'Bone-breaking sanctions bill from hell': Trump's envoy says US won't abandon Ukraine
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Hi, I’m Dan Rivers, ITV News’ US Correspondent. President Trump described Ukraine’s audacious drone attack of Russia’s strategic bombers as “strong” and “badass”.
And, it’s emerged no one in the White House knew of the operation ahead of time.
In an exclusive interview, General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy to the Ukraine, said the surprise assault - far from potentially damaging any prospect of a peace deal - “kind of advances where you want to get to, which is conflict resolution”.
And Gen Kellogg told me the US is not going to abandon Zelenskyy if negotiations stall.
“Attacks like that can change the arc of a conflict,” Kellogg said.
He added: “You've got to give him credit for what was a fairly audacious move.”
General Kellogg was in the Oval Office when President Trump spoke to President Putin. And what Putin does in retaliation is still unclear.
Although talks have made little progress so far, the very act of getting Ukrainian and Russian officials around a table is notable. Kellogg thinks that if anyone can close the gap between the two sides, it is President Trump.
“I tell you, I would never, ever bet against Donald J Trump. Never. That's one thing I've learned from being with him is, you know, he'll figure a way to do it. He'll bring it to a close. He's the ultimate closer.”
And, if the US feels Putin isn’t engaging meaningfully in these talks, there is what’s known colloquially on Capitol Hill as the ‘bone-breakling sanctions bill from hell’ ready to go, imposing 500% secondary tariffs on anyone buying Russian oil…
Exclusive: Women at Britain’s elite rowing club walked out over personal safety fears
Britain’s most prestigious rowing club – the home of many legendary Olympians - has been accused of ignoring the safety fears of its own female rowers, leading them to refuse to train with their male teammates, writes ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott.
We have learned of two investigations carried out by the Leander Club, at Henley-on-Thames, both involving allegations against two of its male athletes.
One was accused of a serious sexual assault in 2022, the other was investigated for harassment last year. The alleged victims were female rowers at Leander. Both men deny the allegations.
Watch Steve’s exclusive report on ITVX.
Brit doctor speaks of 'chronically malnourished' children on return from Gaza
A British doctor has told ITV News International Affairs Analyst Rageh Omaar of the "chronically malnourished" children of Gaza as she returned from her latest aid mission to the occupied territory.
Dr Victoria Rose says children are lacking the essential nutrients to fight off infections, following a months-long Israeli blockade, which halted the movement of food and aid.
Hospitals are also running out of antibiotics, and "time is running out" to help those living in the territory, she said.
Plus: Women in Gaza document their daily struggles as Israeli airstrikes continue
‘Get ready for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan’
Former cabinet secretary Sir Simon Case has told ITV News’ Political Editor Robert Peston that the UK and the West "better be ready" for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
In an exclusive interview for ITV News' Talking Politics podcast, Sir Simon - who was the most powerful British official till the end of last year - said that the shock to global trade and the economy from such an invasion would "make what happened during Covid and Ukraine... pale into comparison".
You can keep across the latest from the corridors of power in our regular podcast which this week asks whether Tory Robert Jenrick’s video stunts a help or a hindrance to his party leader?
The paralympian aiming to become the first disabled astronaut
John McFall lost his lower right leg in a motorcycle accident while backpacking as a teenager across Asia.
A career as a surgeon and a paralympic bronze medal later, the 44-year-old is now training to become the first ever disabled astronaut in space.
He is one of three astronauts belonging to the UK Space Agency who are hoping to get a European Space Agency flight. He spoke to ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew about the challenges ahead - and watch John in training on our TikTok.
How can you ensure your sunscreen is 'reef safe'?
Every year, roughly 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen ends up in the sea, threatening the health of marine life.
It's led to many people buying 'reef safe' sunscreen but there is currently no regulation of these products.
Now, a group of researchers from the University of Derby want to change that with proper accreditation of reef safe sunscreen that could be regulated globally.
ITV News Correspondent Ben Chapman met the team of scientists campaigning for safer sun cream…
Doctors behave 'like gods': Whistleblowers speak out on cardiac surgery unit culture
Doctors at Belfast’s leading cardiac surgery unit have been lambasted by whistleblowers for their domineering behaviour.
In an exclusive report, UTV Health Reporter Deborah McAleese has been told by one insider: "They come like gods, they will verbally abuse individuals in front of everyone, the whole team. They are verbally abusive in ICU, theatres, ward - it is terrible everywhere.”
Another said the unit had been "hijacked by a mob" and patient safety was undoubtedly at risk. Watch Deborah’s report on ITVX.
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Lollipop: A 'timely' film about the realities of the social care system
A decade ago, Daisy-May Hudson picked up her camera and started documenting her family’s life. She, her mother and her 13-year-old sister had just lost their home.
Priced out of the rental market, they were living in hostels and halfway houses while they fought layers of bureaucracy to try and get rehoused.
She’s told ITV News Arts Editor Nina Nannar about her new documentary, Half Way, which chronicles her story…
And, have a listen to our arts & entertainment podcast, Unscripted, here.
Fly-camping: Lake District landowners hire private security guards
Private security guards are being mobilised to move on groups of overnight campers who are setting up at Cumbrian beauty spots - and leaving litter, food waste and damaging trees.
Over the May bank holiday, guards moved on more than 130 people intent on setting up camp at Thirlmere, disrupting 19 sites and extinguishing 17 large camp fires.
ITV Border’s Kieran Macfadzean pulled on his hiking boots to investigate…
What’s coming up…
Wednesday June 11: Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlines her spending review - what departments will get more, which less - and will there be tax rises to pay for it?
Wednesday June 11: High Court action brought by the Government against PPE Medpro - founded by underwear tycoon Michelle Mone - due to begin over deal to supply medical gowns during the pandemic
Friday June 13: The second part of report stage for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. There will be further debate by MPs and likely votes on amendments
And finally… Daleks invade, erm, Norfolk…
For those of a certain age, they are among the most scary alien combatants ever seen.
Doctor Who’s arch enemies, the Daleks, have been spotted on the streets of Norfolk towns - but they’re not zapping people uttering ‘Exterminate! Exterminate!’ rather raising thousands for good causes.
ITV Anglia jumped in their Tardis to pay them a visit - and their creator Mark Casto…