Following a significant drone attack by Russia that left 60 000 Ukrainians without electricity, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine intends to deepen its grip on Russia.
The Ukrainian president confirmed the new planned strikes on X after a meeting with his top general, Oleksandr Syrskii, on Sunday.
Moscow and Ukraine have increased their air strikes in recent weeks, with Ukraine attacking Russian oil pipelines and refineries, and Ukraine attacking Ukraine’s energy and transportation systems.
According to the private energy company DTEK, Russian drones flew over night into four energy facilities in the Odesa region of Ukraine. 29, 000 people were without electricity as a result of the strikes, according to local authorities.
Worst-affected location was the port city of Chornomorsk near Odesa, according to regional governor Oleh Kiper’s Telegram post. He claimed that “critical infrastructure runs on generators.”
Following the Ukrainian military’s all-clear, DTEK announced the start of urgent repair work. The report claimed that Russia had used 142 drones against Ukraine, with all but 10 of which it claimed had downed.
On Sunday, the Russian military claimed to have shot down 112 Ukrainian drones in the previous 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, blamed Europe for preventing US President Donald Trump’s peace efforts and for the continuation of the conflict.
He said, “The European warring party is continuing its fundamental course, it is not giving in,” in reference to the weapons deliveries made to Ukraine by the European Union on the sidelines of a summit in China.
His words were made shortly after a Russian airstrike in central Kyiv claimed the lives of at least 23 people and damaged EU diplomatic buildings.
During a visit to the Poland-Belarus border on August 25, 2025, in Krynki, eastern Poland, the European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, speaks about the threat that Russia poses to Europe.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his concern that the conflict, which started more than three and a half years ago, would not end right away as Trump’s deadline calls for Russian President Vladimir Putin to consent to a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelenskyyi.
He stated to the public broadcaster ZDF on Sunday, “I am preparing myself for this war to last a long time.” He cited the cost of Ukraine’s capitulation as justification for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Additionally, as part of her tour of the EU’s bordering states, Poland was visited by Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission.
Von der Leyen referred to Putin as a “predator” who could only be kept under control through “strong deterrence” while speaking alongside the Polish leader, Donald Tusk.
The president of the EU Commission also stated that the bloc would provide additional funding to member states along the borders of Belarus and Russia, and that protecting its borders is “shared responsibility”
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US think tank, the Kremlin has tried to embellish its military victories in an effort to make its victory in Ukraine seem inevitable.
ISW’s most recent assessment of the conflict found exaggerations in General Valery Gerasimov’s claims about Russian gains.
Since the beginning of March, the Russian general had suggested that the Kremlin’s forces have taken 149 settlements and 3,500 square kilometers of territory.
French midfielder Rayan Cherki has been ruled out for two months due to injury, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 22-year-old made his Premier League debut against Wolves in a 4-0 victory over Ligue 1 side Wolves in June, before kicking off the loss to Tottenham last weekend with a loss of £30.45 million.
Cherki missed Sunday’s game against Brighton, where City suffered their second straight defeat.
Hugo Ekitike will replace Cherki in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Cherki has a “quadriceps tear,” according to a post from France’s official X account.
He will miss Sunday, September’s first Manchester derby of the new campaign due to his injury.
In a thrilling Europa League game, Cherki’s Lyon side were defeated by Manchester United 5-4.
He claimed after moving to City that when he faced Manchester United again, he wanted to “kill” them.
French midfielder Rayan Cherki has been ruled out for two months due to injury, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 22-year-old made his Premier League debut against Wolves in a 4-0 victory over Ligue 1 side Wolves in June, before kicking off the loss to Tottenham last weekend with a loss of £30.45 million.
Cherki missed Sunday’s game against Brighton, where City suffered their second straight defeat.
Hugo Ekitike will replace Cherki in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Cherki has a “quadriceps tear,” according to a post from France’s official X account.
He will miss Sunday, September’s first Manchester derby of the new campaign due to his injury.
In a thrilling Europa League game, Cherki’s Lyon side were defeated by Manchester United 5-4.
He claimed after moving to City that when he faced Manchester United again, he wanted to “kill” them.
French midfielder Rayan Cherki has been ruled out for two months due to injury, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 22-year-old made his Premier League debut against Wolves in a 4-0 victory over Ligue 1 side Wolves in June, before kicking off the loss to Tottenham last weekend with a loss of £30.45 million.
Cherki missed Sunday’s game against Brighton, where City suffered their second straight defeat.
