Kyiv wakes up to loud explosions as Russia launches drone and missile attacks – after Zelensky’s whirlwind Europe arms visit May 16, 2023 Loud explosions sounded above Kyiv early on Tuesday as Russia launched an intense air attack on the capital using a combination of drones, cruise missiles and possible ballistic missiles. Russia’s latest attack on Kyiv was “exceptional in its density — the maximum number of attacking missiles in the shortest period of time”, said Serhii Popko, [...]
‘Welcome back!’: Sunak embraces Ukraine’s Zelensky as he visits UK in bid for more help to fight Russia May 15, 2023 The UK will provide Ukraine with air defence missiles and attack drones, Downing Street has announced, as Volodymyr Zelensky met Rishi Sunak at Chequers. In the latest leg of the Ukrainian president’s tour of western allies, Mr Zelensky said the two leaders would have “substantive negotiations” on the response to Russia’s invasion. Downing Street said [...]
Ukraine’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool: Is Moscow competing, can Russia vote and are they broadcasting it? May 12, 2023 The 67th Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Liverpool this year after the UK was chosen to host on behalf of war-torn Ukraine. It is the first time the competition has been held in the UK for 25 years – and Russia will not be competing. Why is Russia absent from the contest? Russia, [...]
UK donates long-range cruise missiles to help defence of Ukraine May 11, 2023 Ukrainians will have the “best chance to defend themselves” after the UK’s donation of Storm Shadow cruise missiles, the defence secretary has said. Ben Wallace confirmed that he and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had agreed to authorise the donation after continued Russian attacks on Ukraine. He told the House of Commons: “Today I can confirm [...]
Wagner Group: UK to put Russia mercenaries on proscribed terror list alongside ISIS May 10, 2023 The UK is set to designate Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group as a proscribed terrorist organisation, it is understood. The Times quoted a government source as saying the move was “imminent” and likely to be enacted within weeks after two months spent building a legal case. Proscription would make it a criminal offence to join Wagner, [...]
Ukraine ‘downs Russian hypersonic missile’ May 6, 2023 Ukraine’s air force claims to have downed a Russian hypersonic missile over Kyiv using Patriot defence systems recently acquired from allies. It is the first known time the country has been able to intercept one of Moscow’s most modern missiles. Air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Telegram that the Kinzhal-type ballistic missile was intercepted [...]
Number of Russians using London Commercial Court reaches new record despite sanctions May 4, 2023 A record number of Russian litigants have used the London Commercial Court in the past year despite sanctions imposed in the wake of the war in Ukraine, new research has revealed. The number of Russian litigants appearing in the Commercial Court, part of the Business and Property Courts of the High Court, rose by 41 [...]
DCMS chair reiterates need for sanctions on Russians amid ex-F1 driver Mazepin’s case May 4, 2023 The acting chair of a key parliamentary committee has reiterated the need for sanctions on Russian sportspeople amid news former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin is challenging the UK Foreign Secretary to overturn his. Mazepin and his father Dmitry were sanctioned by the UK, European Union and Canada as part of wide-reaching measures taken after Russian [...]
Coca-Cola HBC’s revenue fizzes almost 25 per cent – but Russia exit still hurts a year on May 3, 2023 Coca-Cola HBC AG, the bottling company of the soft drink giant, reported strong revenue growth at 22.2 per cent, but it continues to take a hit from withdrawal of its business in Russia last year. Net sales revenue were up 24.4 per cent, but the firm stated that foreign exchange movements, particularly currency devaluation in [...]
Pernod restarts exports of Beefeater gin to Russia – but Absolut vodka still contraband April 26, 2023 The world’s second-largest wine and spirits seller Pernod Ricard has restarted exports to Russia but insists it’s “not business as usual”. Beefeater gin will once more be drank in Moscow bars following the decision which was condemned by the Moral Rating Agency as “disgusting as it is ironic”. The company insisted it stands “firmly with [...]