in an address to the nation — president putin says russia has hit ukraine with a new type of missile. the international criminal court issues arrest wartants court issues arrest warrants for israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu and former defece minister yoav gallant, as well as a hamas leader, citing criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes. donald trump nominates donald trump nominates veteran prosecutor veteran prosecutor pam bondi as his new pam bondi as his new attorney—general after his attorney—general after his previous nominee matt gaetz previous nominee matt gaetz withdrew from consideration withdrew from consideration for the role. for the role. in the war. hello, i'm caitriona perry. hello, i'm caitriona perry. the pentagon has now the pentagon has now confirmed that russia confirmed that russia launched an experimental launched an experimental intermediate—range ballistic intermediate—range ballistic missile on ukraine. missile on ukraine. ukraine's president volodymyr ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky has called the attack zelensky has called the attack

a "clear and severe escalation" a "clear and severe escalation" in the war. in a surprise address to the nation, mr putin said the strike was a direct response to kyiv�*s use of western—supplied long range weapons just days ago. and he warned the united states and ukraine s other partners that the weapon could be used against their interests too. translation: combat testing for the missile system is been

missiles at russia. long—range missiles at russia. from this moment as we have underlined many times before the regional conflict in ukraine one provoked by the us has taken on elements of a global nature. in has taken on elements of a global nature.— global nature. in response president _ global nature. in response president putin _ global nature. in response president putin said - global nature. in response| president putin said russia targeted ukraine with a new intermediate range ballistic missile. dennis warning to country supplying keys with weapons. country supplying keys with weapons-— country supplying keys with weaons. ~ ,, ~ country supplying keys with weaons. �* ,, ~ ., weapons. translation: we have the riaht weapons. translation: we have the right to — weapons. translation: we have the right to use _ weapons. translation: we have the right to use our— weapons. translation: we have the right to use our weapons - the right to use our weapons against military facilities of countries that allow their weapons to be used against our sites. and if there is an escalation of aggression we will respond just as decisively and symmetrically. i recommend ruling elites of countries hatching plans to use their military forces against russia to think seriously about this.

for months, vladimir putin had been warning the west, you allow ukraine to use your long—range missiles to attack russia, and we will view that as nato countries entering a direct confrontation with moscow. but this national address is the starkest sign so far from mr putin that he is ready to hit back. the uk—made storm shadow has a maximum range of around 150 miles. moscow says ukraine fired missiles like these into russia's kursk region and accuses britain and america of escalating the war. the escalation at every turn, at every step, is coming from russia. they are the ones who are escalating this. they are the ones who started this war. it's because of their aggression into a sovereign territory, ukraine, and this war can end today. you hear us say this overand overagain. it can, if russia would stop the war and stop what they are doing with their aggression. but little prospect of a kremlin u—turn. vladimir putin has

delivered his warning. now he will wait to see if the west believes him. steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. russia says its new missile travels fast — up to 10 times the speed of sound. let's take a look at the path it reportedly took. ukraine says it targeted dnipro in eastern ukraine, and was fired from the russian region of astra—khan, about700 kilometers, or 435 miles away. it did not say what kind of warhead the missile had, or what type of missile it was. as each side ramps up its weaponry, and with a second donald trump administration on the horizon, ukrainians are bracing for what might come next in the conflict. our diplomatic correspondent, paul adams, sent us this report from dnipro before this morning's attack. russia's slow, grinding offensive in the east is driving a tide of human misery in front of it.

