is making the recent

russian escalations — that's the escalation in the attacks on ukrainian cities and children, the escalation in attacks on their energy system and the escalation with deploying 10,000 north korean troops in combat positions on the front line. we discussed also our plans as the uk to support them throughout 2025. madam deputy speaker, i remain committed to keeping parliament as fully informed as possible, and the honourable gentleman and the house, i think, will understand the reasons why, at this point, i'm not able to go into any further operational details. there have been other developments today. the white house has announced more military aid for ukraine worth up to $275 million most of it to "meet critical battlefield needs". that will include munitions for rocket systems, artillery, tank weapons. and for the first time, they will be sending anti—personnel landmines — another red line the adminstration has crossed out.

we are told they are a "nonpersistent" kind, meaning they become inert after a period of time. altogether, it feels like an escalation before trump's proposed negotiation. in kyiv today, the us embassy was closed for the first time since 2022, as were other western embassies. they are braced for another massive aerial bombardment. there is lot to discuss. it is a perfect night for the security brief. mikey is here. mikey kay, former senior british officer who for 20 years flew assault helicopters for the raf. he's a former strategic military planner. and whenever we do this segment, he leads it as he would were he still in the military. does feel like a fast as playing situation. we have had the first use of the atacms, the first use of the atacms, the first use of the storm shadows, the announcement on the landmines today. what are

you seeing?— the landmines today. what are you seeing? yeah, it has been a raid you seeing? yeah, it has been a rapid three _ you seeing? yeah, it has been a rapid three days, _ you seeing? yeah, it has been a rapid three days, or _ you seeing? yeah, it has been a rapid three days, or last - you seeing? yeah, it has been a rapid three days, or last 72 - rapid three days, or last 72 hours, in terms of policymaking decisions. let's look at what that means on a map. what we can see here is we have now got effectively a layered defence system where zelensky can long—range deep strike using hi mars, 50 miles, you can go to store shadow which and go out at 150 miles and then atacms, which goes out to 190, and what we can see on the map here is we can see on the map here is we have got an area called kursk which comes well within the range of both storm shadow and atacms. atacms was used on monday, to the northwest of kursk, so what seeing now, christian, is effectively a basket, a picnic basket full of defence weapons and deep strike weapons that zelensky now has a. , ., h, ,, ., a. remind us about the storm shadow of _ a. remind us about the storm shadow of what _ a. remind us about the storm shadow of what it _ a. remind us about the storm shadow of what it is _ a. remind us about the storm

shadow of what it is and - a. remind us about the storm shadow of what it is and how. a. remind us about the storm| shadow of what it is and how it is being delivered.— is being delivered. yeah, the delivery point _ is being delivered. yeah, the delivery point is _ is being delivered. yeah, the delivery point is really - delivery point is really important and we will come unto that in a second, but go to the slide, please, that's the storm shadow and the scalp, the french version, exactly the same just called a different name, the su 2a has been modified, the storm shadow has been modified to be able to drop two of those. in been modified to be able to drop two of those. in months? the procuring _ drop two of those. in months? the procuring process - drop two of those. in months? the procuring process of- drop two of those. in months? the procuring process of the l the procuring process of the storm shadow was a long time, we're probably talking out of a decade, the recurrent process to modify the storm shadow and the scalp onto an aircraft such as the su 2a, i think surprise as the su 2a, i think surprise a lot of people in terms of how quickly it could be done. months if not within a year for sure. at months if not within a year for sure. ~ ., months if not within a year for sure. �* ., ., months if not within a year for sure, �* ., ., ., months if not within a year for sure. ~ ., ., ., sure. a lot of our library footages _ sure. a lot of our library footages showing - sure. a lot of our library - footages showing tornadoes going out with the storm shadow. going out with the storm shadow— going out with the storm shadow. . , , , m shadow. yeah. typhoons. sorry. and quite _ shadow. yeah. typhoons. sorry. and quite obviously, _ shadow. yeah. typhoons. sorry. and quite obviously, the - and quite obviously, the typhoons have delivered it. the libra

