For the second time in a year, there have been public protests in Ukraine in response to a decision by the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

In July 2025, protests erupted when Zelensky tried to curb the powers of two independent corruption agencies, forcing him to backtrack. The trigger for the latest protests was the dismissal of Ukraine’s popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov.

This is not the first time Zelensky has reshuffled his defence team. Oleksii Reznikov, who had been defence minister since 2021, was dismissed in 2023 following a string of high-profile corruption scandals.

He was replaced by Rustem Umerov who, after two years in office, was moved to the role of secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, as part of a full-scale cabinet reshuffle.

Umerov’s replacement, former prime minister Denys Shmyhal, lasted almost exactly six months before another reshuffle linked to the long fallout from the corruption scandals of summer 2025. Shmyhal was moved to the energy ministry and replaced by Fedorov.

What distinguishes Fedorov’s ousting is that this is the first time a reshuffle has been carried out for reasons of internal disagreement within Zelensky’s core team.

In a press conference on July 16, Fedorov accused the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, of blocking his reform initiatives and dividing the country. Their rift had become increasingly public. Fedorov and Syrskyi had apparently each demanded that the other be dismissed, rather than finding the compromise Zelensky wanted.

That the president sided with the commander-in-chief rather than his defence minister seemingly defies all logic. Fedorov had been an advocate of drone warfare during his earlier tenure as Ukraine’s minister for digital transformation, a role he assumed at the beginning of Zelensky’s tenure as president in 2019.

Since Fedorov was appointed minister of defence in January, Ukraine has made significant progress in stalling Russia’s momentum in the war. Key to this has been an intensified campaign of strikes against Russian oil infrastructure – one of the backbones of the country’s war economy.

Fedorov also moved to reform procurement policies in the defence ministry. In June, he stated that his team’s efforts to enforce competitive tendering for defence contracts had saved more than US$100 million (£74 million) by cutting the costs of 155mm artillery shells.

This is one probable source of Fedorov’s conflict with Syrskyi, who decides which weapons systems and military equipment should be procured. More than an issue of corruption, the rift is about control – and a clash of cultures between the moderniser, Fedorov, and the more traditional military leadership around Syrskyi.

After his dismissal, Fedorov apparently refused to continue in an advisory role for Zelensky. Two key advisors in the defence ministry, Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov and Serhii Sternenko, as well as the deputy commander of the air force, Pavlo Yelizarov, have all now resigned.

These developments further underline the internal strategic disagreements over the direction of Ukraine’s war effort.

Fedorov’s replacement

Zelensky’s initial choice for his next defence minister was Ihor Klymenko, who apparently declined the role and is set to take up the post of secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council instead.

As a former national police chief who had been Ukraine’s interior minister since 2023, Klymenko was seen as someone who could resolve Ukraine’s continued recruitment crisis. This is arguably the area in which Fedorov failed to make sufficient progress.

In light of sustained rumours about a new mobilisation of Russian troops for the war in the autumn, it is clear that Ukraine’s manpower problem is becoming more acute and needs an urgent resolution.

According to Fedorov’s diagnosis of the scale of the problem, 2 million Ukrainians are currently wanted for draft evasion, and 200,000 soldiers are absent without official leave.

Less clear, however, is why Klymenko was touted for the role. As interior minister, he was at least part of the problem caused by so-called “busification” – the forcible seizure of military-age Ukrainian men by recruitment officials. Klymenko has consistently maintained that these officials have acted within the boundaries of martial law.

Klymenko’s refusal to accept the position may also have been an implicit acknowledgement of how difficult a job any reform of recruitment would be. This is particularly the case given Zelensky’s highly public commitment to eradicating busification, during his press conference with the outgoing British prime minister, Keir Starmer, in Kyiv on July 16.

Yevhenii Khmara, a major general and acting head of the Ukrainian intelligence service SBU, has now been appointed as acting defence minister. Given Kharma’s previous role in supporting Ukraine’s intensifying air campaign against Russia, his appointment placates critics of the Fedorov dismissal. These include members of Zelensky’s own party, who saw Klymenko as insufficiently aligned with Fedorov’s strategy in the war.

But a realignment with Fedorov’s vision of how to win the war will do little to address either the recruitment issue or the underlying conflict with Syrskyi. That this will likely fester could be particularly destabilising, because the timeline towards Kharma’s parliamentary confirmation is unclear.

Under Ukrainian law, Kharma first has to resign from active military service before he can take on the civilian role of defence minister. He then has to be formally nominated by the president, after which the Ukrainian parliament must approve his appointment.

Like the summer 2025 corruption crisis, Zelensky will probably weather this storm. But the price he is likely to pay is a further erosion of his authority – and a shrinking of his inner circle of trusted advisors.

This is an unnecessary and unwelcome distraction from a defence effort that had finally seemed to put Ukraine on the front foot, for the first time since the end of 2022.

Victoria Beckham was supported by her husband David and son Romeo as they jetted to New York City for her fragrance pop-up launch at Caffe Paradiso on Friday. 

The former footballer looked in better spirits after being consoled by his fashion mogul wife in Georgia, as England were defeated by Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.

Now it’s David’s turn to show his support for Victoria, as she launched a special pop-up for her fragrance Portofino ‘97.

Posh Spice looked effortlessly chic in a black sleeveless dress as she took a seat at the cafe with David and son Romeo.

David cut his usual dapper figure in a navy suit as he sipped on an iced coffee while Romeo dressed casual in a white T-shirt and a backwards red baseball cap. 