civilians fleeing as, one by one, their towns and villages come under fire and are occupied. the people on this train are exhausted, bewildered. they've been through hell. they barely know where they're going, let alone what the future holds. in a reception centre away from danger, a stage full of loss, despair and trauma. it's often the elderly who leave last. 83—year—old katerina says the war consumed her village a month ago. suddenly she could hear jets and explosions. she says it was like the lastjudgement. anastasia is here with her children, pets and a few might mean change. translation: we hope things will be better - and the war will end. that people will not be killed and homes will not be destroyed any more. i hope the new president will

be better than the current one. but will a new president lean on ukraine to abandon any hope of recovering what's been lost? andrei has paid a heavy price for his willingness to defend the country's borders. translation: i think the war will end one way or another. i either they'll agree to the 1991 borders or the territories will be surrendered. the main thing is that the war ends and people stop dying. opinion polls suggest that more and more ukrainians agree. but can donald trump really afford to abandon ukraine, to simply walk away? as much as the fall of afghanistan inflicted a severe wound on the reputation of the foreign policy reputation of the biden administration, if the scenario that you mentioned is to be entertained by president trump, ukraine will become his

afghanistan with equal consequences. and i don't think this is what he's looking for. dnipro's cemetery. few places in ukraine do more to convey the scale of the disaster this country has endured. anyone attempting to end this war should really see it first. pauladams, bbc news, dnipro. for more on the situation, i've been speaking to the retired lieutenant general douglas lute. he served as the us ambassador to nato from 2013 to 2017. put into context how does this new weapon that we've seen russia use compared to what's been used before now. it really only is different, it's only news because this is a longer—range russian missile than the missiles and air strikes that have been launched by russia against ukraine for the last

nearly three years now. it had no of significant impact on the ground so that it did have a tactical effect. it was significant in the sense that because it's a longer—range system it is governed by a protocol of advanced warning of tests and testing between the united states and russia. apparently there are at least reports that russia followed those protocols and notified in advance the so—called missile test. of course the test range was a strike on ukraine itself. that is different. the other thing however that is not different is that russia has used what the us refers to as dual capable systems. systems able to carry both conventional warheads as well as nuclear warheads. they've used those systems in the past and repeatedly against civilian infrastructure in ukraine over the last nearly three years.

that part is not different. putin said there is no air defence system capable of stopping it — is he right? i would have to know more about the missile in question. it appears that this was a medium—range or intermediate range ballistic missile. and it is not correct in the sense that we do have defenses. very high end sophisticated and imperfect defenses against ballistic missiles. but we would have to know more about the technical specification of this particular weapon. when we've heard from joe biden that he was holding off allowing ukraine to use these longer—range missiles, atacms in russia because he had thesejoe biden had said he was holding off allowing ukraine to use fears of retaliation. the long range missiles, atackms in russia because of is this the kind of retaliation he was fearful of,

do you think? i think he was more fearful of putin actually following up on his repeated rhetoric that he may cross the nuclear threshold. so less in terms of the nature of the system that is being fired, the launch capability, the vehicle is being launched against ukraine but more in terms of the type of warhead. repeatedly in the last three years during the war ukraine putin has warned or hinted that he might be pressed to a nuclear response. we don't see that happening. we don't see any preparations for the use of nuclear weapons. my view is that the deterrence threat against his crossing the nuclear threshold, it was issued in the first days after the war and was reinforced by putin to allies, prime minister modi of india and president gee of china. that nuclear deterrence equation is still in effect.

the international criminal court issued arrest warrants on thursday for the israeli prime minister, his former defence minister, and a hamas military leader over alleged war crimes. in their ruling, a three—judge panel stated:both individuals, referring to benjamin netanyahu and yoav gallant, intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity." the court says this "created conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in gaza." in response, netanyahu called the icc�*s move "anti—israeli" — saying it "would not prevent him from countinuing to defend his country". the icc also issued a warrant for hamas's military commander mohammed deif — who's believed to be dead. our correspondent lucy williamson filed this report from jerusalem. the chamber believes his responsible for crimes against

humanity in terms of murder, extermination, murder, rape and otherforms. israel says it killed him earlier this year although the court says is not in a position to determine that. lucy williamson filed this report from jerusalem. the war that broke gaza, triggered by the crimes of hamas, has left israel's leaders facing criminal charges themselves. prime minister benjamin netanyahu and his former defence minister, yoav gallant, called to trial by the international criminal court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution and starvation as a method of war. a third arrest warrant was issued a third arrest warrant was mr netanyahu tonight called it a black day for nations. saying israel rejects with discussed the absurd and false

