the us says it will �*rush' air defence missiles and ammunition to ukraine as part of its new military aid package. south africa marks thirty years since the end of apartheid and its first democratic elections. scotland's first minister, humza yousaf, insists he won't resign despite a week of political turmoil. and taylor swift matches a madonna chart record. we'll tell you why. the ukrainian military says russia carried out another massive air attack overnight. the mayor of kharkiv, ukraine's second city, said one missile narrowly missed a hospital with 1,000 people inside. attacks also took place in the dnipro region in central ukraine and in the western areas of lviv

and ivano—frankivsk. ukrainian officials say equipment has been damaged and at least one energy worker injured. russia has repeatedly targeted ukrainian energy infrastructure over recent months. it's attacks such as these that have led to more us aid to ukraine. the united states has outlined what will be included in a $6 billion package of military assistance. it's part of a larger $60 billion commitment — which was approved by congress a week ago following 6 months of delays. the package will focus on air defence and includes interceptor missiles, anti—drone systems and artillery ammunition. what's not included are the new patriot air defence batteries, which ukraine's president zelensky says are critical. the us defence secretary, lloyd austin, has been speaking about the importance of the aid. the outcome in ukraine will determine the trajectory of our times.

if putin prevails in ukraine, the security consequences would be grave and global. europe would face a security threat it hasn't seen in our lifetimes. as president biden has noted, russia will not stop in ukraine. if the kremlin gets its way, if putin's war of imperial aggression succeeds, every tyrant on earth will take note. a little earlier i spoke to ivan verstyuk, a journalist based in kyiv. i started by asking him about the latest attacks by russia — as well as reports of drone attacks by ukraine on an oil refinery in southern russia. it's pretty clear that russians are hurrying up to increase pressure on ukrainian energy infrastructure before new air defence systems and new supplies for air defence get installed. so russians are using this period of time to do the rest

of their plans to our energy system. so it's going to be harder for ukrainian business and the population to survive this year of war. in this way russians want to make ukrainians more thinking about, maybe we should sign a peace agreement or something, because our energy infrastructure is so badly damaged. and with ukrainian drones targeting russian oil refineries in some of the western region of that country, this is also very important because those two oil refineries are directly involved in russian military logistics and resupplying russian troops in eastern ukraine with all kinds of fuel. so this direct military target, and what's also important is that we know well that vladimir putin, the russian leader, mostly doesn't pay any attention to russian economic crisis or any western economic sanctions. to him, this is not a priority. but the only economic indicator that he pays attention to is inflation and price growth. that he pays attention and i'm sorry to cut you off. that he pays attention

i know our time is going to run out shortly. i just wanted to ask you about this us military aid package for ukraine. i just want to ask you about the reaction there when the us announced it was not going to send these patriot air defence batteries to ukraine as part of this package, what's the reaction there? 0verall, despite having problems with getting more patriot systems to ukraine, all of our weapons are going to be resupplied with this recent us assistance package — anti—tank weapons, anti—aircraft weapons, all kinds of artillery. so people generally now feel much easier because the general expectation is the russians will belong another big advance in may orjune. that's why they're concentrating their military personnel and also firepower, mostly in eastern ukraine. so that change the new supply line. it changes the mood of people who now feel substantially safer, expecting of what's going to be happening next.

and also, it's really important to resupply our troops, especially in eastern ukraine, where the intensity of fighting is the highest among all of it. that was a journalist speaking to me from kyiv. there've been developments in ceasefire negotiations between israel and hamas — with both sides continuing to review proposals. egyptian mediators have arrived in israel — and local media are reporting there's been "notable progress" in finding common ground. in gaza itself, the hamas—run health agency says at least 50 people have been killed in israeli attacks over the past 2a hours. this was the scene in rafah on friday night. 0ur diplomatic correspondentjames landale is following the developments from jerusalem. he began by telling me about plans being discussed for british troops to go to gaza to help deliver humanitarian assistance via the sea.