typhoons have delivered it. tue: library footage typhoons have delivered it. tte: library footage we typhoons have delivered it. "tte: library footage we have typhoons have delivered it. t'te: library footage we have seen today, and it is a really important point you raise, is likely footage of what the storm shadow was originally made for, and that was originally made for the tornado. storm shadow was modified for the typhoon, and they are the pictures you been seeing today that have been uploaded onto the typhoon, the typhoon taxing down the runway, but it is imperative to understand that that is not the delivery system. the delivery system is the issue to any four. if we can go to slide, please. this is a video from ukrainian air force oven nsu 24, ukrainian air force oven nsu 2a, a long—range strike fighter bomber, he can travel up to speeds of mikey, and what you're seeing there is to storm shadows, orscalps, you're seeing there is to storm shadows, or scalps, we don't actually know —— speeds of mach two. what is it being used on? if we go back to the side of the rangers, what is important at the moment is that biden originally approved atacms for

the kursk region. that is where the kursk region. that is where the main effort is going at the moment. we spoke on security brief two weeks ago about how there was a build up of north korean troops, some numbers saying up to 50,000, combined russian dvr trips in the kursk region. this is what the storm shadow will be going after. the lidsey will be going after high—value, strategic assets such as command and control systems. these will be in bunkers and the storm shadow in the scalp is a bunker busters. lies it specifically good at that? it lies it specifically good at that? ., , , lies it specifically good at that? , , , that? it has 'ust been designed for that. that? it hasjust been designed for that. the _ that? it hasjust been designed for that. the storm _ that? it hasjust been designed for that. the storm shadow - that? it hasjust been designed | for that. the storm shadow can travel up to 600 mph. when it gets released off the jets, travel up to 600 mph. when it gets released off thejets, as was on the footage there, it will descend from the pop up using gps cornets and just... they would be on the ukrainian side of the border, would they, where they release this? absolutely, and that is for air defence reasons. the ukrainians have to be really careful about the amount of air assets they are using. effectively, the su

24 is only one that can carry this capability, storm shadow or scalp, so that has now become a prized asset, almost a strategic asset, so i do rightly say, they want to stand off a little bit so they are outside of russian air defence. we have not had a confirmation that it has been used from the ministry of defence, we did not have a statement from the defence academic today, there is been the strategy of ambiguity, which we saw going back to the g20 with keir starmer at the last two days. and i would suppose they will maintain that, right? and that's important. when we talk of these fragments of missiles we are seeing, as you say, it could be the scalp. tt we are seeing, as you say, it could be the scalp.— could be the scalp. it could be, could be the scalp. it could be. and — could be the scalp. it could be. and sir _ could be the scalp. it could be, and sir keir _ could be the scalp. it could be, and sir keir starmer i could be the scalp. it couldl be, and sir keir starmer has could be the scalp. it could - be, and sir keir starmer has at the g20 held his cards very, very close to his chest, and as a military planner, ora very close to his chest, and as a military planner, or a former planner, you don't want politicians telegraphing what your next moves are going to be, you don't want to be giving poutine the ammunition in terms of where he now has his air defence systems of his airfield, his bunkers that are

now in a vulnerable position, psyche went to sir keir starmer did was absolutely correct —— so i think what keir starmer did. next slide, please, a storm shadow slash scalp, the point of this is a look exactly the same. until we get aptly verified evidence of debris, fragmentation, if we've got a uk government minister or senior mod officialfrom uk government minister or senior mod official from the uk government minister or senior mod officialfrom the uk saying, yes, we approved storm shadow and storm shadow was used, then there's always a small sort of area of ambiguity as to whether that could be scalp, and it is important just that we have not heard from the french government as well. ~ ~ , from the french government as well. , ., ~ from the french government as well. , . ~' , well. mikey, thank you very much. well. mikey, thank you very much- you _ well. mikey, thank you very much. you will— well. mikey, thank you very much. you will be - well. mikey, thank you very much. you will be back - well. mikey, thank you very| much. you will be back later well. mikey, thank you very i much. you will be back later in the programme, but thank you very much. that decision the white house has taken to send landmines to ukraine, as mikey suggested, underscores the growing unease there is within the biden administration over the current battlefield situation. russia is making slow incremental gains — costly, yes, but they are advancing. it is another biden reversal,

some might say too late. and there are obvious questions over what the repercussions will be. concerns in kyiv exacerbated by the decision today to close western embassies. by all accounts, the shelters in the city were a little fuller today. with us, ambassador john herbst, senior director of the atlantic council's eurasia center, former us ambassador to ukraine from 2003 to 2006, and vadym prystaiko, former ukraine's foreing minister from 2019 to 2020, also ukrainian ambassador to nato from 2017 to 2019. just the right people to discuss where we are at tonight, thank you for being with us. john herbst, first of all, the us had early this money was closing its embassy due to information about a significant air attack. the italians of the spaniards, the greeks, they'll close their embassies. does that tell us there is a response coming? t there is a response coming? i think that that's the expectation, that putin not