actions and charges against it. accusing the court of being biased and discriminatory. several countries including the netherlands and ireland say they will carry out the arrest warrants. no such explicit commitment from the prime minister spokesperson who said the uk remain focused on an immediate cease—fire in gaza. it's a nightmare for israel. we're in uncharted territories because israel and benjamin netanyahu are not like any one else. we're dealing with a country as his closest ally. the most powerful country in the world the united states of america. the court said there was no clear military justification for israel impeding humanitarian aid to gaza, and that restrictions on medicine had meant children enduring amputations without anaesthetic. little hope in gaza that today's ruling would change much. translation:

neta nyahu won't stop. neither this court nor- the whole world can stop him. the genocide will continue and we have no voice. - translation: this is all talk, but it won't change anything. l listen, i'm 5a years old and i've seen the world. they neverjudge the israeli military, not even the international criminal court. you should have made this decision along time ago. do you see how the people are suffering?— see how the people are suffering? see how the people are sufferinu? . :: , suffering? more than 70 people were killed _ suffering? more than 70 people were killed today _ suffering? more than 70 people were killed today in _ suffering? more than 70 people were killed today in israeli - were killed today in israeli strikes across gaza. one one it lost all three of her children. benjamin netanyahu presenting benjamin neta nyahu presenting himself benjamin netanyahu presenting himself as israel's protector. now risk becoming a pariah. lucy williamson,

bbc news, jerusalem. our correspondent anna holligan has more from the hague. both of these men are suspected of using starvation is a weapon of using starvation is a weapon of warfare and of deliberately directing military attacks against civilians in gaza. the arrest warrants issued by the icc pretrial chamber list a number of charges for that we could break them down on the arrest warrant it says, they have found reasonable grounds to believe benjamin netanyahu, yoav gallant deliberately deprived the civilians in gaza of objects indispensable to their survival including food, medical supplies, also impeded the delivery of humanitarian aid without they say any reasonable grounds to believe there were military justification to do so. they

say in this behavior which meant that people including children died of malnutrition and dehydration. the pretrial chamberjudges they amounted to murder as a crime against humanity. there are other charges listed including the judges say reasonable grounds to believe both men deprived a significant portion of the civilian population of their fundamental rights in gaza and were criminally responsible of the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilians in gaza, despite having the ability to prevent them. icc prosecutor karim khan has responded to the issuing of these arrest warrants, which he requested earlier this year. he said today, our collective mind and focus should be on the victims of international crimes. he also urged all member states to comply with these arrest

warrants, which essentially means that the 124 countries which have signed up to the icc�*s rome statute, its founding treaty, are now expected to execute these arrest warrants if benjamin netanyahu or yoav galant steps foot on their territory. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. the king has led tributes tojohn prescott, the former deputy prime minister, who's died at the age of 86. king charles spoke of his "decades of public service, his unique and indomitable character and his infectious sense of humour. sir keir starmer said lord prescott was a "true giant" of the labour movement. a british tourist has become the fifth person to die from suspected methanol poisoning in laos, in southeast asia. simone white, who was 28 and from kent, was among a number of people taken to hospital, afterfalling ill in the popular backpacking

town of vang vieng. methanol is a deadly substance often found in bootleg alcohol. a report by the charity commission has said relatives of the covid fundraiser, captain sir tom moore, received almost one—and—a—half million pounds from a book deal, but refused to give any of it to the foundation set up in his name. the family said this report had treated them "unfairly" and that the process was "unjust and excessive". you're live with bbc news. donald trump has nominated the veteran prosecutor pam bondi as his new attorney—general after his previous nominee matt gaetz withdrew from consideration for the role. ms bondi was one of mr trump's defence lawyers during his first impeachment trial in 2020. a long—time ally of

