The European Union (EU) promised Ukraine £4.3bn in military aid as part of its ongoing support in the war against Russia. The 27-nation bloc remained committed to help defeat a “brutal and inhumane” Moscow, said Josep Borrell, EU’s high representative for foreign affairs. It comes after the US Congress left Ukraine war aid out of its spending bill and a pro-Russian candidate won an election in Slovakia. Monday’s meeting in Kyiv was touted by Mr Borrell as a historic first for the EU but it comes at an awkward time for the Western countries backing Ukraine. With summer drawing to a close, Ukraine’s counteroffensive has failed to produce the victories that Kyiv’s allies had hoped to see before mud clogs the treads of donated tanks. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, quoted by his website, said he was sure "Ukraine and the entire free world are capable of winning this confrontation. But our victory depends directly on our cooperation with you". Mr Borrell told a news briefing with Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba that the EU remained united in its support for Ukraine. He had proposed an EU spending package for Kyiv of up to €5bn (£4.3bn) for 2024 which he hoped to have agreed by then. Mr Kuleba also brushed off concerns about faltering support on both sides of the Atlantic, amid the omission of Ukraine from the US spending bill. "We don’t feel that the US support has been shattered ... because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine," he told reporters. Meanwhile, pro-Kyiv officials in the US are scrambling to find the best way to secure approval for further assistance on top of the $113bn (£93.6bn) in security, economic and humanitarian aid the US has provided since Russia invaded in February 2022. Leaders in the Senate, narrowly controlled by president Joe Biden’s fellow Democrats, promised to take up legislation in the coming weeks on continued support. But in the Republican-led House of Representatives, speaker Kevin McCarthy said he wanted more information from the Biden administration. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre urged Congress to act quickly. As for the election victory of pro-Russian Slovak former prime minister Robert Fico, Mr Kuleba said a new leader would still have to form a coalition and it was "too early to judge" the impact on politics there. German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock sought help to prepare Ukraine for winter, including air defence and energy supplies, after Russia bombed energy installations last year. "Last winter, we saw the brutal way in which the Russian president is waging this war," Ms Baerbock said. "We must prevent this together with everything we have, as far as possible." Moscow touted the congressional vote in the United States as a sign of increasing division in the West, although the Kremlin said it expected Washington to continue its support for Kyiv. The omission of aid for Ukraine was "temporary", Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. "But we have repeatedly said before that according to our forecasts fatigue from this conflict, fatigue from the completely absurd sponsorship of the Kyiv regime, will grow in various countries, including the United States," he said. Additional reporting from the wires Read More Ukraine-Russia war – live: Putin’s prized Black Sea fleet ‘struggling’ with threats on southern front Ukraine to build its first underground school in Kharkiv, official says Congress didn't include funds for Ukraine in its spending bill. How will that affect the war?

Jennifer Valente of the U.S. defended her omnium world title at the cycling world championships in Glasgow, Scotland, on Wednesday

Criminals are exploiting the analogue to digital switchover in the UK’s telephone network to scam elderly and vulnerable people, councils have warned. The Local Government Association (LGA) said it had issued the warning after becoming concerned the transition was creating new opportunities for scammers. Specifically, the LGA said it was concerned about the around 1.8 million people who use healthcare telephony devices, and which may need changing as part of the digital switchover. It said it had seen recent reports of scammers who call residents with healthcare devices and claim the resident needs to hand over bank details as part of the switchover, or they will be disconnected. As the digital switchover date approaches, sadly we fear that further cases will arise Councillor Heather Kidd, from the LGA The digital switchover will see most UK telephone providers move their customers from old analogue landlines to new, upgraded services which use digital technology, with the changes taking place up to 2025. Councillor Heather Kidd, chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, said: “We are very concerned by a rise in criminals taking advantage of the digital switchover to trick vulnerable residents into giving out personal information such as their bank details. “As the digital switchover date approaches, sadly we fear that further cases will arise. “Councils will always act swiftly with the police where any incidents are reported, but we also urge people to be vigilant and help to raise awareness of this crime. “The digital switchover is free of charge and residents should be aware that councils and their home care alarm providers or contractors will never ask for personal or financial information over the phone.” The LGA said anyone who is the victim of a scam or fraudulent activity should report it to Action Fraud as well as their local trading standards team. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The Writers Guild of America and the group representing major Hollywood studios said they would meet for a

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 8, 2023--

Coming as a surprise ultraportable laptop, the Acer Swift Go 14 (starts at $799.99; $1,099.99

Traders are betting on short-term relief for China’s offshore currency, even as global investors predict mounting economic stress

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 10, 2023--

Ed Sheeran has challenged fellow singer Lewis Capaldi to a boxing match and it’s fair to say it would be a sight to behold. In recent years, it seems boxing has been inundated with people from the worlds of influencers and content creators, with YouTuber brothers Logan Paul and Jake Paul both taking to the ring to settle feuds. Now, Sheeran has revealed who he would fight if he were to don a pair of padded gloves and now the fans are clamouring for it. The 'Shape of You' singer said Capaldi would be top of his list during an interview with iFL TV in Dublin, ahead of the Taylor vs Cameron 2 fight. Initially, when asked who he would take on if he were to be on a Misfits Boxing card, the pop star said he'd fight his dad. But, when asked who from the music scene he'd like to go head-to-head with, he said Capaldi’s name with no hesitation. Sheeran told the camera: “Capaldi … I’d do it, I’d do it. Lewis, [I’ll] f**king have you, c**t.” Although it may be a hypothetical situation, Sheeran’s family does have a history in the sport as his grandfather was a boxer and was also part of the British Boxing Board of Control. But, it didn’t stop people from being excited about the match-up. “Go on lad,” one person commented. Another predicted: “Capaldi stops him early.” All we can say is, they'd probably have more success in arranging their fight than Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Former England and Manchester City striker Francis Lee has died aged 79, the Premier League club have announced. Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club between 1967-74. City said in a statement: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.” Lee, who began his playing career at Bolton, joined Derby from City in 1974. He won 27 England caps, scoring 10 goals, after making his full international debut in 1968 and appeared at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. City added: “Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer. “His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time. “As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.” Lee’s first club Bolton posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The interest rate on the most popular U.S. home loan leapt back over 7% last week for the

MONTRÉAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2023--