happy— expectation, that putin not happy with the decision on the atacms — happy with the decision on the atacms has decided this is how he would — atacms has decided this is how he would respond, not with nukes — he would respond, not with nukes as_ he would respond, not with nukes as he was threatening, which — nukes as he was threatening, which is — nukes as he was threatening, which is his normal tactic, to threaten _ which is his normal tactic, to threaten but not do.- threaten but not do. why do you think joe threaten but not do. why do you thinkjoe biden _ threaten but not do. why do you thinkjoe biden is _ threaten but not do. why do you thinkjoe biden is taking - threaten but not do. why do you thinkjoe biden is taking this - thinkjoe biden is taking this flurry of decisions over the last week or so? he seems to have scrubbed out all his redlines.— have scrubbed out all his redlines. ~ �* ., , ., ., redlines. well, biden has had a consistent _ redlines. well, biden has had a consistent pattern _ redlines. well, biden has had a consistent pattern since - redlines. well, biden has had a consistent pattern since the - consistent pattern since the first — consistent pattern since the first days of the big invasion, which — first days of the big invasion, which was _ first days of the big invasion, which was out of timidity because he was intimidated by putin's— because he was intimidated by putin's nuclear threats, to say no to— putin's nuclear threats, to say no to very— putin's nuclear threats, to say no to very reasonable request for weapon systems, and because those _ for weapon systems, and because those reports were reasonable, overtime, — those reports were reasonable, overtime, he change his mind. so this— overtime, he change his mind. so this is— overtime, he change his mind. so this is the fourth or fifth time — so this is the fourth or fifth time it— so this is the fourth or fifth time it has happened, with the longer—range missiles. we saw it with — longer—range missiles. we saw it with patriots. we side with atacms. _ it with patriots. we side with atacms, the supply of atacms, and now— atacms, the supply of atacms, and now the decision to use, so this is— and now the decision to use, so this is the — and now the decision to use, so this is the standard pattern of the biden team, and other steps he has _ the biden team, and other steps he has taken about moving other miiitary— he has taken about moving other

military equipment, we have seen — military equipment, we have seen this— military equipment, we have seen this throughout. that is nothing — seen this throughout. that is nothing new.— nothing new. are you suggesting. - nothing new. are you suggesting, then, . nothing new. are you i suggesting, then, they nothing new. are you - suggesting, then, they take less seriously the threats from lender approved that he would turn to nuclear weapons? —— from vladimir putin. turn to nuclear weapons? -- from vladimir putin.- turn to nuclear weapons? -- from vladimir putin. have over time, from vladimir putin. have over time. again. — from vladimir putin. have over time, again, refused _ from vladimir putin. have over time, again, refused to - from vladimir putin. have over| time, again, refused to provide weapons — time, again, refused to provide weapons in a timely fashion because _ weapons in a timely fashion because they were fooled by, intended by putin's nuclear threats, _ intended by putin's nuclear threats, then they got accustomed to the concept of giving — accustomed to the concept of giving the weapons and they finally — giving the weapons and they finally gave them, and that has consistent to this decision now, _ consistent to this decision now. it _ consistent to this decision now. it is _ consistent to this decision now, it is nothing new, and to call— now, it is nothing new, and to call it— now, it is nothing new, and to call it a — now, it is nothing new, and to call it a major escalation i think— call it a major escalation i think is— call it a major escalation i think is simply wrong. the major— think is simply wrong. the major escalation is the introduction of at least 10,000 north— introduction of at least 10,000 north korean troops from 9000 fighting — north korean troops from 9000 fighting a war in aggression. putin— fighting a war in aggression. putin has— fighting a war in aggression. putin has consistently said when you talk about these longer—range missiles that if the uk were to use, or the ukrainian word to use the uk missiles, the uk would be seen as a participant in the war rather than an ally. do you

