The head of MI6 has urged Russians appalled by the war in Ukraine to “join hands” with his spy service and bring the bloodshed to an end. In his second speech since becoming chief of the Secret Intelligence Service in 2020, Richard Moore said there appeared little prospect of Vladimir Putin’s forces regaining momentum in Ukraine – whose long-awaited counteroffensive is now under way. Delivering his speech at the British embassy in Prague, the MI6 chief likened the current situation in Ukraine to the Prague Spring in 1968, when the Soviet Union quashed liberalising reforms. “As they witness the venality, infighting and callous incompetence of their leaders – the human factor as its worst – many Russians are wrestling with the same dilemmas as their predecessors did in 1968,” Moore said. “I invite them to do what others have done this past 18 months and join hands with us. Our door is always open ... Their secrets will be safe with us and together we will work to bring the bloodshed to an end.” While Mr Putin has sought to maintain an iron grip on the war narrative since Russia’s full-scale invasion last February, with the aid of state TV, public opinion of the conflict is likely to have been knocked by Moscow’s apparent military setbacks and his mobilisation of reservists last Septmeber. Many fighting age men have fled abroad to escape the draft, while thousands of protesters have been arrested in infrequent demonstrations across scores of Russian cities since the war began. “There are many Russians today who are silently appalled by the sight of their armed forces pulverising Ukrainian cities, expelling innocent families from their homes and kidnapping thousands of children,” said Mr Moore. “They are watching in horror as their soldiers ravage a kindred country. They know in their hearts that Putin’s case for attacking a fellow Slavic nation is fraudulent, a miasma of lies and fantasy.” More follows... Read More The Body in the Woods | An Independent TV Original Documentary The harrowing discovery at centre of The Independent’s new documentary

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England forward Alessia Russo is targeting silverware after joining Arsenal on a free transfer. As her contract with Women’s Super League rivals Manchester United expired, the Gunners swooped to land the 24-year-old striker. Russo hit 10 goals in the WSL last season as United finished runners-up to champions Chelsea. She emerged as a January transfer target for Arsenal, but a world-record bid was shunned by the Red Devils as they pushed to claim the title. Russo did not sign a new deal and was instead free to leave Manchester for north London - where she is keen to add domestic medals to the Women’s Euro success she enjoyed with the Lionesses last summer. “I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” Russo said after joining Arsenal. “I want to win trophies - as does everyone in this club. I can’t wait to get stuck in and grow as a player - it’s a new challenge and a new environment.” “I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal. “The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.” Russo, who is part of the England squad heading to the World Cup later this summer, has hit 11 goals in 21 senior appearances for her country. “Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving,” said Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall. “She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line, so we’re all delighted to have brought her to the club.” Russo becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the summer following the acquisitions of defender Amanda Ilestedt and forward Cloe Lacasse from Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica respectively. Read More Sarina Wiegman insists England in ‘very good place’ despite draw with Portugal Sarina Wiegman has no concerns with England display despite Portugal stalemate England held to goalless draw by Portugal in Women’s World Cup warm-up Sheffield Wednesday appoint former Watford boss Xisco Munoz as their new manager Business as usual for Fleetwood as former chairman is jailed Manchester City fans group urges FA to change Community Shield kick-off to 3pm

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Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri hit back at his critics when introducing new manager Xisco Munoz to the media. Former Watford boss Munoz, 42, was appointed on Tuesday as a replacement for Darren Moore, who surprisingly left the club by mutual consent last month – just three weeks after leading them to promotion back to the Championship. Chansiri has come under pressure from a section of fans over Moore’s departure, with former Owls player Carlton Palmer among his critics on social media. The Wednesday chairman felt compelled to reveal in a club statement last week that Moore had left Hillsborough after asking for a contract four times bigger than his previous one. Chansiri’s outburst cast a shadow over Munoz’s unveiling on Wednesday when he said: “Carlton Palmer came out and said something. I don’t understand why you say you love this club, but you try to damage it. “When we’ve done well in the past I’ve never seen him come out. I think he just wants to get attention. “If he thinks he tells the true story, I invite him to talk to me face-to-face in front of fans and media. Don’t hide behind social media.” Spaniard Munoz, whose 10-month spell in charge at Watford ended in the sack after he had guided them to promotion to the Premier League in 2021, stressed it was time to look to the future. The former Valencia winger, who lasted seven games as Watford boss in the top flight, said: “We need a new era. I don’t want to speak about three weeks ago. We are a massive club with massive fanbase. “Everyone knows what happened before. Now it’s about what we want, what we need. This is our focus.” Neither Wednesday nor Munoz declared the length of his contract and he confirmed he was happy to work with the club’s current backroom staff while keeping an open mind about bringing in new coaches. Munoz, tasked with ending the club’s 23-year Premier League exile and establishing them in the top flight, also stressed the club could only be successful if it remained united. The former Dinamo Tbilisi and Huesca head coach added: “We need the players, the training ground and the fans. “Our first goal is we arrive and try to improve on the training ground. Now is the moment for everybody to start pushing. “If we love the club I don’t need fighting. We need the fans to push us and stay together. “It’s important when you arrive at one place you need to know what the fans are demanding. Today I spoke to the players about that and starting work hard. We have a good group.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Arrests made after two Just Stop Oil protesters disrupt play at Wimbledon Ian Poulter believes changes need to be made for golf’s merger to succeed Jodie Burrage has Centre Court debut to forget against Daria Kasatkina

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