well, this week, catherine, the american defence department gave a long briefing to media in america about how this new maritime aid corridor would work but there was a big hole in the plans and that is because the united states has made it very clear they are not going to put us boots on the ground in gaza. they are not going to drive those aid trucks off the landing craft onto the floating pontoon or causeway when it is established and onto the beach into a secure zone on the beach in gaza. so, someone is going to have to do that. the americans said an unnamed third party would do it. they said it would be a significant partner of the united states, a nation, not some private military company. my understanding is that one option being considered by the british government is that british troops would drive those trucks. i should be very clear — no decision has been made, the issue hasn't yet reached the prime minister's desk. the mod is not commenting, nor is the israeli army. but, the british are being very closely involved in this operation�*s planning from the very beginning,

both in america headquarters in florida and also in cyprus. a british ship is going to be used as a dormitory for hundreds of american service men and women involved and even the british hydrographic office has been giving detailed information to planners about the nature of gaza's shoreline. so, it is a possibility, it is an option. the british forces will drive those trucks onto the beach in gaza in harm's way but it is just an option, no decision has been taken. the former head of the palestinian desk at israel's ministry for strategic affairs, kobi michael — gave me his assessment on the progress of the ceasefire talks. i'm a bit sceptical about any progress. it looks like the leadership of hamas in the gaza strip still believe that the time works in favour of them, and not only the time but the us and the entire international community by pressuring israel

and criticising israel, i assume they have no real incentive for them to make some further concessions with regard to the negotiation. i hope i'm wrong in my assessment. but i believe that the main goal of hamas is to survive and to remain the sovereign power in the gaza strip in the days after the war. this would be the ultimate victory for them. and therefore, they intend to keep hostages as a sort of insurance policy, and even if there will be a sort of appeal, they will not release all of the hostages. what is your assessment of the role that the possible invasion of rafah has had on these talks? has it cast a shadow over the talks and should the offensive happen, how will it impact any mediation?

i think that the offensive by itself is not enough in order to create the impact or the required impact on hamas leadership in gaza. in order to create such an impact and in order to increase the probability for a more successful negotiation, we have to add to the military offensive two additional pressures. the first one is the pressure on qatar, and this is a pressure that only the us can create, because qatar has the most significant leverage over hamas. the second pressure is to create an alternative, the replacement for hamas on the ground immediately, at least in the northern part of the gaza strip, in a way that will signal to the leadership of hamas and to the people of gaza that still support hamas, that hamas is not an option any more. only by creating these three vectors or pressures simultaneously,

i think there is a higher probability for a breakthrough in the negotiation. scotland's first minister, humza yousaf, is insisting he will not resign despite a week of political turmoil. here's a recap of what's been happening. the crisis began when humza yousaf — who leads the scottish national party ended its governing coalition with the scottish greens. both parties are pro scottish independence. there'd been trouble in the coalition about the decision to scrap climate targets and gender policy issues. theoretically, mr yousaf could lead a minority government but he faces two confidence votes, and all the main scottish parties have said they will vote against him. there's the possibility that a former snp member ash regan, who has defected to another nationalist party — could save mr yousaf. but that's highly uncertain. the big picture in all of this is that the position of the scottish national party

is weakening with uk elections due. and that also has implications for the likelihood of scottish independence. 0ur reporter catrina renton is in glasgow, and explains exactly how the first minister has found himself in this position. this time last week, we were talking about the scottish green party voting on whether or not they should remain in partnership with the snp. some in the party, as you were saying, were unhappy with the power—sharing arrangement after the snp dropped a climate change target. there has also been issues about gender services for young people. in a twist, humza yousaf called in the green ministers on thursday and he told them the relationship was over so that is how he finds himself in this position fighting for his political life. he said he is confident he will win the confidence vote and he will not resign but he does face these two votes of confidence next week, one in himself and one in his government. as you were explaining in your introduction, the arithmetic in the scottish parliament