think from a uk perspective this increases the threat level at home? ., this increases the threat level at home?— at home? no. we have seen russian threats _ at home? no. we have seen russian threats going - at home? no. we have seen russian threats going to - at home? no. we have seen russian threats going to the | russian threats going to the first— russian threats going to the first stage of the big invasion of many— first stage of the big invasion of many of which have proved to be of many of which have proved to he simply— of many of which have proved to be simply toothless. whether it was about we did in ukraine joining— was about we did in ukraine joining nato, sweden and ukraine, sweden and finland joining — ukraine, sweden and finland joining ditto, it strikes into crimea, all these things, putin— into crimea, all these things, putin waived his nuclear want, and for— putin waived his nuclear want, and for a — putin waived his nuclear want, and for a time that would intimidate especially biden and schoiz — intimidate especially biden and scholz. by and large, the british— scholz. by and large, the british have been pretty strong on this, — british have been pretty strong on this, they have not been intimidated by russia's nuclear threats, — intimidated by russia's nuclear threats, and then eventually the biden team would come down and send — the biden team would come down and send the stuff they should have _ and send the stuff they should have set — and send the stuff they should have set month or even years eartier~ — have set month or even years earlier. . ~ have set month or even years earlier. ., ~ ., ., ,., earlier. talk to me about the feelin . s earlier. talk to me about the feelings in — earlier. talk to me about the feelings in kyiv _ earlier. talk to me about the feelings in kyiv today, - earlier. talk to me about the l feelings in kyiv today, because i mentioned the shelters were a little fuller, people were unnerved by the fact that some of the main embassies were closing. is there a heightened

sense of concern in kyiv at the moment?— sense of concern in kyiv at the moment? ., ., .,. moment? you are right, the fact the american — moment? you are right, the fact the american embassy _ moment? you are right, the fact the american embassy was - moment? you are right, the fact the american embassy was shut | the american embassy was shut down _ the american embassy was shut down for— the american embassy was shut down for a — the american embassy was shut down for a day— — it's not close down or abandoned _ — it's not close down or abandoned like - — it's not close down or abandoned like it - — it's not close down or abandoned like it was i — it's not close down orl abandoned like it was at — it's not close down or- abandoned like it was at the start— abandoned like it was at the start of— abandoned like it was at the start of the _ abandoned like it was at the start of the war _ abandoned like it was at the start of the war — _ abandoned like it was at the start of the war — gives - abandoned like it was at the start of the war — gives the i start of the war — gives the three — start of the war — gives the three other— start of the war — gives the three other nations, - start of the war — gives the three other nations, they. three other nations, they overreacted _ three other nations, they overreacted a _ three other nations, they overreacted a bit. - three other nations, they overreacted a bit. you're| overreacted a bit. you're right, _ overreacted a bit. you're right, ukrainian- overreacted a bit. you're - right, ukrainian sometimes, they— right, ukrainian sometimes, they worry— right, ukrainian sometimes, they worry when _ right, ukrainian sometimes, they worry when the - right, ukrainian sometimes, they worry when the nights. right, ukrainian sometimes, . they worry when the nights are quite. — they worry when the nights are quite. meaning— they worry when the nights are quite, meaning that _ they worry when the nights are quite, meaning that russia - they worry when the nights are quite, meaning that russia is. quite, meaning that russia is acutely— quite, meaning that russia is acutely more _ quite, meaning that russia is acutely more missiles - quite, meaning that russia is acutely more missiles to - acutely more missiles to overload _ acutely more missiles to overload our— acutely more missiles to overload our systems i acutely more missiles toi overload our systems and acutely more missiles to - overload our systems and supply of rockets — overload our systems and supply of rockets -- _ overload our systems and supply of rockets —— is _ overload our systems and supply of rockets —— is accumulating - of rockets —— is accumulating more — of rockets —— is accumulating more today— of rockets —— is accumulating more today is _ of rockets —— is accumulating more. today is 1001 - of rockets —— is accumulating more. today is 1001 day- of rockets —— is accumulating more. today is 1001 day of. of rockets —— is accumulating i more. today is 1001 day of our war~ _ more. today is 1001 day of our war~ it's — more. today is 1001 day of our war. it's quite. _ more. today is 1001 day of our war. it's quite, quite _ more. today is 1001 day of our war. it's quite, quite usual- war. it's quite, quite usual stuff— war. it's quite, quite usual stuff for— war. it's quite, quite usual stuff for us. _ war. it's quite, quite usual stuff for us. in _ war. it's quite, quite usual stuff for us.— stuff for us. in respect of defence _ stuff for us. in respect of defence because - stuff for us. in respect of. defence because residents stuff for us. in respect of - defence because residents of lenski has talked about this and awful lot, he does not feel he is getting enough supply of air defence missiles, do you have enough to defend the capital? have enough to defend the caital? , .,