Hugo Ekitike will replace Cherki in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Cherki has a “quadriceps tear,” according to a post from France’s official X account.
He will miss Sunday, September’s first Manchester derby of the new campaign due to his injury.
In a thrilling Europa League game, Cherki’s Lyon side were defeated by Manchester United 5-4.
He claimed after moving to City that when he faced Manchester United again, he wanted to “kill” them.
Sheridan Smith has suffered her fair share of heartbreak over the years, with the BAFTA-winning actress experiencing tragedy in her personal life earlier this year
Inside Sheridan Smith’s romances as she returns in new ITV drama (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
National treasure Sheridan Smith returns to our screens once again this evening, as powerful new drama I Fought The Law begins on ITV.
Sheridan takes on the role of Ann Ming, the heartbroken mother who fought tirelessly to change the Double Jeopardy Law to get justice for her murdered daughter, Julie Hogg.
Based on a true story, and Ann’s book, the harrowing script allows Sheridan demonstrate yet again why she is one of the country’s most accomplished and talented acting stars.
While Sheridan has undoubtedly a career that’s only ever on the up, her personal life hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We take a look at some of the mum-of-one’s most high profile romances since rising to fame.
James Corden
Sheridan and James Corden were in a rocky relationship for two years (Image: Getty Images)
Sheridan and James Corden enjoyed a two-year relationship after meeting on the set of the TV series Fat Friends in 2002, before playing siblings Smithy and Rudi in Gavin and Stacey.
Their relationship began in 2007 but hit the rocks and they split just a year later in 2008. Both remained unattached for a brief spell until James revealed in 2009 that they’d reignited their romance, calling Sheridan the “love of his life” and not ruling out wedding bells.
Speaking to The Mirror at the time, he enthusiastically revealed, “Yes, Sheridan and I are back together and it’s going brilliantly, I couldn’t be happier. I want to marry my girl.”
However, the love affair between the Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star and her partner wasn’t meant to have a storybook conclusion. Tying the knot was clearly not on her wish list, as she subsequently confessed: “I was a lot wilder back then. I wasn’t someone who was in a frame of mind of settling down.”
Sheridan played Smithy’s sister, Rudi, in Gavin and Stacey
By 2009, they had called it quits, leaving James “heartbroken”. In a candid chat with The Times, he revealed: “I was heartbroken and lost. I’d had a relationship with Sheridan which was heartbreaking, when you think something might work and it doesn’t. And I felt a bit lost.”
He went on, exposing the emotional chaos of that period: “And feeling lost, and feeling heartbroken, and feeling single for the first time in your adult life, at the very moment when you become a little bit famous, is quite a potent mix.”
Their split meant many feared Sheridan wouldn’t reprise her role as Rudy for the final outing of Gavin and Stacey in December. However, it looks like Sheridan and James are on friendly terms these days as the mum-of-one made a surprise cameo in the comedy’s last ever episode on Christmas Day.
Ross McCall
In 2010, Sheridan began dating Scottish actor Ross McCall, following a decade-long friendship. However, after a fleeting romance, they split later that year, with the actress blaming the pressures of a long-distance relationship.
Greg Wood
Sheridan and Greg didn’t end things on good terms (Image: Lime Pictures)
After several year stint of being single, Sheridan then enjoyed a romance with Hollyoaks actor Greg Wood, known for playing Trevor Royle on the Channel 4 soap. The pair went public with their relationship in January 2015 and famously got matching inkings.
Sheridan’s tattoo declared ‘Gregory’s Girl’, whilst Greg opted for ‘My Sheri Amour’ alongside an ‘all in’ heart-shaped playing card design. However, by July 2015, Sheridan was taking to Twitter to blast Greg after being “hurt by an idiot boy yet again” as it was claimed he had cheated with Hollyoaks star Tamara Wall.
They then reconciled in November of the same year but it was soon reported they hit the rocks again just before Christmas 2015 and split.
Graham Nation
In March this year, it was reported that one of Sheridan’s ex boyfriend’s had tragically died at the age of 39. Graham Nation, a celebrity stylist, died suddenly at a Los Angeles gym on February 14.
Graham, who had welcomed his first child into the world last year, had dated Sheridan briefly in 2017 – with the BAFTA-winning actress describing him as her dream man at the time.
They even lived together at Sheridan’s London home but it wasn’t to be and Graham moved out and their romance fizzled out.
