Plans to impose a ban on UK imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil in third countries have been watered down amid concerns over supplies and price rises.
The government will now “phase in” some new sanctions over the coming months due to the effective blockade of the key Strait of Hormuz waterway since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.
The Foreign Office denied the shift in policy could be described as a “waiver” on sanctions aimed at hurting Russia’s economy, but admitted extra flexibilities were required.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, sanctions commissioner for Ukraine, said he understood “the rationale behind the UK’s decision”, but said he disagreed with the approach.
“Our concern relates specifically to temporary exemptions that may still generate additional revenues for Russia’s war machine,” he posted on social media.
The watering down of planned measures will effectively allow imports of jet fuel from India, which was previously a key supplier to UK and Europe. A lot of Russian crude oil is also refined in Turkey.
It is understood the government now plans to “phase” in the ban in the coming months. The rules will be reviewed regularly and “will allow for the full ban to be phased in without causing instability” amid the fuel supply shock stemming from the Middle East conflict.
The government said “targeted” short-term licences had been issued “within the refined oil import ban to support flexibility in UK supply and global markets”.
The past few weeks had been billed as a retribution tour for Donald Trump, as he settles old scores with his critics within the Republican party.
Call it what you will, but the evidence is now overwhelming that the Republican party is Trump’s party and nothing – not an unpopular war in Iran, not sagging poll numbers among the general public, not rising consumer prices, not concerns about billion-dollar White House ballrooms – has changed that.
Thomas Massie, the independent-minded congressman from Kentucky, was comfortably defeated on Tuesday in the Republican primary race to decide who goes forward to take on the Democrats in November’s midterms. The Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein is heading towards a 55% share of the vote.
Republican rebel Massie, a constant thorn in Trump’s side, is just the latest in a political casualty count that is now stretching into double figures. His transgressions were multitude.
He opposed Trump’s tax-and-spending budget package last year because he said it drove up the federal deficit. He voted to curtail the president’s military operations in Venezuela and Iran. And, perhaps most notably, he was the driving force behind efforts in the House of Representatives to force the release of Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and sex offender with ties to the rich and powerful.
All this put Massie front and centre on Trump’s enemies list – and led to a $20m effort to oust him from the congressional perch he had occupied for more than a decade.
“Trump once again proved his power in the Republican party,” said Trey Grayson, a two-time Republican secretary of state in Kentucky.
Cheering children – check. Military honour guard – check. Cannon fire and marching band – check.
Vladimir Putin’s welcome outside the Great Hall of the People was a near mirror image of the reception for Donald Trump last week.
Two high-stakes presidential visits, just days apart, is exactly the image Xi Jinping wants to project to the world: talking to everyone, tied to no-one.
For China, these visits are proof that because of its massive economy and new-found diplomatic clout all roads now lead to Beijing.
“The new era of world affairs is less centered around the West,” says Samir Puri from Kings College London.
“There is a lot of latent power that China has on the world stage, it’s not necessarily using it in its most direct form to settle conflicts, instead China’s style is to try to utilise its stature in a more gradual sense.”
The optics were strikingly similar – Xi confident in the spotlight as he played host. But the politics driving the two visits were very different.
Putin, who has been to China more than 20 times, appears to have a close personal relationship with Xi. But the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions have left him leaning heavily on Beijing, which is now Russia’s top trading partner and its biggest customer for oil and gas.
“Both China and Russia need each other, but Russia clearly needs China more than before at the global stage,” says Dr Zheng Runyu, from the Centre for Russian Studies at the East China Normal University in Shanghai.
The Justice Department’s anticipated criminal charges against former Cuban president Raúl Castro is a prosecution more than 30 years in the works, with federal prosecutors in Miami first drafting an indictment against him in the 1990s.
After three decades, criminal charges expected to be announced Wednesday at an event in Miami focus on the 94-year-old Castro’s role — years before his presidency — as defense minister and alleged role in ordering the 1996 shoot down of two civilian aircraft belonging to the Cuban-American group Brothers to the Rescue, according to people briefed on the matter.