the president—elect, she previously served as attorney general of florida. mr trump said in that role she worked to stop trafficking of deadly drugs and reduced deaths from fentanyl overdose. the decision comes as mr gaetz was facing new allegations about a second sexual encounter, with a girl he had met at a party. the girl was reportedly 17 at the time. gaetz announced he was stepping down on x saying(ff gfx) gaetz announced he was stepping down on x saying �*while the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction. there is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted washington scuffle, thus i'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as attorney general. trump's doj must be in place and ready on day one. and we should be clear matt gaetz denies any wrongdoing. the president—elect responded to gaetz, sayingi greatly appreciate the recent efforts of matt gaetz in seeking approval to be attorney general.

he was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction. democratic senator chris coons from delaware and republican senator lindsay graham of south carolina both made comments about gaetz decision to stop down. look, the confirmation process is a key constitutional role that we should move relatively swiftly through the confirmation process but asks thorough questions. it is our role to make sure that the nominees confirmed are appropriate. i got the sense that the process would be challenged. here's what i would say, president nominated somebody that chose to not go forward and now he will nominate somebody else. as to what president trump will do next, we will see, but i am committed to helping them where i can. i will not be a rubber—stamp to his nominees, but i will also not engage in an angry mob mentality.

for more i've been speaking to molly ball, senior political correspondent for the wall streetjournal. do we know it led to him stepping down? former congressman gates was here in washington this week meeting with senators to gauge the receptiveness to his nomination. the senators quite concerned by the still unpublished ethics report detailing the allegations against him. he concluded that the votes are there for him to be confirmed for that as he said in his message that he did not want to be a distraction. president elect trump has nominated a number of unorthodox you might say, quite controversial nominees and there is a feeling that while he could have raised them

through the hearings and tried to defend himself they would bathe a spectacle and quite time—consuming. as he said in his message it certainly would've prevented president elect truck from being ready to go on date one with a functioning department of justice, with the attorney general installed. i5 justice, with the attorney general installed.- general installed. is pam nomination _ general installed. is pam nomination surprising - general installed. is pam nomination surprising or| general installed. is pam - nomination surprising or was that it expected? was he in the general running? i that it expected? was he in the general running?— general running? i think she was on a _ general running? i think she was on a lot _ general running? i think she was on a lot of— general running? i think she was on a lot of peoples - general running? i think she was on a lot of peoples lists | was on a lot of peoples lists or potential candidates for thisjob. —— pam bodi. this is just happen so i don't know a lot more about it. she is definitely one who is a favorite of republicans in florida and nationally she has been a strong ally for donald trump going back to his originalfirst term as president. someone who is quite well regarded by a lot of republicans for that as you say, florida is a very good state for donald trump. it used to be a swing state, has been

for a while. it is or donald trump makes his home. you have a lot of republicans coming and going from meet donald trump and ingratiate themselves and so pam bodi is certainly somebody who's been regarded as a stall wart conservative ally of president elect trump. did that florida _ of president elect trump. did that florida team will carry on through the cabinet. marco rubio has been nominated for secretary of state and some others. we were talking before the news broke about some of the news broke about some of the others who president elect trump has nominated who robert f kennedyjuniorfor trump has nominated who robert f kennedyjunior for example. will the decision by matt mcadoo to remove himself from the running have any impact on their positions, on their . -- gaetz. ithink . —— gaetz. ithink that . —— gaetz. i think that shines . -- gaetz. i think that shines briuhter . -- gaetz. i think that shines brighter light _ . -- gaetz. i think that shines brighter light on _ . -- gaetz. i think that shines brighter light on them - . -- gaetz. i think that shines brighter light on them matt i brighter light on them matt gaetz is no longer the most