Graham’s death was confirmed earlier this year(Image: sheridansmithster/Instagram)
Jamie Horn
In 2018, Sheridan struck up a romance with Jamie Horn after matching with the insurance broker on dating app Tinder. Jamie eventually popped the question, and in October 2019, the soap star revealed she was expecting, initially sharing a cryptic image with the caption: “Last time I’ll look like this for a while..”
She later confirmed the wonderful news with a picture of her stage pass, adding the message: “About to set sail for 4 days, wish me luck with my morning sickness”. Sheridan revealed the arrival of their son Billy on her Instagram account, posting an adorable photograph of her newborn on Saturday, 9 May 2020.
Sheridan shares a son with Jamie(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The actress, who had previously opened up about her childbirth anxieties, was clearly overjoyed as she penned: “Our little man has arrived! We are both completely overwhelmed with love,” alongside a blue heart emoji.
Sadly, in August 2021, Sheridan and her partner Jamie parted ways and ended their engagement. The couple released a joint statement at the time, expressing their heartbreak: “It is with great sadness that we have decided to have some time apart.”
They emphasised their commitment to co-parenting, stating: “We both remain completely committed to raising our beautiful boy Billy together. “
Alex Lawler
After her relationship with Jamie, Sheridan revealed in 2021 that she was dating actor Alex Lawler. Intriguingly, Sheridan and Alex were an item two decades ago and reignited their romance.
The proud mum shared a video with her son on Instagram, along with a photo of Alex, confirming their blossoming love story. In the caption, she couldn’t hide her delight at reuniting with her old flame.
She wrote: “So pleased this fitty I dated back in the day (20 years ago) is back in my life! Life works in mysterious ways,” she wrote alongside a smiling face emoji and prince emoji. She ended with: “miss you Mr L,” followed by a red heart emoji.
In January 2022, it was announced that the couple had split up.
Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan
The actress then started dating Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan, a former boxer and brother to her friend Sandy Ryan, in 2023. She frequently posted cosy snaps with Dave as they enjoyed holidays and date nights, one showed them dressed to the nines with their arms around each other.
By the close of 2024, it was reported that the couple had parted ways, with their relationship reportedly having “fizzled out”. An insider revealed to The Sun: “Sheridan decided to end things with Dave a few weeks ago after their romance fizzled out.”
The source further disclosed that the split was friendly, adding: “Thankfully her stage show has kept her busy and there is no bad blood after they ended on good terms.”
Sheridan Smith has suffered her fair share of heartbreak over the years, with the BAFTA-winning actress experiencing tragedy in her personal life earlier this year
Inside Sheridan Smith’s romances as she returns in new ITV drama (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
National treasure Sheridan Smith returns to our screens once again this evening, as powerful new drama I Fought The Law begins on ITV.
Sheridan takes on the role of Ann Ming, the heartbroken mother who fought tirelessly to change the Double Jeopardy Law to get justice for her murdered daughter, Julie Hogg.
Based on a true story, and Ann’s book, the harrowing script allows Sheridan demonstrate yet again why she is one of the country’s most accomplished and talented acting stars.
While Sheridan has undoubtedly a career that’s only ever on the up, her personal life hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We take a look at some of the mum-of-one’s most high profile romances since rising to fame.
James Corden
Sheridan and James Corden were in a rocky relationship for two years (Image: Getty Images)
Sheridan and James Corden enjoyed a two-year relationship after meeting on the set of the TV series Fat Friends in 2002, before playing siblings Smithy and Rudi in Gavin and Stacey.
Their relationship began in 2007 but hit the rocks and they split just a year later in 2008. Both remained unattached for a brief spell until James revealed in 2009 that they’d reignited their romance, calling Sheridan the “love of his life” and not ruling out wedding bells.
Speaking to The Mirror at the time, he enthusiastically revealed, “Yes, Sheridan and I are back together and it’s going brilliantly, I couldn’t be happier. I want to marry my girl.”
However, the love affair between the Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star and her partner wasn’t meant to have a storybook conclusion. Tying the knot was clearly not on her wish list, as she subsequently confessed: “I was a lot wilder back then. I wasn’t someone who was in a frame of mind of settling down.”
Sheridan played Smithy’s sister, Rudi, in Gavin and Stacey
By 2009, they had called it quits, leaving James “heartbroken”. In a candid chat with The Times, he revealed: “I was heartbroken and lost. I’d had a relationship with Sheridan which was heartbreaking, when you think something might work and it doesn’t. And I felt a bit lost.”