Four people, three of them Americans, were killed in the attack by two Cuban MiG fighters in international airspace. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is expected to attend a ceremony honoring the victims of the shoot-down on a day that Cuban exiles celebrate as Cuba’s Independence Day, according to people familiar with the plans.
The original draft indictment, however, was built on the momentum of the successful prosecution of Manuel Noriega, the Panamanian leader convicted in 1992 of racketeering and drug trafficking.
Dog owners often say their furry companions understand them better than anyone—sensing sadness, excitement, or the need for comfort without a single word. But how many truly understand their dog’s behavior in return? If you’ve ever puzzled over your pup’s quirks, wonder no more! We’re diving deep into the canine mind to uncover the secrets behind their actions, helping you connect with your four-legged friend like never before.
Why Dogs Bite
Like it or not, all dogs have the potential to bite—even the sweetest, most well-trained pups. So why do they bite? It could be fear, surprise, or the instinct to protect their family and belongings. Pain and frustration can also trigger a bite, and sometimes, it’s just playful behavior—after all, that’s how dogs interact with each other during playtime! But bites don’t usually come out of nowhere; dogs often give warning signs like barking, growling, or snapping first.
Can Dogs See at Night
So if your pup seems unfazed by the dark, now you know why! Thanks to a special membrane in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum—found in many predatory animals—dogs can see much better in the dark than humans. This reflective layer enhances the light that reaches their eye receptors, giving them superior night vision and allowing them to navigate low-light environments with ease. Dogs may not see colors as vividly as we do, but when the sun goes down, their vision outshines ours.
Why Dogs Growl
We all experience fear and anxiety at times, and our dogs are no different.
The best thing you can do is help them feel safe and relaxed. However, approach with care—sudden movements or surprises can startle a nervous dog, potentially leading to an unintended reaction. When your pup lets out a low growl, it’s not always aggression—it’s often a sign of unease or worry.
Do Dogs Like Being Held
Dog lovers often can’t resist scooping up their furry friends for a cuddle, but do dogs actually enjoy being held? The answer is both “yes” and “no.” Some pups crave affection and will eagerly paw, bark, or even jump up to be picked up, while others find it uncomfortable or restrictive. The key is to observe your dog’s body language—if they squirm or resist, it’s best to respect their space and show love in a way they appreciate.
Why Dogs Sit on Top of Your Toes
Ever wonder why your dog loves to park themselves right on top of your toes?
But this quirky habit actually comes from their deep desire to be close to you and protect you. By staying in contact, they can sense your emotions, whether you’re relaxed or tense, helping them stay attuned to both you and their surroundings. While it’s adorable, it can also be a bit inconvenient—especially when you’re about to walk or trying to keep your shoes fur-free.
Do Dogs Have Memories
Dogs have memory, but they don’t dwell on the past like humans do. If they once had a blast at the beach, they won’t sit around reminiscing about it—but the moment they arrive again, they’ll recognize it as a place they love. So if your dog made a mess, it’s not out of spite or past grudges—it’s likely just a sign that they need more stimulation and enrichment at home! Instead, they live entirely in the present, only recalling past experiences when faced with a similar situation.
Why Dogs Sleep on Their Side
Isn’t it adorable when your dog dozes off on their side? If your pup sleeps like this at home, it’s a clear sign they’re completely at ease—both physically comfortable and emotionally secure, trusting their family and feeling safe in their environment. While this position is usually just for short naps, it speaks volumes about how they feel. It’s the ultimate sign of a happy, relaxed dog!
Why Dogs Dig
Many dog breeds were specifically bred for hunting, which often involved digging to flush out prey. But that’s not the only reason dogs dig. Some have an instinctive need to create a cozy nest, while others dig to regulate their body temperature—cooling off in summer and staying warm in winter. So, if your lawn is full of holes, don’t blame your pup—blame evolution! If your dog is turning your backyard into a construction zone, don’t be too quick to blame them—humans played a big role in shaping this behavior!
Southampton say they have appealed against their removal from the Championship play-offs for spying as it is “manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game”.
An EFL independent disciplinary commission on Tuesday evening expelled Southampton from the play-offs and reinstated Middlesbrough, who are now set to face Hull City in the final on Saturday.