capital? right, but we not defending _ capital? right, but we not defending the _ capital? right, but we not defending the capital- capital? right, but we not defending the capital and | capital? right, but we not. defending the capital and this is very— defending the capital and this is very close _ defending the capital and this is very close to _ defending the capital and this is very close to what - defending the capital and thisj is very close to what urination went — is very close to what urination went through _ is very close to what urination went through when _ is very close to what urination went through when many - is very close to what urination . went through when many cities, especially— went through when many cities, especially industrial— went through when many cities, especially industrial sites, - went through when many cities, especially industrial sites, it - especially industrial sites, it etc, _ especially industrial sites, it etc, or— especially industrial sites, it etc, or bomb. _ especially industrial sites, it etc, or bomb. yesterday, i especially industrial sites, it etc, or bomb. yesterday, ai etc, or bomb. yesterday, a tiny, — etc, or bomb. yesterday, a tiny. teeny— etc, or bomb. yesterday, a tiny, teeny town, - etc, or bomb. yesterday, a tiny, teeny town, i- etc, or bomb. yesterday, a . tiny, teeny town, i personally have — tiny, teeny town, i personally have no— tiny, teeny town, i personally have no idea _ tiny, teeny town, i personally have no idea where _ tiny, teeny town, i personally have no idea where it- tiny, teeny town, i personally have no idea where it is- tiny, teeny town, i personally have no idea where it is that. have no idea where it is that in ukraine, _ have no idea where it is that in ukraine, people - have no idea where it is that in ukraine, people were - have no idea where it is that i in ukraine, people were killed, including — in ukraine, people were killed, including one _ in ukraine, people were killed, including one child. _ in ukraine, people were killed, including one child. so - in ukraine, people were killed, including one child. so it's- including one child. so it's glowing _ including one child. so it's glowing all— including one child. so it's glowing all around - including one child. so it's glowing all around the - including one child. so it's- glowing all around the nation. fortunately. _ glowing all around the nation. fortunately, we _ glowing all around the nation. fortunately, we have - glowing all around the nation. fortunately, we have now- fortunately, we have now patriot— fortunately, we have now patriot and _ fortunately, we have now patriot and other - fortunately, we have now patriot and other things . patriot and other things provided _ patriot and other things provided by— patriot and other things provided by allies - patriot and other things provided by allies and l patriot and other things i provided by allies and we patriot and other things - provided by allies and we are trying — provided by allies and we are trying our— provided by allies and we are trying our best _ provided by allies and we are trying our best to _ provided by allies and we are trying our best to protect - provided by allies and we are trying our best to protect our nation, — trying our best to protect our nation, but _ trying our best to protect our nation, but kyiv, _ trying our best to protect our nation, but kyiv, yes, - trying our best to protect our nation, but kyiv, yes, his. nation, but kyiv, yes, his obvious— nation, but kyiv, yes, his obvious target, _ nation, but kyiv, yes, his obvious target, 0desa i nation, but kyiv, yes, his obvious target, 0desa isl obvious target, 0desa is another— obvious target, 0desa is another one, _ obvious target, 0desa is another one, and- obvious target, 0desa is another one, and all- obvious target, 0desa is another one, and all thej obvious target, 0desa is - another one, and all the big cities — another one, and all the big cities. ., ., , ., cities. how do you square the statement — cities. how do you square the statement we _ cities. how do you square the statement we have _ cities. how do you square the statement we have had - cities. how do you square the statement we have had from | cities. how do you square the i statement we have had from the french and the uk size this week at the g20, who say, ukraine can have a weapons it needs for as it wants, with the us position, which of course is going to change fundamentally in two months�* time? going to change fundamentally in two months' time?— in two months' time? that's wh , i in two months' time? that's why. i guess. _ in two months' time? that's why, i guess, the _ in two months' time? that's why, i guess, the biden i why, i guess, the biden demonstration - why, i guess, the biden demonstration is - why, i guess, the biden demonstration is trying | why, i guess, the biden.