is very tight. there are 63 snp msps, there are 65 opposition msps and there is the presiding officer who retains a neutral position. he has written to all of the party leaders asking them for talks on where they can find common ground. i think it is safe to say we can rule out any deals with the prounion parties, labour, conservatives and liberal democrats. but somewhat ironically, mr yousaf is now having to reach back out to the greens who he dumped on thursday but they are sore and they say they can't trust him after what happened. mr yousaf said yesterday he didn't mean to upset or anger the scottish greens and that there are a lot of issues that both the snp and greens share. so that is one way he could remain in government if some of the seven scottish green msps were to change their tack and support him but that seems highly unlikely given the upset that was caused. his only other potential lifeline is the alba party msp ash regan. she stood against humza yousaf

for the leadership of the snp after the first minister nicola sturgeon stood down. she set out a number of conditions. she set out a number of conditions. she makes those concessions to her conduct rock the boat elsewhere. if he loses the personal vote is not legally bound to resign that you can imagine there is political pressure on him. now it's time for a look at today's sport. hello again. the world outside the netherlands might not know too much about him yet, but arne slot, who's expected to the new manager of liverpool, gets a glowing he's replacing. jurgen klopp says slot "is a good coach, a good guy and someone who plays good football". slot is set to move to anfield after a compensation deal worth up to £91; million was agreed with dutch club feyenoord.

slot led feyenoord to the dutch title last season, and this year they're set to finish second in their league having already won the dutch cup. liverpool's hopes of ending the klopp era with a league title took another blow this week with defeat at everton. they travel to west ham for today's early kick—off. pretty sure arsenal and city see it now as a two—horse race. they might have to say something else publicly, but they don't expect for themselves to lose two games from now on, i don't think so. i don't expect them to do that. if they do it, we would be completely silly if we would then not be around. here's a check on all of today's matches. sheffield united will be relegated if they lose to newcastle, and could go down if they draw and other results go against them. they are ten points off nottingham forest in 17th with four games left. there's a huge night ahead in the women's champions league at a sold—out stamford bridge. chelsea hold a 1—0 lead over barcelona going into the second

leg of their semifinal. emma hayes knows that despite having the advantage, it's still a big task ahead of them. barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways that, for us as a team, we have to be so, so mindful that you can't switch off for one single session. this is a game that is played in the head, first and foremost, and, you know, we know that we have to be perfect to be able to progress. in the nba play—offs on friday indiana pacers seized a 2—1 lead in their best—of—seven series against the milwaukee bucks, while minnesota timberwolves will aim for a clean sweep in their series against the phoenix suns. the timberwolves won their latest game 126—109. and over in dallas, the mavericks took a 2—1 lead in their first—round playoff series against the la clippers. luka doncic was the mavericks star man with 22 points, ten rebounds and nine assists. game four is set

for sunday in dallas. and in the last half an hour or so, judd trump has been the latest player to make it into the quarter finals of the world snooker championship. the 2019 champion trump resumed 11—5 up against tom ford, and duly wrapped up the match 13 frames to seven. in this morning's other second—round match, stephen maguire leads shaun murphy by seven frames to four. in rugby union, it all comes down to today to decide the women's six nations. england play france in bordeaux at teatime. it's winner takes all. the red roses have not lost in the competition for 28 games, but their last defeat was away against france in 2018. the girls are really looking forward to just putting the performance out on the pitch, and the players that have not played in a hostile environment like this, it's for the senior players to put their arm around, checking on them, and, you know, just remember to enjoy the moment however the moment is, because you don't know

when it's your last. now, in golf, how about this from 23—year—old american auston kim at thejm eagle la championship in california? here she is at the 18th hole. now earlier in the day, another american, alexa pano, had managed a hole in one on the par—312th. not to be outdone, kim managed this. herfirst hole in one, or ace as they're known, at the 18th. wonderful reaction. you can see what it means to her. kim is tied fifth, seven shots behind leader australian grace kim. and that's all the sport for now. south africa is marking 30 years since the end of apartheid and the country's first democratic elections. president cyril ramaphosa, who is leading the main ceremony in pretoria, has said freedom day will unite the country in celebrating its democraticjourney. the events come at a difficult time for the governing african national congress. south africa is preparing for elections next month, while experiencing failing

