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Russia ramps up rhetoric but wants to avoid war with Nato, Western officials say
Western officials believe Vladimir Putin is seeking to avoid a direct war with Nato, despite sharper threats against the UK and other countries backing Ukraine. They view the rhetoric as part of Russia’s established effort to pressure Western governments, while reflecting the strain of a costly war and Ukrainian long-range attacks inside Russia. Officials nevertheless…
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The Who Rehearsed For Possible Tour With Zak Starkey Following Bitter Split: ‘It Sounded Great’
The Who have rehearsed with former long-term drummer Zak Starkey as they consider taking their Song Is Over farewell tour to Europe, suggesting their split may not be final. Roger Daltrey said the rehearsal “sounded great”, while Starkey described the session as especially strong and said he was happy to be playing with the band…
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Putin’s appetite for launching hybrid operations against Britain ‘is very clear’, say Western officials as desperate Putin escalates the conflict in Ukraine
Western officials have warned that Russia may intensify alleged “hybrid” activity against Britain, including sabotage and cyber operations, as the war in Ukraine continues. They said President Vladimir Putin appears determined to destabilise countries supporting Ukraine, while still seeking to avoid a direct confrontation with NATO; nevertheless, they cautioned that miscalculation remains a risk. The…
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Britain is still counting the cost – and paying the price – of Brexit
The editorial argues that Brexit continues to impose long-term economic and diplomatic costs on the UK, even where these effects are less visible than immediate disruptions. It says additional border procedures and regulatory requirements have made trade with the EU more difficult, reducing exports, investment and Britain’s influence in European policy-making. Citing analysis by Logistics…
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How does Larne’s European exit impact Irish League?
Larne’s dramatic UEFA Conference League play-off defeat has ended a poor European season for Irish Premiership clubs and could have lasting consequences for Northern Irish football. The result threatens Northern Ireland’s UEFA coefficient ranking, potentially reducing the league’s European allocation from four places to three and diminishing both sporting opportunities and income. Northern Ireland remain…
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Rangers count consequences of ‘devoid of quality’ European failure
Rangers’ European campaign ended before September after defeat to Jablonec, prompting anger among supporters and an admission from manager Derek McInnes that the performance was embarrassing. The exit matters because it removes a potentially important source of income, limits high-profile matches and intensifies scrutiny of a rebuilt side that has struggled to show cohesion or…
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True cost of Brexit on UK trade revealed as calls to rejoin single market grow
Logistics UK estimates that Brexit is costing the UK £11.7bn annually in lost exports compared with 2019, intensifying calls for closer trading arrangements with the EU. The findings matter because supporters of greater alignment argue that reduced trade barriers could support business growth, investment and productivity. The trade association said goods-export tonnage has fallen 20.7…
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Football Daily | Rangers and Celtic united by farce in Europe and sanctions at home
Celtic and Rangers both suffered damaging European exits, compounding a difficult week for Scottish football and leaving only Celtic and Hearts in continental competition. Celtic squandered a 4–0 aggregate lead against Lask, while Rangers lost on penalties to Jablonec after already exiting another qualifying competition; the results have increased scrutiny of Rangers manager Derek McInnes.…
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Kirill Sokolov to Direct Animated Feature ‘Alone in the Ocean,’ About Freediver Slava Kurilov’s Famed Escape From Soviet Union (EXCLUSIVE)
Russian filmmaker Kirill Sokolov will direct his first animated feature, “Alone in the Ocean”, based on freediver and oceanographer Slava Kurilov’s 1974 escape from the Soviet Union. The project matters because it will use a hybrid animated approach to portray both Kurilov’s dangerous physical journey and his pursuit of professional and personal freedom. Kurilov escaped…
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A gallery glow up, spooky sculpture and a magical modern – the week in art
This week’s art round-up highlights major new exhibitions across the UK, alongside obituaries and notable developments from the wider art world. – Durham’s new gallery opens with Victory Over the Sun, a light-art survey featuring Olafur Eliasson and Ceal Floyer. – Tate Modern presents a major Ana Mendieta exhibition, while Jupiter Artland shows Sgàire Wood’s…