demonstration is trying to why, i guess, the biden- demonstration is trying to give way is — demonstration is trying to give way is much _ demonstration is trying to give way is much as— demonstration is trying to give way is much as they _ demonstration is trying to give way is much as they could, i demonstration is trying to give i way is much as they could, what the finance _ way is much as they could, what the finance of— way is much as they could, what the finance of all— way is much as they could, what the finance of all allow- the finance of all allow them, and logistics, _ the finance of all allow them, and logistics, because - the finance of all allow them, and logistics, because somel and logistics, because some people — and logistics, because some people are _ and logistics, because some people are nervous - and logistics, because some people are nervous whether| and logistics, because some i people are nervous whether the incoming — people are nervous whether the incoming and _ people are nervous whether the incoming and ministration- people are nervous whether the incoming and ministration will. incoming and ministration will be incoming and ministration will he as— incoming and ministration will he as willing _ incoming and ministration will be as willing to _ incoming and ministration will be as willing to provide - incoming and ministration will be as willing to provide as i be as willing to provide as some _ be as willing to provide as some other— be as willing to provide as some other nations. - be as willing to provide as i some other nations. luckily, be as willing to provide as - some other nations. luckily, we have _ some other nations. luckily, we have britain— some other nations. luckily, we have britain as _ some other nations. luckily, we have britain as a _ some other nations. luckily, we have britain as a partner- some other nations. luckily, we have britain as a partner who i have britain as a partner who is providing _ have britain as a partner who is providing the _ have britain as a partner who is providing the long—range l is providing the long—range missile _ is providing the long—range missile for— is providing the long—range missile for quite _ is providing the long—range missile for quite a - is providing the long—range missile for quite a long i is providing the long—range . missile for quite a long time, and _ missile for quite a long time, and then— missile for quite a long time, and then the _ missile for quite a long time, and then the americans i missile for quite a long time, i and then the americans came, either— and then the americans came, either way, _ and then the americans came, eitherway, i_ and then the americans came, either way, i have _ and then the americans came, either way, i have to _ and then the americans came, either way, i have to tell- and then the americans came, either way, i have to tell you i either way, i have to tell you i either way, i have to tell you i heard — either way, i have to tell you i heard the _ either way, i have to tell you i heard the previous - i heard the previous conversation, - i heard the previous conversation, and l i heard the previous conversation, and itj i heard the previous i conversation, and it was i heard the previous - conversation, and it was not that— conversation, and it was not that the _ conversation, and it was not that the missiles _ conversation, and it was not that the missiles are - conversation, and it was not| that the missiles are coming conversation, and it was not. that the missiles are coming to kursk. — that the missiles are coming to kursk. and _ that the missiles are coming to kursk, and the _ that the missiles are coming to kursk, and the crimea - that the missiles are coming to kursk, and the crimea was i that the missiles are coming to kursk, and the crimea was hitl kursk, and the crimea was hit before — kursk, and the crimea was hit before by— kursk, and the crimea was hit before. by the _ kursk, and the crimea was hit before. by the russian - before. by the russian constitution, _ before. by the russian constitution, they- before. by the russianj constitution, they have before. by the russian i constitution, they have the same — constitution, they have the same meaning, _ constitution, they have the same meaning, the- constitution, they have the same meaning, the same i constitution, they have the - same meaning, the same status, so i same meaning, the same status, so i would — same meaning, the same status, so i would not _ same meaning, the same status, so i would not worry— same meaning, the same status, so i would not worry much - same meaning, the same status, so i would not worry much abouti so i would not worry much about the escalation— so i would not worry much about the escalation now. _ so i would not worry much about the escalation now.— the escalation now. ambassador herbst, do _ the escalation now. ambassador herbst, do you _ the escalation now. ambassador herbst, do you buy _ the escalation now. ambassador herbst, do you buy into - the escalation now. ambassador herbst, do you buy into this i herbst, do you buy into this theory thatjoe biden is now supplying all of this kit because he is trying to assist the ukrainians in their bid to hold onto kursk, in the idea that if there is a negotiation coming, they have something to trade? t

coming, they have something to trade? ., �* ., ., , coming, they have something to trade? ., trade? i don't have any doubt that isiden — trade? i don't have any doubt that biden wants _ trade? i don't have any doubt that biden wants to _ trade? i don't have any doubt that biden wants to do i trade? i don't have any doubt that biden wants to do as i trade? i don't have any doubt i that biden wants to do as much as he _ that biden wants to do as much as he can — that biden wants to do as much as he can for ukraine within the — as he can for ukraine within the framework that he has set up. the framework that he has set up and — the framework that he has set up. and so he deserves credit for the — up. and so he deserves credit for the substantial aid the united _ for the substantial aid the united states has provided to ukraine, _ united states has provided to ukraine, for railing nato and partners _ ukraine, for railing nato and partners in support of ukraine, and again— partners in support of ukraine, and again i_ partners in support of ukraine, and again i mentioned the one serious — and again i mentioned the one serious weakness with this administration was the fact that— administration was the fact that they have been leery about sending — that they have been leery about sending advanced weapons what ukraine — sending advanced weapons what ukraine has always needed and, yes, _ ukraine has always needed and, yes, it _ ukraine has always needed and, yes, it is — ukraine has always needed and, yes, it is import for eventual negotiations that ukraine retain— negotiations that ukraine retain kursk. i credit zelensky and sear— retain kursk. i credit zelensky and sear for that operation. it was _ and sear for that operation. it was in — and sear for that operation. it was in the _ and sear for that operation. it was in the interest of ukraine despite — was in the interest of ukraine despite some back door criticism coming from other capitals, _ criticism coming from other capitals, so it is import they retain— capitals, so it is import they retain it. _ capitals, so it is import they retain it, and we don't know what — retain it, and we don't know what trump will do, but we should _ what trump will do, but we should prepare for any contingency. very cautiously optimistic that he will do the smart— optimistic that he will do the smart thing which is to make sure — smart thing which is to make sure that _ smart thing which is to make sure that ukraine is in a position— sure that ukraine is in a position that way negotiations come. — position that way negotiations come. it— position that way negotiations come, it has a reasonable