infrastructure and high levels of crime and unemployment. let's speak to our correspondent jenny hill, who is injohannesburg. jenny, thank you forjoining us on the programme. as we were saying there, this is a key moment, a key anniversary, but the anc�*s legacy is in focus over the next month in south africa.— in focus over the next month in south africa. yes, you are quite riuht. south africa. yes, you are quite right- we _ south africa. yes, you are quite right. we have _ south africa. yes, you are quite right. we have been _ south africa. yes, you are quite right. we have been listening i south africa. yes, you are quite j right. we have been listening to president cyril ramaphosa speaking at the commemorative events. it is a very stirring speech that he is giving. he said that freedom's belle 30 years ago ran across this great country and that the weight of centuries of oppression were finally thrown off. this is a big day for this country. it is an opportunity for many two, first of all, think back to the suffering which many endured under the apartheid regime, and to commemorate those who fought against it and ultimately one, but

also to recall the joy and hope that so many people here felt. when nelson mandela and his anc party swept to victory in the first democratic election. the current president has been reminding people that it was a moment of if rebirth, a new constitution. in many ways a very new country. you are quite right. it is a country which faces enormous challenges and cyril ramaphosa is extremely well aware of that. this kind of historic anniversary is often a chance for people to make comparisons with how life was then and how life is now. that mood of hope about the future 30 years ago, felt by so many people, contrasts now with i think a real sense of, certainly not optimism. a lot of people here really concerned about where this country is. massive worries about

infrastructure, electricity and water infrastructure, simply doesn't work much of the time. it is failing. crime and unemployment are huge issues. simple ramaphosa faces potentially and extremely bruising election in just over a potentially and extremely bruising election injust over a month's time. his party, which has been in power uninterrupted for 30 years, ever since that first democratic election, is not looking like it's going to perform as well as it would like to, and some pollsjust going to perform as well as it would like to, and some polls just over night are predicting it will lose its majority was not one of the interesting things about these commemorations is that, among the dignitaries gathered, the former president, one thing is missing and thatis president, one thing is missing and that is jacob zuma, the disgraced former south african president. cyril ramaphosa's predecessor. he is no longer a member of the anc. he has thrown his political weight behind a newly formed opposition party, which takes its name and

indeed logo from the now disbanded armed wing of the anc. he has become armed wing of the anc. he has become a real thorn in the side of the anc. gearing up as the country had two elections in may. thank you very much, that is the bbc�*sjenny hill injohannesburg. king charles is to return to public duties, for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer.a buckingham palace spokesperson said doctors had been pleased with his progress so far. he will continue to be treated for an unspecified form of the disease. charlotte gallagher reports. the king and queen together, in the gardens of buckingham palace, a positive sign about the king's health. the photo was taken earlier this month but has just been released. the palace say the king is making encouraging progress and will shortly return to public—facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.

the king's last public event was in windsor on easter sunday and he surprised the crowds by stopping to chat, thanking them for their good wishes. keep going strong, never give in. thank you. his next visit will be more symbolic —a trip to a cancer treatment centre. and injune, he will meet the emperor and empress of japan who will be in london for a state visit. but the king's recovery process is still ongoing. i guess he will be taking very strong advice from his medical team not to overdo it. there is a psychological component to cancer recovery, and it's great he feels able to go out there and do more, but he will need to be very careful that he doesn't

stretch himself too much. this has been a really tough year for the royalfamily, with both the king and the princess of wales diagnosed with cancer, and, like any family, that has come as a huge blow. they've also had to deal with intense media speculation, so the announcement that the king feels well enough to return to some public duties will be welcome news. the prime minister, your majesty. the king has been working throughout his treatment, including meeting with the prime minister. decisions about some upcoming events will be made by the king and his advisers nearer the time. he is still undergoing treatment. they can't guarantee that he will undertake some of the key engagements over the summer, although they are very hopeful he will be able to, so you've got things like royal ascot, trooping the colour, chelsea flower show, perhaps. i think they are hoping he will be able to go to those sorts of events but it is all still to be confirmed yet.

