LONDON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London on Tuesday for talks with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the British government said, as European countries look to keep international attention on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while the unfolding Iran war engages world leaders.

Starmer’s office said that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will also join the meeting at 10 Downing St. to discuss peacemaking efforts in Ukraine and “the need to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia.”

The meeting comes days after the U.S. temporarily waived some Russian oil sanctions in a bid to ease pressure on global supplies triggered by the war in the Middle East, which was sparked by the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28.

Zelenskyy criticized Washington’s move to ease sanctions, saying it would provide a windfall for Moscow to keep up its attacks on Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants to secure a peace deal that ends Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II and has rattled the continent’s leaders, who reckon that Russia could pose a credible security threat to the European Union by the end of the decade.

But U.S.-brokered talks between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv, which so far have yielded no significant progress on key issues, have lost momentum amid the Middle East conflict.

At the same time, Trump has spurned Zelenskyy’s offer of help for the United States and its Persian Gulf partners in fighting Iranian drones. Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading producers of high-tech, battle-tested drone interceptors.

British officials say that Russia and Iran are collaborating on drone technology and tactics in the Middle East. Drone combat experts from the U.K. and Ukraine have been sent to the region to help Iran’s neighbors repel its drone attacks.

Starmer’s office said the U.K. and Ukraine will sign a deal combining “Ukraine’s expertise and the U.K.’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities.” Britain is also funding an “AI Center of Excellence” in conjunction with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

Zelenskyy, announcing his arrival in London on X, said his priorities are “more security and opportunities for Ukraine.”

Starmer said in a statement that “drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East.”

“By deepening our defense partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the U.K. and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 206 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian regions, the annexed Crimean Peninsula and the Azov Sea. A total of 40 intercepted drones were flying toward Moscow, the ministry said.

Asked about an increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow over the past few days, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that authorities in Kyiv were “continuing absolutely futile resistance” against Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy said late Monday that counterattacks by Ukrainian forces at eastern and southern points along the front line have wrecked Moscow’s plans for a March offensive.

His comments couldn’t be independently verified, but the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Monday that Ukrainian counterattacks “are likely constraining” some Russian offensive operations.

Ukraine’s air force said that Russia launched 178 long-range drones of various types across the country overnight starting late Monday, with 154 of them either intercepted or jammed while 22 more struck their targets.

In the southern Ukraine city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian strike damaged a terminal of Ukraine’s biggest private delivery company, Nova Poshta, the company said on Telegram. Eight people were wounded, according to Ivan Fedorov, the head of the regional military administration.

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Illia Novikov contributed to this report from Kyiv, Ukraine.

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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Band members RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook are to reunite for a new album, titled Arirang, which will be released on March 20 – while they will make their return to the stage on March 21 for a show at the historic Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul.

John Clark, a victim of the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London; Jonathan Ganesh, a 1996 London Docklands bombing victim; and Barry Laycock, a victim of the 1996 Arndale shopping centre bombing in Manchester, all allege that Mr Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA on those dates, including of its Army Council, and are seeking £1 in damages.

Mr Jenrick told a press conference in London: “If you give us your details on that website, in the next week or two, we’re going to draw one of those names, and Nigel [Farage] is going to come to your house and he’s going to pay your energy bills and those of everyone who lives on your street for an entire year.”

When the British summertime serves up dazzling sunshine, there’s no better pastime than relaxing in the garden on some outdoor furniture with a chilled drink in hand. A parasol will shield you from the glare and is essential for alfresco dining in the midday sun.

There are offerings from homeware retailers for simple and static upright styles costing less than £100 to cantilevered canopies costing close to four figures which come with speakers and LED lights to make those sundowners truly memorable.

Not to mention their varied look and feel: simple designs will blend seamlessly into a garden, whereas a design-led style will add to the feeling of escaping elsewhere. Our FAQ section at the bottom of the page answers any questions you might have.

Ultimately, you want a well-made model that will see you through many balmy seasons to come. After testing a batch of popular designs from Ikea, Dunelm, Kettler and other leading brands, these are our best buys in a quick list.