He went on, exposing the emotional chaos of that period: “And feeling lost, and feeling heartbroken, and feeling single for the first time in your adult life, at the very moment when you become a little bit famous, is quite a potent mix.”
Their split meant many feared Sheridan wouldn’t reprise her role as Rudy for the final outing of Gavin and Stacey in December. However, it looks like Sheridan and James are on friendly terms these days as the mum-of-one made a surprise cameo in the comedy’s last ever episode on Christmas Day.
Ross McCall
In 2010, Sheridan began dating Scottish actor Ross McCall, following a decade-long friendship. However, after a fleeting romance, they split later that year, with the actress blaming the pressures of a long-distance relationship.
Greg Wood
Sheridan and Greg didn’t end things on good terms (Image: Lime Pictures)
After several year stint of being single, Sheridan then enjoyed a romance with Hollyoaks actor Greg Wood, known for playing Trevor Royle on the Channel 4 soap. The pair went public with their relationship in January 2015 and famously got matching inkings.
Sheridan’s tattoo declared ‘Gregory’s Girl’, whilst Greg opted for ‘My Sheri Amour’ alongside an ‘all in’ heart-shaped playing card design. However, by July 2015, Sheridan was taking to Twitter to blast Greg after being “hurt by an idiot boy yet again” as it was claimed he had cheated with Hollyoaks star Tamara Wall.
They then reconciled in November of the same year but it was soon reported they hit the rocks again just before Christmas 2015 and split.
Graham Nation
In March this year, it was reported that one of Sheridan’s ex boyfriend’s had tragically died at the age of 39. Graham Nation, a celebrity stylist, died suddenly at a Los Angeles gym on February 14.
Graham, who had welcomed his first child into the world last year, had dated Sheridan briefly in 2017 – with the BAFTA-winning actress describing him as her dream man at the time.
They even lived together at Sheridan’s London home but it wasn’t to be and Graham moved out and their romance fizzled out.
Graham’s death was confirmed earlier this year(Image: sheridansmithster/Instagram)
Jamie Horn
In 2018, Sheridan struck up a romance with Jamie Horn after matching with the insurance broker on dating app Tinder. Jamie eventually popped the question, and in October 2019, the soap star revealed she was expecting, initially sharing a cryptic image with the caption: “Last time I’ll look like this for a while..”
She later confirmed the wonderful news with a picture of her stage pass, adding the message: “About to set sail for 4 days, wish me luck with my morning sickness”. Sheridan revealed the arrival of their son Billy on her Instagram account, posting an adorable photograph of her newborn on Saturday, 9 May 2020.
Sheridan shares a son with Jamie(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The actress, who had previously opened up about her childbirth anxieties, was clearly overjoyed as she penned: “Our little man has arrived! We are both completely overwhelmed with love,” alongside a blue heart emoji.
Sadly, in August 2021, Sheridan and her partner Jamie parted ways and ended their engagement. The couple released a joint statement at the time, expressing their heartbreak: “It is with great sadness that we have decided to have some time apart.”
They emphasised their commitment to co-parenting, stating: “We both remain completely committed to raising our beautiful boy Billy together. “
Alex Lawler
After her relationship with Jamie, Sheridan revealed in 2021 that she was dating actor Alex Lawler. Intriguingly, Sheridan and Alex were an item two decades ago and reignited their romance.
The proud mum shared a video with her son on Instagram, along with a photo of Alex, confirming their blossoming love story. In the caption, she couldn’t hide her delight at reuniting with her old flame.
She wrote: “So pleased this fitty I dated back in the day (20 years ago) is back in my life! Life works in mysterious ways,” she wrote alongside a smiling face emoji and prince emoji. She ended with: “miss you Mr L,” followed by a red heart emoji.
In January 2022, it was announced that the couple had split up.
Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan
The actress then started dating Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan, a former boxer and brother to her friend Sandy Ryan, in 2023. She frequently posted cosy snaps with Dave as they enjoyed holidays and date nights, one showed them dressed to the nines with their arms around each other.
By the close of 2024, it was reported that the couple had parted ways, with their relationship reportedly having “fizzled out”. An insider revealed to The Sun: “Sheridan decided to end things with Dave a few weeks ago after their romance fizzled out.”
The source further disclosed that the split was friendly, adding: “Thankfully her stage show has kept her busy and there is no bad blood after they ended on good terms.”
