Volodymyr Zelenskyy agrees to meeting proposed by Vladimir Putin – if he attends in person.
A glimmer of hope to end the more than three-year war in Ukraine that has killed thousands of civilians – and hundreds of thousands of soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to attend a meeting proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on Thursday, as long as Putin is there in person.
Putin wants the talks to first discuss the root causes of the conflict and deal with ceasefire negotiations later.
His plan is also supported by US President Donald Trump, who says the meeting will help Ukraine’s allies, the US and European powers, decide whether a ceasefire is possible – and also the future of the war effort against Russia’s invasion.
Is the Russian leader trying to deflect growing Western pressure to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire or face “massive sanctions”?
And are the talks hosted by Turkiye likely to make any progress at all?
Presenter: Cyril Vanier
Guests:
Olesia Horiainova – Co-founder of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre
Vasily Kashin – Expert at Russian International Affairs Council
Actor Heather Peace has announced she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer. The EastEnders cast member has shared with fans that she’s had chemotherapy and surgery since she received the news months ago.
Heather, 49 – who plays Eve Panesar-Unwin on the BBC show – opened up about the diagnosis in a post on Instagram this evening. It included footage of her trying on a wig in a dressing room and she referenced losing hair at one point.
Alongside the video, she wrote about the diagnosis and shared that she finished chemotherapy earlier today. She said her life has been “forever changed” by her experience and expressed gratitude for the support she’s had.
Heather wrote: “This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. It’s been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. I needed a wig fitting. I’ve been on quite a road for many months now.”
She continued in the caption of the post: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. Since then I’ve undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended.”
Heather Peace (centre) has announced that she was diagnosed with cancer last year ( heatherpeaceofficial/Instagram)
Writing about that experience, she said: “I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I’d turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal.”
She added: “But I’m forever changed. During this time I’ve narrowed my world. I’ve had the most precious time with my wife Ellie and our 3 girls; Annie, Jessie & Lola. Just trying to appreciate every moment of them. I’ve stayed still.
“I’ve found joy in the simplest of things. Interactions with others have felt honest and real because I’ve had no capacity for small talk. It has felt like such a personal shift. There have been so many positives.”
The actor shared the news alongside footage of herself trying on a wig behind-the-scenes at EastEnders ( heatherpeaceofficial/Instagram)
Heather went on to express gratitude to those who have supported her, writing: “Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team. And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut. I’ve felt totally supported by you all.
“Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who’ve been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are). Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It’s so appreciated.”
The actor concluded: “Life feels very different now and it’s wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather.”
Heather’s co-stars instantly rushed to the comment section of her upload, with Lacey Turned penning: “My superhero!! Love you always mate.” Balvinda Sopal added three heart emojis. Meanwhile, Denise Fox actress Diane Parish penned: “Tough and courageously vulnerable. That makes a true warrior. Admire you more than you could know. We got you all the way!”
Kellie Bright typed: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you.” Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell said: “Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!”
Amy Mitchell actress Ellie Dadd gushed: “Such an amazing person inside and out, truly inspirational.” Navin Chowdhry, who played Nish Panesar commented: “All the love in the world Heather. You are glowing. And what a magical team to have by your side.”
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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Hamas has released Edan Alexander, a dual United States-Israeli national and soldier, as it seeks to revive ceasefire negotiations and an end to Israel’s punishing blockade on the besieged and bombarded Gaza Strip.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on Monday evening that it had facilitated the soldier’s transfer. An image was released showing Alexander with Hamas members and a Red Cross official.
Hamas said it had released Alexander as a goodwill gesture towards US President Donald Trump, who is visiting Arab Gulf nations this week.
Fighting briefly stopped to allow for the handover after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would permit safe passage for the release.
“Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“The government of Israel warmly welcomes soldier Sergeant Edan Alexander who has been returned from Hamas captivity,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office said.
“The government of Israel is committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons – both the living and the fallen,” the statement added. Families of the captives have accused Netanyahu of putting his own political survival above that of the captives still held in Gaza.
In a statement, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric welcomed Alexander’s release while calling for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
“We are relieved that one more family has been reunited today. This nightmare, however, continues for the remaining hostages, their families, and hundreds of thousands of civilians across Gaza,” Spoljaric said.
Alexander’s mother reportedly arrived in Israel on Monday and was flown to the Re’im military base, where the two were expected to be reunited later in the evening, according to Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, Jordan, because Al Jazeera is banned from Israel.