controversial nominee in donald trump quiver. other quite controversial although not quite as disliked as matt gaetz who in addition to the controversy surrounding him simply had a lot of enemies on capitol hill for the various legislative stunts he is engaged in, including ousting the speaker of the house about a year ago. these other nominees already were being looked at rather we're lead the senate who have been saying that they want to withhold judgment, they want to give them a full vetting, they want to know the extent of their records. i think the fact that matt gaetz is not there now drawing most of the fire means we're probably going to hear a lot more about the controversy surrounding these other three in particular in the past day we learned the contents of a police report of a woman who accused him of sexual assault

many years ago. he was never charged with anything in that case but there are some quite lurid details in that report. he denies wrongdoing but i think we will hear a lot more about those allegations in the days and weeks to come. thank ou in days and weeks to come. thank you in any _ days and weeks to come. thank you in any wrongdoing - days and weeks to come. thank you in any wrongdoing and - days and weeks to come. thank you in any wrongdoing and says| you in any wrongdoing and says those relations were consensual. lots to talk about in the days and weeks no doubt. molly ball, senior political correspondent on the wall streetjournal, thank you for joining us on bbc news. a volcano in iceland is erupting for the tenth time in three years. the dramatic display continued late is going on right now as you can see from these live pictures. the eruption is sending fountains of lava and plumes of smoke into the air. local authorities say no infrastructure is currently threatened, but the small fishing town of grindavik, in the reykjanes peninsula, is being evacuated. stay with us here on bbc news.

hello! friday is another cold day coming up with a chance of seeing some further localised disruption. now, over recent hours we've seen very heavy snow showers push into northwest england and across the northwest midlands, north wales too. and upstream these very bright clouds, that's the trough bringing extra heavy showers across the irish sea. they're going to be working into cheshire, parts of greater manchester, the north west midlands, north wales too. some communities could see five centimetres of snow. wouldn't be surprised if one or two areas got closer to ten, where those showers tend to merge together to give some longer spells of snow. a cold start to friday, with a risk of icy stretches just about anywhere. you might even see a bit of snow on the ground around the chilterns, the greater london area, if those showers make it across the midlands. as we go through friday, many of the showers will tend to revert back to rain or sleet, and they'll tend to be draped around coastal areas, leaving many inland parts of the uk dry with plenty of sunshine. but it's another very cold day, temperatures for many are around four to six celsius into the weekend we've

got big problems thanks to this storm, bert. now this is going to be bringing multiple hazards to the uk friday night, as this rain bumps into the cold air, we could see a spell of snow, even at low levels, just about anywhere. it will turn back to rain in most cases. however, the met office have already issued an amber weather warning for the high ground of scotland. ten to 20cm here, some of the higher hills could see double that up to 40cm. and it's a similar story for the high ground of northern england. transport disruption, power cuts are possible. further west we've got very strong winds, gusts of around 60 or 70 miles an hour around our irish sea coast, and huge amounts of rain build up this weekend, particularly around the hills and coasts in the west, and especially for wales and south west england, where some of the high ground could pick up as much as 150mm of rain, bringing a significant risk of some flooding. if this continues to be indicated in our computer models, those yellow warnings could be upgraded to amber weather warnings. there will be a very slow

rise in temperatures. eventually it will turn milder across western areas. on sunday, but still bringing very strong winds with severe gales across the northwest of the uk. heavy rain across southern counties of england. blustery showers elsewhere, but it looks like bert will be bringing milder weather but a significant risk of disruption around this weekend.

this is bbc news. we'll have the headlines for you at the top of the hour, which is straight after this programme. welcome to hardtalk. i'm stephen sackur. there are different ways to dig deep into humanity's darkest, most painful experiences, such as war, oppression, and racism. my business journalism is one of them. historians do it at a greater distance. and then there are the artists who confront reality with an unflinching, imaginative eye, like my guest today, the film director, sir steve mcqueen. his ground—breaking film about slavery won an oscar. his latest, blitz, looks at the human impact of war. how important is it not to look away?