position— come, it has a reasonable position on the battlefield. very— position on the battlefield. very interesting. thank you very much for your time this evening, much appreciated. we'll take short break. you are watching the bbc, around the world and here in the uk.

you might think in a week when the russians have lowered their thresheold for using nuclear weapons, that would be the main talking point in the united states. but that's not how washington works. instead, the focus today was on the door of a congressional meeting room, where the house ethics committee is currently gathered, in private, to decide what to do about their report into matt gaetz. they are under significant internal pressure. gaetz is donald trump's pick to be the next attorney general. and the house speaker wants it buried. the report, which is finished, lays out the findings of their investigation

into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use — which most likely would have resulted in a censure, had gaetz not resigned from congress last week. joining me now is our senior north america correspondent gary 0'donoghue, who is on capitol hill. what do you think is going on hind that door? we what do you think is going on hind that door?— hind that door? we think it is actually over. _ hind that door? we think it is actually over. we _ hind that door? we think it is actually over. we think- hind that door? we think it is actually over. we think about ten minutes ago, they started to emerge from that committee and the people we have standing outside that door say they were saying nothing, could not discuss other any decisions had been made, any votes taken, but it does seem like there has been some sort of conclusion to that meeting. now, you said the report was finished. earlier today the chairman of document he said it was still being, what he called, finalised, so there is some doubt about what his status is, and there's certainly a mount of doubt ability would do about it. would you already know some of its contents because some of the lawyers for some of the people who gave evidence to

that committee have already told us what their clients said told us what their clients said to those ten members of congress. t to those ten members of congress-— to those ten members of congress. i can't believe it would not _ congress. i can't believe it would not be _ congress. i can't believe it would not be leaks, i congress. i can't believe it i would not be leaks, though. the houseis would not be leaks, though. the house is a pretty leaky place? it is a leaky place, but this committee is slightly different. it is ten members, five from each side, it sees itself as a bit above the fray, itself as a bit above the fray, it takes its work very seriously, does a lot of it quietly behind the scenes, and i think there's a slightly different ethnic going on within the ethics committee, if you like. now, clearly, we are in very, very partisan times, and that will have its impact inside even a body like that, but as things stand, it has been reasonably watertight in terms of the committee itself, but it is under enormous pressure, particularfrom democrats, to release this report, enormous pressure from a bunch of republicans not to release this report, and this

will only grow, i think, over the coming months, so leaks certainly are a possibility, publication a possibility as well, keeping a lid on this sort of stuff, does it ever really work? not really. no! meanwhile, _ really work? not really. no! meanwhile, we _ really work? not really. no! meanwhile, we have - really work? not really. no! meanwhile, we have got the incoming vice presidentjd vance walking matt gaetz around the senate, introducing him to those people who will sit on the committees, and i'm very sure they would do him the courtesy of a hearing privately. but is there any confidence that matt gaetz would be confirmed if it came to a vote? t would be confirmed if it came to a vote?— to a vote? i think the confidence _ to a vote? i think the confidence is - to a vote? i think the confidence is low i to a vote? i think the i confidence is low -ish, i to a vote? i think the - confidence is low -ish, i would confidence is low —ish, i would say, and seeing some republicans even today in the senate more generally saying that they think it's a very difficult path. we have seen some republicans on the judiciary committee and the senate also having some doubts. the margins are reasonably small. it looks like it will end up being 52 or 53 republicans in the senate to