The St Mary’s club were also deducted four points in the Championship next season after admitting breaches of two EFL regulations.
Chief executive Phil Parsons apologised “to the other clubs involved, and most of all to the Southampton supporters” who he said “deserved better from the club”.
Saints’ appeal will be heard by an independent league arbitration panel later on Wednesday.
Parsons added that “what happened was wrong” but the club “cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence”.
However, when the Elland Road club were punished seven years ago, regulation 127 – which expressly forbids observing an opponent within 72 hours of a game – did not exist. It was introduced as a result of Leeds’ wrong-doing.
“Southampton has been denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200m and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters,” Parsons added.
“We believe the financial consequence of yesterday’s ruling makes it, by a very considerable distance, the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club.”
Spain midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken bone in his foot.
The 23-year-old fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Barcelona’s 3-1 La Liga win against Real Betis on Sunday.
The Spanish champions did not give a timeframe for his return.
“The operation went very well and I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger, both physically and mentally,” Lopez wrote on Instagram.
“Life and football can be cruel when you least expect it or deserve it. But you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey.
“It’s a very tough time for me and yet another challenge in my career that I will overcome – of that you can be sure.
“Now it’s time to support the national team and my team-mates from home.”
Lopez has seven Spain caps and was likely to have been named in the squad, which will be named on Monday, for the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Spain begin their campaign against Cape Verde on 15 June before playing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
Lopez scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 48 games for Barcelona in all competitions this season despite twice suffering a groin injury.
He played 28 minutes of Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign.
Arsenal players were pictured outside Emirates Stadium at 05:00 BST after they were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, as their celebrations continued.
Eberechi Eze posted pictures on Instagram in the early hours of Wednesday, stood outside their stadium in north London alongside team-mates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.
Dutch defender Timber posted a video alongside Saka stood by a blacked out Premier League trophy at the club’s training ground that was designed to light up once the team won.
“Light that up,” Saka says.
“Let me tell you something. Twenty-two years, 22 years. There was laughing, there was joking, they’re not laughing any more. Look, it is going to be shining, it is going to be shining bright.”
In another video posted by Saka, 19-year-old defender Myles Lewis-Skelly is seen holding a champagne bottle.
“They called us bottlers,” said academy graduate Lewis-Skelly. “And now we’re holding the bottle.”
Eze’s Instagram post also included a picture of an Arsenal-branded bottle in another reference to criticism the team has received for finishing second in the league for three consecutive seasons.
An Instagram story post also showed captain Martin Odegaard with a bottle in his mouth.
Arsenal‘s record goalscorer Thierry Henry wrote on Instagram: “Special thanks to this generation – finally now my kids saw us winning the league”.
The club will hold a trophy parade around Islington on Sunday, 31 May at 14:00 BST, the day after they face holders Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest.
On Tuesday night, fans gathered outside the stadium and nearby pubs while rivals Manchester City played Bournemouth, needing a win to keep the title race alive.
In the end, Pep Guardiola’s side could only draw – confirming Arsenal as champions for the first time in 22 years.
As the full-time whistle went on the south coast, there was an explosion of cheer in pubs across north London as Arsenal fans celebrated a moment they felt, after recent title near misses, might never come.
Referee Michael Salisbury not selected for final Premier League
The referee for Manchester United‘s win over Nottingham Forest last Sunday has not been selected for any match in the final round of Premier League fixtures.
Michael Salisbury allowed Matheus Cunha’s goal for United to stand, despite Bryan Mbeumo handling the ball in the build-up.
Salisbury rejected a video assistant referee (VAR) review to rule out the goal and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later admitted that it should have been disallowed.
Referees in the English professional game adopt a more lenient approach to handball than other nations, albeit still within the laws.
And although referees’ boss Howard Webb told Forest that while there could be justifiable reasons to deem it was not handball by Mbeumo, ‘football’s expectation’ would have been for the goal to be disallowed.
It was only the 17th time in seven seasons – and the fourth this season – that a referee has rejected the advice of the VAR at the pitchside monitor.