the king and catherine are two of the most senior and popular members of the royal family. their absence has been felt by many. i wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally... there is no news about when the princess of wales will return to public duties. she announced her cancer diagnosis in march and has asked for time, space and privacy for herself and herfamily. charlotte gallagher, bbc news. taylor swift has matched madonna's record of having 12 number one albums in the uk — the most by a female artist. "the tortured poets department" had the american singer's best—ever first week sales in the uk — and the highest first week sales for any artist since 2017. her next target in the history books is elvis presley, who has 13 number one albums. the beatles have the most, with 16.

it's the first album to pass i billion streams on spotify in a week. it's the fastest selling album of the year in the uk. we could go on and on and on. the musicjournalist ben sutherland. ijust wanted to leave you with these live pictures coming in from the netherlands where it is king's day. this is a major public holiday in the country. that is the king there right in the middle of the picture. the royal family have been out in force. they are playing games with members of the audience. this is live pictures from the netherlands which is marking king's national holiday. and it is also the king �*s birthday. you are watching bbc news.

hello. it's a weekend of mixed fortunes weather—wise because things are still very unsettled. some rain around at times and it is going to feel chilly for the time of year as well. if you are after a bit of warmer weather, you might well see it into next week but the weather still remaining pretty unsettled. low pressure never very far away. we have it to the south at the moment towards the bay of biscay, that low pressure approaching us from the south. we have an area of cloud and patchy rain through central parts of england and wales for the rest of the day. that rain tending to peter out as it pushes northwards. some sunny spells and a few scattered heavy showers around the south coast but then the next area of rain works into the south later on in the afternoon. for northern england, scotland and northern ireland, much of the day will see some sunshine, a largely dry picture but there will be some scattered showers, most frequent across the north—west of scotland. it is going to feel cool, particularly under the cloud. this evening and tonight, that area of rain pushes its way northwards across the bulk of england, much of wales as well. it could be really quite heavy. under the cloud and rain in the south and east,

it is going to be relatively mild but across scotland and northern ireland, cold night, under those clear skies, a touch of frost. not as cold as last night. low pressure still with us tomorrow. it's pushing its way gradually northwards and eastwards so that rain through the morning sits across parts of north—east england into east wales, central southern england. some heavy showers, perhaps thunderstorms for the likes of east anglia. that rain pushing into the east of scotland, winding close to the east coast and it is going to feel chilly. eight to 10 degrees. over the rest of scotland, northern ireland, wales and south england highs of up to 13 degrees. this stage in the week it is moving on from the west so showery rain from northern ireland, western parts of england and wales. dry and a little bit warmer. 16 degrees or so, only 12 for the likes of belfast. low pressure still looks like it

will sit out towards the west of us so some rain around at times but a change in wind direction with the wind is rotating around that low pressure, they are going to be coming in from a south—easterly direction bringing a slightly warmer air mass. those temperatures will be on the rise, we could see 20 degrees in the south by the middle of the week but it is going to stay unsettled, there will be some sunshine and some rain around at times through next week. bye— bye.

this is bbc news. the headlines... the us says it will "rush" patriot air defence missiles and artillery ammunition to ukraine as part of its new $6 billion military aid package. ukraine says russia has carried out another air attack, narrowly missing a hospital. scotland's first minister, humza yousaf, insists he won't resign despite a week of political turmoil. he's expected to spend the weekend announcing policies to shore up support before two potential confidence votes next week. wildlife in antarctica is being exposed to potentially damaging levels of ultraviolet light thanks to a hole in the ozone layer and australian bushfires. scientists say both animals and plants are at risk from the rays. those are the headlines. now on bbc news — talking business.