Despite the release, Israel has made no commitment to a broader ceasefire. “There’s nothing in exchange, no release of Palestinian prisoners, no pause in the fighting,” Salhut said. “If there are going to be any sort of negotiations, they’re going to happen under fire,” Salhut added, referring to the Israeli government’s prevailing line.
Akiva Eldar, an Israeli political analyst, said Alexander’s release has spurred joy as well as frustration in Israel. “What we see is that what President Trump can do, Netanyahu is not able – or not willing – to do,” he told Al Jazeera from Tel Aviv.
The Israeli prime minister has faced widespread calls to end the Gaza war to secure the captives’ release but has said he plans to expand Israel’s offensive.
“Today is a crucial point,” Eldar explained. “Because the Israeli public is aware of the fact that if you want a deal, if you want your sons back at home, you can do it. But for that, you have to be a leader like President Trump and not like Netanyahu.”
Release changes little for devastated Palestinians
Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, said there seems to be no change forthcoming in Palestinians’ daily suffering: “Palestinians are devastated. They’re exhausted. Palestinian families are unable to feed their children. They’re saying their children are going to bed hungry.”
“The IPC [Integrated Food Security Phase Classification] report issued today said 93 percent of Gaza’s population is living through acute food insecurity. This is because of the blockade that has been imposed on the Gaza Strip,” Khoudary said.
“Palestinians are asking, ‘What’s next? What is this release going to bring? Are there any positive negotiations? Is there any glimpse of hope of a ceasefire?’” she added.
And the bombardment continues, Gaza’s Ministry of Health said an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter killed at least 15 people on Monday.
Gaza on brink of famine
Humanitarian organisations have warned that Gaza is on the verge of mass starvation. The IPC reported that half a million Palestinians face imminent famine.
According to the IPC, 70 days after Israel blocked entry of essential supplies, “goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks.”
The head of the UN’s World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, urged immediate international action. “Families in Gaza are starving while the food they need is sitting at the border,” she said. “If we wait until after a famine is confirmed, it will already be too late for many people.”
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, also issued a stark warning. “The risk of famine does not arrive suddenly,” she said. “It unfolds in places where access to food is blocked, where health systems are decimated, and where children are left without the bare minimum to survive.”
Hunger, she added, has become “a daily reality for children across the Gaza Strip”.
Gaza assault set to continue
Netanyahu and his hardline government remain committed to escalating the military campaign in Gaza.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key coalition partner, reiterated his position that the war must continue and humanitarian aid should be blocked from entering the territory.
“Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, claiming military pressure had compelled Hamas to release Alexander. Critics have countered that the release came about purely because of direct US contacts with Hamas.
Netanyahu met US figures, including Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, on Monday. His office described the meeting as a “last-ditch effort” to push forward a captive-release deal before the fighting widens.
Huckabee said Trump and his administration “hope this long-overdue release” of Alexander “marks the beginning of the end to this terrible war”.
Heart FM radio host Amanda reignited her long-standing clash with Holly Willoughby last week when she suggested the former This Morning star wasn’t a “proper presenter” – but she’s not the only celebrity she’s got into a fight with
Amanda called one celebrity “bitter and pathetic” but got an earful back(Image: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
Amanda Holden is at it again. Amanda, 54, took a sly dig at former This Morning host Holly Willoughby, 44, live on air while presenting her Heart FM radio show.
Co-host Jamie Theakston teased Amanda about the possibility of her new Netflix dating series Cheat: Unfinished Business being renewed for a new series. Amanda said she “didn’t know for sure”. Jamie then cheekily remarked: “What are they suggesting, they getting Holly Willoughby?” Amanda replied “No, they want a proper presenter.” Ouch. “You’re going to be in trouble,” scolded Jamie – but the damage was done.
Not that Amanda will likely be cringing. It’s not the first time she’s made a swipe at Holly, who stepped down from This Morning in 2023. She’s also got a bit of history with Holly’s co-host Phillip Schofield… and a whole load of other celebrities too. Here we look at Amanda’s knack at getting into ugly spats – and who won…
Holly Willoughby
Amanda and Holly have reportedly been at loggerheads for quite some time, starting from 2014 when Amanda joined the This Morning team after Holly went on maternity leave.
After the Phillip Schofield scandal when Holly’s co-host was suddenly dropped from the show in 2023, Amanda was accused of throwing shade at Holly in an Instagramvideo. Returning to her presenting duties after Phillip’s exit, Holly started her broadcast in a heartfelt manner, saying: “Right, deep breath. Firstly, are you OK? I hope so.”
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Amanda and Holly in 2012 – before they fell out
Not long after, Amanda used her social media to flaunt a chic white jumpsuit in a video. She began: “Hello, it is Tuesday. Are you OK?”.