The best garden parasols: At a glance

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How to choose the best garden parasol

Space and portability are some of the main things to consider when choosing a parasol for your outdoor space. A nine-foot-tall leanover requires a sizeable base and is difficult to carry around. Unlike normal parasols, cantilever styles allow you to stretch the umbrella away from its stand, over the area of your choice, which means more space to move around underneath. 

Storage is also key: can your garage house a giant structure come winter? Although upright styles will need to be inserted in a dining table’s hole to provide cover, once taken apart they are usually no taller than waist-height and can be tucked away in the corner of a shed.

Beyond shade, most canopy fabrics offer additional sun protection thanks to their UV protective coating. Prioritise a parasol with a high Ultraviolet Protectin Factor (UPF) for sun safety.

How we test garden parasols

Jason Byers from Malafolla Ltd has applied for a new premises license for Gran Taberna, located at 88 Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7LX.

The general description on the application says: “It would include serving a range of beers, wines, spirits, vermouths and hot and cold tapas and Spanish dishes.

“With one bar, open plan kitchen, men’s, women’s and disabled WC. Both indoor seating and pavement license (if permitted).”

The application also includes making disabled access via a door and ramp to combat the stepped entrance, with one side totally glazed and south facing.

New signs appear on 5 Blackwellgate (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The proposed licence would permit the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises seven days a week.

The application is also applying for live indoor music from Thursday – Saturday between 3-11.30pm and Sunday from 3-11pm.

Applications have also been made for recorded music indoors and outdoors and performance of dance.

Made under the Licensing Act 2003, the premises license has applied to start on May 1, 2026.

It comes after the corner unit was spotted last week boarded up with brown paper, with a handwritten sign in Spanish reading “Vamos a Ver”, which translates as “let’s see”.

New signs appear on 5 Blackwellgate (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Pictures show brown sheets covering the windows as renovation work takes place inside.

The building previously housed Newcastle Building Society until 2017, before the branch moved to Horse Market on the high street.

Members of the public have until April 3 to submit comments or objections in writing to Darlington Borough Council via www.darlington.gov.uk.

Andrew Lawrenson, head of Latin at Dame Allan’s Schools, is an accomplished player and maker of the Northumbrian smallpipes – England’s only native bagpipes with an unbroken playing tradition.

Originally from Scotland, Mr Lawrenson began learning the instrument after discovering a set of pipes belonging to his father.

Mr Lawrenson said: “It’s about immersion.

“Taking the time to understand a different system – whether that’s an ancient language or a traditional instrument -and learning to think with care and precision.”

Unlike the better-known Highland bagpipes, the Northumbrian smallpipes are bellows-blown rather than mouth-blown, producing a quieter, sweeter sound suited to indoor performance.

In addition to playing, Mr Lawrenson has taught himself the complex craft of making the pipes—a process involving woodwork, metalwork, and reed-making.

He now plays a set he built himself.

He said: “It’s intimidating, but I like understanding how things work.”

Mr Lawrenson is active within the Northumbrian piping community, serving as a committee member of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society and is listed as a repairer and reed-maker.

He has also been invited to serve as deputy piper to the Duke of Northumberland, a ceremonial role with more than 200 years of history.

As deputy piper, he performs at Alnwick Castle and other official events.

At Dame Allan’s, Mr Lawrenson runs a co-curricular piping club where around six pupils are learning the instrument.

He describes Latin and piping as being more closely linked than they might appear.

Mr Lawrenson said: “You step into a society with very different values, one where slavery and capital punishment were the norm.”

That distance encourages pupils to reflect critically on their own world while developing sophisticated language skills, analytical thinking and close reading—qualities that translate well beyond the classroom.

He studied English Literature and Latin at Newcastle University, later training as a teacher in Glasgow.

His career has taken him to teaching positions in Aberdeen, St Andrews, and Hexham before he joined Dame Allan’s, where he is now in his third year as head of Latin.

Mr Lawrenson first became interested in Northumbrian piping during a resurgence, with a new generation of players – including Kathryn Tickell -recording and performing.