Salisbury, who has been in charge of 13 Premier League matches this season, is not part of the officiating team for any of Sunday’s 10 games, which all kick off at 16:00 BST.
Forestry Commission CEO, Hugh Brown, delivering a speech
The Forestry Commission has officially handed over 10 forest protection camps and two checkpoints to strengthen the fight against illegal mining, logging and other crimes in the forest.
The 10 beneficiary Reserves are Subri River, Abrewa Nni Nkran, Benson, Asamang, Apamprama (Kobro), Apamprama (Odaho), Odaho River (Bepotenten/Skuulmo), Odaho River (Watreso), Numereso, Offin Shelterbelt (Anwiafutu), Offin Shelterbelt (Mmofrafaadwen), Buru (Kintampo), Maluwe and Nsadweso.
Mr Hugh Brown, Dr. Terri Sarah and FC Board chairman Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio receiving the symbolic key to the Checkpoints
Checkpoints have also been established in Bono East and Savannah regions to curb illegal timber exports. The handover and inauguration ceremony took place at the Oda River Forest Reserve, under the UK-Ghana Forest Governance Partnership.
Dr. Hugh Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said the facilities mark another significant milestone in the efforts to safeguard Ghana’s forests and natural resources.
According to him, in December last year, the Government of the United Kingdom, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Government of Ghana, through the Forestry Commission, entered into a strategic partnership to improve forest governance in Ghana.
He noted that the handing over and inauguration of 10 forest protection camps and two checkpoints was one key achievement under the partnership.
He explained that the new camps represent a shift from the traditional patrol system to continuous on-site protection and rapid response unlike previously, when a single forest guard often patrolled alone from rented accommodation in fringe communities.
The CEO stated that the new model allows officers to live and work in teams closer to vulnerable reserves noting that Ghana’s forests are under enormous pressure as Illegal logging and mining continue to threaten our forest reserves, water bodies, biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
He noted that thousands of hectares in the Ashanti, Western, Western North, Ahafo, and Bono regions have been degraded, with rivers polluted and Wildlife habitats destroyed.
Dr. Brown acknowledged that staffing remains a challenge, with a reported gap of over 2,500 Resource Guards, as of early 2026 and called for increased recruitment, better logistics, improved welfare and stronger institutional support for frontline officers.
Dr. Terri Sarah, Ag Deputy High Commissioner of Britain to Ghana
Dr. Terri Sarah, Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, underscored the importance of the newly handed-over forest protection camps saying they are vital to addressing the serious threats facing Ghana’s forests.
Dr. Sarah said deforestation, illegal mining, and illegal logging continue to threaten biodiversity, water resources, and climate resilience stressing that the challenges facing Ghana’s forests are very serious, which needed stronger frontline presence, improved coordination, and better facilities to address these threats effectively.
She noted that the ceremony highlights the value of the long-standing partnership between the United Kingdom and Ghana, particularly with the Forestry Commission stressing that the UK cherishes its partnership with Ghana and the Forestry Commission.
“For many years we have worked to support forest governance, strengthen the systems and institutions needed to protect forests, and promote sustainable forest management”, Dr. Sarah noted and stressed that effective forest protection requires more than policies and partnerships.
“It also demands the right tools, the right personnel, and support for the officers and communities working in and around the forest reserves”, she added.
The British Envoy expressed optimism that the site camps would provide accommodation and infrastructure for those working daily to protect our forests.
She said the accommodations symbolize the shared commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and natural resources on which communities around these reserves rely.
She commended the Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, traditional authorities, and all partners who made the initiative possible.
She reiterated that the UK remains committed to working with Ghana to strengthen forest protection and support sustainable forestry to ensure that Ghana’s forests endure as a source of resilience, prosperity, and national pride.
Isaac Essien Esq., Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board and representative of Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, commended the partnership.
He said defending forests required constant and visible patrols, enhanced monitoring, and 24-hour operations.
Nana Boapim Mpenkro II, Bekwai Twafohene, proposed a four-year closure of all forest reserves to allow ecosystems and wildlife to recover.
He also urged the government to recruit more forest guards and encouraged communities to provide intelligence to support enforcement.