With a grin, she added: “I’m wearing this gorgeous white jumpsuit. It’s been in my wardrobe for ages and I’ve been dying to wear it because the weather’s got better and I can.”
But Amanda later said reports of a feud between her and Holly were ‘utter rubbish’. But in 2022, Amanda threw another punch after Holly and Phil received a huge backlash over claims they ‘queue jumped’ to see the Queen lying in state.
In a clip she shared on her Instagram account she told how David Beckham had waited his turn like everyone else, saying “Good on him” before letting out a laugh and pulling a playful face.
WINNER: AMANDA
Phillip Schofield
Amanda and Phillip once got on well, hosting awards together and co-hosting This Morning while Holly was on maternity leave in 2014.
But that seemed to sour in 2018, when Amanda was tipped to replace Holly on This Morning while she temporarily took over from Ant McPartlin on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Phillip allegedly played a hand in hiring The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes instead – reportedly leaving Amanda furious. Phillip said the claims were “hurtful and wildly untrue”.
But several months on in 2019, Amanda made her feelings clear when she took a swipe at Phil during a radio quiz on Heart Breakfast. When asked what she wouldn’t want to discover in her house, she jested: “Spiders, flies and Phillip Schofield.”
READ MORE: Dermot Murnaghan mocks ex newsreader colleagues over advert he’d ‘never do’
Amanda and Schofe once got on(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She added that she had once invited Phil for a coffee to discuss matters in 2019 but never received a reply.
Phillip shot back, saying in an interview that Amanda “has a faulty edit button and she forgets she’s on the telly, which is enormously endearing and funny, but occasionally quite scary.”
Later, she said she had reached out to Phillip for a heart-to-heart over coffee, but claimed he didn’t respond. She also posted a bicep curl emoji on Instagram after Schofield stepped down from This Morning, which was interpreted by many as a celebratory gesture.
WINNER: AMANDA
Katie Price
Katie Price sparked her own beef with Amanda after the glamour model cheekily displayed a photoshopped picture of her face on top of Amanda’s among the Britain’s Got Talent judging line-up.
Katie, 45, was on stage at her live podcast show last May when she pulled the stunt and she even admitted: ” Amanda won’t like that, will she?”
Katie has tried to provoke Amanda on podcasts(Image: Youtube)
A few months later, she took another swipe at the radio host when she snub’s Amanda’s racy outfit choices she has become famous for.
During her appearance on Lewis Raymond’s podcast Life Reclaimed, she quickly adjusted her boobs, prompting Lewis to joke: “Oh she’s getting the out”. Katie replied: “I’m not… I’ve got nipple covers on, I’m not doing an Amanda Holden because I don’t like that look.”
This time, though, Amanda has maintained a dignified silence and has so far refused to hit back. This time, ignoring the provocation and resisting the temptation to answer the former glamour model back seems to have been the best strategy.
WINNER: AMANDA
And the one she couldn’t win…Sharon Osbourne
Amanda’s feud with Sharon kicked off last April when she branded her “bitter and pathetic” for the way she talked about X Factor boss Simon Cowell during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother.
“I hated seeing certain people in a reality show dissing Simon – he’s the person who’s given them all the chances, given them a lot of money and a lifestyle they probably wouldn’t have had,” Amanda raged in an interview.
She added: “It’s bitter and pathetic. It was like Cinderella with her two sisters in the background – just stabby, stabby, stabby.”
Sharon hit back, telling the radio host in an acid-tongued post on X: “The bottom line, Amanda, is, that you’ll never be in my league, and you’ve picked on the wrong ugly stepsister.”
Amanda and Sharon in 2014 – before things got ugly(Image: Joanne Davidson/REX/Shutterstock)
She went on: “The truth is, you don’t know me, Amanda. You know nothing about my history in the music industry, my achievements, the artists I have worked with, the shows that I’ve produced, and my global celebrity.”
“Unlike you, the brand of Sharon Osbourne is known worldwide.”
Sharon went on to flaunt her wealth and luxurious lifestyle as she quipped: ‘Our worlds are totally different. I have been blessed with an amazing lifestyle throughout my entire life.
‘Before you were born, I was living in a mansion in Beverly Hills and continue to do so today and continue to have my country estate in England as well. But there is something you should know. I never discuss money, lifestyle or positions of power. I find it to be classless and crude.”
Perhaps sensing she had met her match, Amanda replied, rather sheepishly, through her spokesperson: “Amanda is aware of Sharon’s incredible career but, just like her, Amanda will always defend those close to her,” she said.