4748 democrats, so you only need a very small and full to say, not so sure, to make it a very tight boat —— 40 seven, 48. and of course they know there will be all sorts of battles they want to win with other controversial nominees. matt gaetz is the most controversial among a bunch of controversial among a bunch of controversial nominees, so you can see how difficult his bar is at this stage, that's why they are in their early, two weeks after the election, two months before the inauguration, gladhanding, persuading and cajoling. gladhanding, persuading and ca'olinr. ., , cajoling. donald trump was asked last _ cajoling. donald trump was asked last night _ cajoling. donald trump was asked last night on - cajoling. donald trump was asked last night on his i cajoling. donald trump was asked last night on his way| cajoling. donald trump was l asked last night on his way to spacex in texas whether he had an alternative and he said, no, he still wants matt gaetz. in terms of the political capital he is going to burn through here, gary, to get what he wants, what do you think the thinking is within the transition team? t thinking is within the transition team? ., , transition team? i think they think they — transition team? i think they think they have _ transition team? i think they think they have sufficiently i think they have sufficiently captured this republican party

for political capital not to be so much of a calculation at this time. bear in mind, greatest political comeback of all time, probably true, they are absolutely delighted that they won this election, they are all in with the maga agenda. yes, of course, there's some residual sense of independence in the senate, it's an institution that has its traditions, prides itself on having an ability to advise and consent on these particular roles, a constitutional right, and of course editors have these six—year terms which means they are slightly more, slightly more immune to that kind of political pressure. all the same, it is donald trump's party and they will largely give him what he wants. gary, alwa s give him what he wants. gary, always good — give him what he wants. gary, always good to _ give him what he wants. gary, always good to talk _ give him what he wants. gary, always good to talk to - give him what he wants. gary, always good to talk to you. i give him what he wants. gary, | always good to talk to you. we will keep an eye on that door in case we get any announcements in the next hour or so. thank you so much to gary. we are going to take a short break. we will be back

after the break with some thoughts on electric vehicles and the job losses at ford. stay with us. hello there. it was a beautiful wintry scene across much of the country. still cold, even though we had some sunshine. there was some fresh snow earlier on, falling down some easternmost parts of england — that's moving away out into the north sea, and it's turning dry here. we do have this area of low pressure approaching the southwest by the end of the night, bringing some wet weather — and that, of course, is moving into the colder air. the northerly winds, which are tending to ease in many places, bringing more snow across inland parts of scotland. so, anotherfresh covering of snow here. a few more wintry showers over northern ireland and over the irish sea, so the risk of some icy patches here, too, and in the southwest, we get some wetter weather by the end of the night. another cold night, widespread frost, and those temperatures very similar to what we had last night.

but this time into tomorrow, more cloud across the southern counties of england. in the southwest, we're more likely to have some rain, some sleet, and mostly snow over the hills. but a stronger wind in northern ireland will blow wintry showers in here and over the irish sea. more snow into northern and western scotland — but for eastern parts of england it may well be dry this time, and it won't be as windy as today. but still going to be feeling cold wherever you are, and, if anything, temperatures maybe a degree or two lower than what we saw today. still in that cold air by the end of the week, so another widespread frost to start friday with some icy patches. could be a few blustery showers near these eastern coasts to move away. and then, the winds do become lighter, there'll be fewer showers coming in, and many places will be dry with some sunshine, as well. still cold, although friday could see temperatures just creeping up a little bit higher into the afternoon. but significant changes to come as we head into the weekend, because this deepening area of low pressure is heading towards the northwest of the uk. it could be the next named storm — it's certainly

going to bring some widespread, very strong winds on saturday, it's going to bring heavy rain and, for a while, some snow all the way from the vale of york up into scotland. i think the snow levels will tend to rise up onto the mountains as the wetter weather sweeps northwards and eastwards and draws in these very strong south—to—south westerly winds — which will draw in milder air, as well — so in the afternoon, temperatures in south wales and the south—west of england could be 14—15 celsius. and mild weather will continue into sunday and monday, but so will this very strong wind, and could be reaching gale force at times.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. ford announces plans to slash 4,00 jobs across europe — part of a major cost—cutting programme. before he gets to that, let's call in on the sports desk. lizzie is there for us. hello. we're starting with football and an important british match—up in the women's champions league — chelsea are playing celtic at stamford bridge. and chelsea, who are in flying form are 2—0 up — england's lucy bronze scoring inside 65 seconds and they've just got a second. if the score stays like this, it will be chelsea's 11th consecutive win in all competitions and they'll qualify for the quarter—finals with two games to spare. celtic are bottom of the table.

pep guardiola has agreed to extend his