BBC News Briefing

25 April, 2024

Jules Darmanin

Hello. Today we're looking at Ukraine’s new defensive capabilities in the war against Russia, with the news the US has secretly provided longer-range missiles to Kyiv. Rayhan Demytrie is reporting from another Russian neighbour, Georgia, where a controversial bill dubbed "the Russian law" by protesters is discussed in parliament. Your newsletter also covers Indian elections, Italian cinema and hot-air airships.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Kyiv uses longer-range US missiles

A missile is fired in the night, generating light and smoke.

Longer-range Army Tactical Missile Systems fired during US-South Korean military exercises. Credit: Reuters

American officials have confirmed the US has secretly provided longer-range ballistic missiles to help Ukraine against invading Russian forces. The weapons arrived this month as part of a $300m (£240m) aid package approved by US President Joe Biden in March. The missiles, which have a range of up to 300km (186 miles), were used for the first time last week to strike a Russian airfield in occupied Crimea, according to an unnamed US official speaking to Reuters. It had been kept quiet "to maintain operational security for Ukraine", a US state department spokesman said. Mr Biden said the US would send weapons and equipment "right away" after he signed the much heftier $61bn aid package for Ukraine into law on Wednesday. With its arsenal depleting and Russia making steady gains, Kyiv had stepped up calls for Western assistance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently warned a Russian offensive was expected in the coming weeks.

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Upping the pressure: Ukraine is suspending consular services for male citizens aged 18 to 60 abroad in a bid to drive numbers joining the military.

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Verified: Fires broke out at multiple oil depots in Russia after reports of Ukrainian drone strikes on Wednesday morning. My BBC Verify colleagues have a video geolocating the incident.

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Space warfare: Russia has vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council calling on all countries to prevent an arms race in outer space.

WORLD HEADLINES

Trump legal calendar: The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether former presidents have immunity from criminal prosecution for actions they take while in office. From Washington, Anthony Zurcher explains what’s at stake for Donald Trump.

In Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has suspended public duties to decide on whether to quit his position, after a court opened a preliminary inquiry into corruption allegations against his wife.

Student protests: The leader of the US House of Representatives was heckled during a tense visit to Columbia University, in New York City. Footage shows Gaza protesters clashing with police across multiple campuses.

Indian elections: Many companies in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru are offering a host of incentives - from free beer to taxi rides - to people voting in the general election.

Stuff on the street: The windmill on top of the world famous Moulin Rouge cabaret club in Paris lost its sails on Wednesday night. No one was injured by the collapse. Take a look.

AT THE SCENE

Tbilisi, Georgia

Caught betwen Russia and the EU

For the last 10 days, thousands of Georgians - many in their late teens and early 20s - have been protesting against a controversial bill dubbed the "foreign agent" law. Many say it is inspired by authoritarian legislation from neighbouring Russia.

Rayhan Demytrie, South Caucasus correspondent.

"I am here for my European future," says 23-year old Gvantsa "Pertso" as she sits with her friends next to the Georgian parliament, a meeting point for rallies. She is among members of Georgia's Gen Z who have been marching through Tbilisi with EU and Georgian flags draped around their shoulders, holding banners and chanting "No to the Russian law!" Under the bill proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party - which has been in power for the last 12 years - NGOs and independent media that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors would have to to register as organisations "bearing the interests of a foreign power".

Read in full

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

The black-and-white film beating Barbie

A still from a black-and-white film shows a kitchen table scene.

Cortellesi set the black-and-white film in 1946. Credit: Fremantle

An arthouse film inspired by neorealist cinema has been taking the Italian box office by storm. There's Still Tomorrow (C'è Ancora Domani) has resonated across the country for its portrayal of violence against women. Director Paola Cortellesi speaks to Emma Jones about the relevence of her film in today's Italian society.

Read the story

A monkey inspects the contents of a bag of snacks

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Urban jungles

From ibis to hyenas, a surprising variety of scavengers have been drawn to urban life.

See the list

And finally...

A woman has set three female airship world records, 20 years after her father set the male record in the same airship. Alicia Hempleman-Adams is only the second woman to set hot-air airship world records, after Russia’s Natalia Volodicheva.

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– Jules

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