WINNER: SHARON
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs made his feelings clear after spotting his children and supporters in the public gallery of a New York City courthouse for the first day of his trial
Diddy’s trial has started in New York City(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs responded after spotting his children sitting in the gallery of a New York City courthouse. The disgraced music mogul’s trial, which has been dubbed America’s celebrity trial of the century, got underway in the eastern city as prosecutors attempt to prove that he turned his career and fame into a racketeering enterprise.
Diddy’s family, including the mother of his six children, attended the court hearing on day one. Testimonies are set to take place today after lawyers delivered their opening statements. Appearing in the dock, Diddy, 55, wore a white sweater and, with his formerly jet-black hair now almost completely grey, entered the courtroom shortly before 9 a.m., hugging lawyers, before he turned and responded to those supporting him, giving a thumbs up to supporters seated in wooden court benches behind him.
Prior to the hearing starting, a line to get into the courthouse stretched all the way down the block. Combs’ mother and some of his children were escorted past the crowd and brought straight into the building.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs continues to deny all allegations against him(Image: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Combs, who strongly denies all allegations against him has has pleaded not guilty to charges including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian is presiding over the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey is the lead prosecutor. Marc Agnifilo is representing Diddy throughout the trial. The first witness for the case is set to testify following an hour-long lunch break.
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Diddy’s family appeared at the court to offer their support(Image: GC Images)
Among those expected to testify are Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura and a security guard at a Los Angeles hotel where Diddy was seen assaulting Cassie in 2016. The jury, made up of 12 men and six women, has also been selected. The case will open after the judge explains the law as it relates to the trial, as well as incidentals, including a breakfast which will be provided to them.
“Anything you’ve seen or heard outside the courtroom is not evidence,” the judge told the jurors, who have been granted anonymity. “It must be disregarded.” Last week, Diddy’s defence team had requested a delay of selection until today following concerns that members of the jury may drop out if they had been chosen on Friday.
The music mogul now looks very different with grey hair(Image: AP)
The rapper believes the jury will clear him of the damning allegations made agaist him, with the 12 people on the jury set to hear shocking evidence that could potentially put the star away for life. Federal prosecutors in New York alleged Combs “abused, threatened and coerced women” into long, drug-fuelled orgies with male prostitutes he called “freak offs” and even threatened them into silence.
The indictment against him stated: “After Freak Offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.” Meanwhile, his defence attorneys, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, has claimed his sexual encounters have all been consensual and said the rapper is a swinger who sometimes invited people into his bedroom.
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The hearing is expected to show recordings of alleged Freak Offs, which Combs has argued were consensual.
* If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
The Federal Government has approved a new policy known as Medipool, which may lower the costs of drugs and other medical consumables for Nigerians.
This was part of the decisions reached at the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said Medipool is a group purchasing organisation for competitive pricing and to be a supplier of essential medicines and healthcare products across Nigeria.
READ ALSO:FG Confirms Full Repayment Of $3.4bn COVID-19 IMF Loan
According to him, Medipool was developed to consolidate the demand from basic healthcare centres and federal tertiary hospitals, enabling the government to leverage bulk purchasing power to lower medical costs.
“Today, council approved Medipool; it’s a group purchasing organisation for competitive pricing and to be supplier of essential medicines and healthcare products across Nigeria, through the Federal Government’s intervention, the basic health care provision fund, but also eventually outside that, through federal tertiary hospitals, so that as a buyer, we can negotiate lower prices.
“So, it’s using the monopsony power of the government as a large buyer of those commodities, negotiate lower prices and then channel those commodities,” he said.
Speaking further, the minister explained, “And the scope includes, but it’s not limited to procurement planning, distribution monitoring, supply chain, logistics management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, as well as ensuring that local manufacturers are supported, and import substitution and the financial management and payment systems, as well as capacity building and training and contingency planning to ensure steady availability of essential drugs that are the quality that Nigerians can benefit and at a lower cost through, a public private partnership.”
He noted that the Medipool model was benchmarked against similar initiatives in countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.
He emphasised that the administration aims to support local manufacturing, promote import substitution, and ensure Nigerians have access to high-quality, affordable medicines.
FEC also awarded a N2.3 billion contract for the procurement of a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation machine for Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto.
This, the minister explained, was essentially to help the university hospital provide diagnosis and treatment services for heart and blood vessel problems, heart attacks, andirregular heart rates.
“The university hospital in Sokoto will now have this capability, which will serve the population in Sokoto State, the North West geopolitical zone of our country, and indeed the country. It will save lives, but also contribute towards reversing outbound medical tourism, because Nigerians will be able to access services that they were not able to,” he added.
