Russian commander killed in combat
The commander of an “elite” Russian regiment, Vasily Popov, have been murdered, leading war analysts believe. The leader of the 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment (VDV) was killed in action while units were shot down in key areas, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said. Roland Oliphant and Julian Simmonds bring you his last dispatch from the front line, where they report that Ukrainian troops are Taking Russian territory tree by tree. after a critical tactical change. It comes as a Donetsk village recaptured by Ukraine has been reduced to rubble after weeks of intense fighting with Russian forces.
Sara Sharif’s relatives appear in court
Sara Sharif was found lying face up under a blanket on a bunk bed, a court has heard. The girl’s father, Urfan Sharif, 41, stepmother Beinash Batool, 29, and uncle Faisal Malik, 28, appeared in court for the first time, after flying back to the UK from Pakistan on Wednesday. All three have been charged with the murder of the 10-year-old boy and have also been charged with causing or permitting the death of a child. Police officers found Sara fully clothed, face up with her hands in front under a blanket, a court heard. The defendants did not plead guilty to either charge.