He began learning seriously under the guidance of experienced musicians, including Patricia Jennings, later Chair of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society, and developed his skills through a mix of learning by ear, mentoring, and competition.

One pupil, Savile, has shown strong musical instincts and quick progress.

A woman has shared how she managed to travel the world without spending a single penny – and she is sharing her favourite things about the life-changing experience

In an ideal world, everyone would be able to live out their dreams without worrying about the costs involved. But while most of us work to earn a living, one woman has revealed how she has managed to travel the world without spending a penny.

Sarah, known on social media as @sarahmonaco99, explained how she achieved this lifestyle – revealing that her “entire salary is 100 per cent disposable income. No rent. No food. No bills.” She shared that she lives and works on a yacht, where “everything onboard is covered”.

She said: “Accommodation, three meals a day, toiletries, travel to and from the boat – I have not paid a single living expense in two years. My first full season, I saved enough to put a deposit on an apartment. I was 24. My friends doing 9-5s are still saving. I’m not saying this to brag – I genuinely couldn’t believe it was real.”

Explaining how she got into the industry, she added: “Most people find their first season through Yotspot, Bluewater, or Saltwater Agency. No experience needed for entry-level roles. Just show up willing to work hard.”

Commenting on her post, one user said: “If I didn’t have a cat, I would so do this.”

Others were curious about the reality of the job, asking questions about working hours and expectations onboard, with one user writing: “Are you obligated to party with guests?”

In another post, Sarah shared some of the wild experiences she’s had while working on yachts, including gifts and behaviour from ultra-wealthy guests.

She said: “Rating the most unbelievable things billionaire guests did on our yacht…”

Giving the first example an 11/10, she said: “Moved the boat at midnight because the stars weren’t ‘visible enough’. Woke the captain at 12am. We sailed for two hours. The stars were the same.”

She rated another moment 10/10, adding: “Ordered £4,000 worth of groceries for a five-day charter – Wagyu beef, fresh truffles, three types of caviar. Ate none of it. Left it all on the boat when they disembarked. We ate like royalty for a week.”

She also revealed that the crew were tipped £11,000 by one millionaire because they “seemed like they needed it”.

Finally, she recalled one guest complaining that the Mediterranean Sea was “too blue” and asking if they could find somewhere with a “more interesting” water colour.

In the comments, users shared their amazement at the lifestyles of the ultra-rich, with many wishing they could experience that level of luxury.

One user said: “Those drinks look good.” Another added: “How do I get this job?”

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Brighton should have been awarded a penalty in their 1-0 loss at home to Arsenal on 4 March, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has said.

The Seagulls were trailing to Bukayo Saka’s ninth-minute goal when they pushed forward in the third minute of first-half stoppage time.

After a cross was delivered from the left, Brighton midfielder Mats Wieffer tried to run into the box towards the flight of the ball but was hauled to the ground by Gabriel Martinelli.

Referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue and it was cleared by the video assistant referee (VAR), Michael Salisbury.

Fabian Hurzeler complained to fourth official David Webb and the Brighton boss ended up exchanging words with Mikel Arteta on the touchline.

The Premier League Match Centre wrote on X that the VAR “deemed there was no clear and obvious error”.

But the KMI Panel voted 4:1 that a spot-kick should have been awarded on the field, and 3:2 that it was a missed VAR intervention.

The ruling said: “Martinelli is not looking at the ball, holds Weiffer into the area and prevents the Brighton player from challenging for the ball.”

It is the second time this season Arsenal have escaped a VAR penalty in an away game they have won 1-0.

In December, Everton should have been awarded a penalty for William Saliba’s challenge on Thierno Barry. The VAR was Michael Salisbury for that match, too.

There have now been 18 VAR errors logged this season, matching the total for the entire 2024-25 campaign.

From this same gameweek, Leeds United should have been given a penalty in their 1-0 loss at home to Sunderland for Luke O’Nien’s holding offence on Pascal Struijk.

The Gunners have had no VAR mistakes against them.