21 February 2024 , 21:54
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For two years, Ukrainian fighters have fought valiantly to stop Vladimir Putin’s forces from seizing their homeland.
While their spirit has never faltered, their ability to resist the invasion is being tested to the limit by the superior Russian war machine.
This month, Ukrainian troops were forced to abandon the Eastern city of Avdiivka after running short of guns, ammunition and men.
Without urgent support from allies, there are fears that further ground will be ceded in the coming days and weeks.
The West must and can do more. If Putin is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, it will only embolden his imperial ambitions, raising fears for the safety of Finland and the Baltic states.
Russian model killed after calling Putin a 'psychopath' was strangled by her ex
Donald Trump’s Republicans, who have sought to block further military and financial aid, should hang their heads in shame.
European countries who pledged to support President Zelensky to the very end must honour their promise. We cannot betray the Ukrainian people in their hour of need.
Power failure
Last year, energy watchdog Ofgem stopped companies from forcibly fitting pre-payment meters in people’s homes.
Now it has decided to allow two more suppliers to resume the practice, after lifting the ban for Octopus, EDF and Scottish Power.
Energy firms claim meters are needed to collect outstanding debts – without acknowledging it is their high prices which have left so many people struggling financially.
Homes with pre-payment meters are more likely to be disconnected, or to struggle to pay their bills. This means more people are likely to go without heating and hot water.
You have to wonder if the regulator is on the side of the customer – or the energy firms.
Note worthy
New banknotes featuring the portrait of King Charles III are set to come into circulation from June.
His mother’s image graced our notes for seven decades – so it’s no small change.