The Beckham family were without son Cruz and daughter Harper, but looked in good spirits as they enjoyed coffee and baked goods on a private outdoor table at the cafe with friends. 

The former footballer looked in better spirits after being consoled by his fashion mogul wife in Georgia as England were defeated by Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals

Victoria will be missing Mel C’s wedding to Chris Dingwall this weekend in the Lake District as she will be remaining in the US with David for the World Cup final.

On Wednesday, David looked heartbroken as Argentina knocked England out of the World Cup tournament at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.

Cruz leant into his father, 51, as they shared the affectionate moment after Argentina scored the winning goal in the closing moments of the game.

Viewers watching from home caught the exchange, with one saying: ‘Beckham near to tears and being consoled by Cruz was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen’.

Another person commented: ‘That hug between David and Cruz Beckham was wholesome’.

In other photos, the legendary footballer and his wife Victoria, 52, held their heads in their hands after the Three Lions’ loss.

David and Victoria watched the devastating semi-final with their children Romeo, 23, Harper, 15, Cruz and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

England had been leading 1-0 when Anthony Gordon snuck the ball into the back of the net in the 55th minute.

But just when fans were thinking the job was almost done, Argentina staged a late comeback with both Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martinez scoring goals just seven minutes apart.

Earlier in the game, Victoria leaped into David’s arms as she celebrated England’s goal in the second half.

Posh Spice made sure to celebrate this time round after she was ridiculed for failing to react to Jude Bellingham‘s goal in the quarter-finals last week.

Now it’s David’s turn to show his support for Victoria as she launched a special pop-up for her fragrance Portofino ‘97

Posh Spice looked effortlessly chic in a black sleeveless dress as she took a seat at the cafe with David and son Romeo

David cut his usual dapper figure in a navy suit as he sipped on an iced coffee while Romeo dressed casual in a white T-shirt and a backwards red baseball cap

The Beckham family, who were noticably without son Cruz and daughter Harper, looked in good spirits as they enjoyed coffee and baked good on a private outdoor table at the cafe 

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David poked fun at his wife becoming an instant meme and insisted she was ‘celebrating on the inside’ after her subdued reaction went viral.

Victoria jumped out of her seat as David roared with victory after Gordon put England 1-0 up against Argentina.

David has followed the team around the US in the hope they would finally take home the World Cup trophy.

The family joined England fans singing the national anthem, only to be drowned out by Argentina fans booing loudly.

David had to face watching his beloved country’s team go against his good friend Lionel Messi, who is part of his Inter Miami team.

David roared with pride as he celebrated England’s victory against Norway last week.

Victoria, who famously rarely smiles, stayed seated during the goal and the moment became an instant meme online. The commentary prompted David to jokingly defend his wife.

The football legend commented on stand-up comedian Jenny Johnson’s summary of the match, after she wrote: ‘There’s nothing like cheering your heart out for England from home, then they cut to Victoria and we see that classic Posh Spice smile! It’s so infectious!’

‘I used to think I got animated while watching sports, but Victoria blows my enthusiasm out of the water! Each time I see her I shout, “SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!!!!” because her energy is electric!!!’

Commenting with a string of crying laughing emojis, David wrote: ‘She was celebrating inside I promise her reactions were slightly slower than mine.’ 

Up to 11,000 homes are planned at a former RAF site that neighbours the Cambridge village

Residents in a Cambridge village feel a major A-road “won’t cope” when 10,000 new homes are built on its border. Milton is home to more than 4,000 people.

It is often considered a cheaper alternative to living in Cambridge, while still providing good transport links to the city centre. It’s also next to major roads including the A10, A14, and M11.

Some residents in the village think Milton is a “quiet” place with “good facilities”, including a big Tesco. However, some of its residents have concerns about a new development nearby.

Up to 11,000 homes are being built in neighbouring Waterbeach, which Milton residents fear could affect traffic. The development is planned at Waterbeach Barracks, a former RAF site.

Tom Herring, 76, has lived in Milton for 25 years. He feels that major roads “won’t cope” with increased traffic from the new development. He added: “We have everything right here, with the science park and Cambridge North.

“There is going to be quite a lot of people who will want to move here. There are going to be more houses [at Waterbeach] and the road is not going to be able to cope.

“Every morning on the radio you hear that there are hold ups on the roads. There will also not be enough infrastructure.”

Chris Olie, who has lived in Milton for a year, finds the community to be “impressive” and says the village’s facilities are “modern”. However, he thinks the addition of the new Waterbeach homes could “congest” Milton.

He added: “Usually I see traffic – maybe building houses around is going to make it worse.”

A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said Milton is a “nice quiet place to live”. She added that it’s good as it’s “not too close to Cambridge, but it’s still easy enough to get to”.

She also believes it’s a cheaper place to live. However, she fears the effect of the new Waterbeach homes on Milton.

She said: “I am worried as it could affect the traffic when the new Waterbeach homes are built. 11,000 homes is a lot and that is almost guaranteed to have some sort of affect on getting onto the roads in and out of Milton.”

Another major development coming to Milton is a new £45 million police station being built next to Milton Park and Ride. Residents are happy to see this open in the village.

Josh Eyles, who “really likes” living in Milton, said: “It’s positive. We used to get a lot of car meets near Tesco. It’s not as bad in the day, but it’s worse at night.”

The woman who wished to not be named also thinks the new police station will be “good”. She added: “It sometimes feels like there is a bit of crime around here and the police are not there at the right time. It will be good to have them closer by.”

The truck was completely alight when fire crews arrived

Plumes of smoke were seen in Cambridge on Friday (July 17) after a food truck caught fire. Fire crews were called to Cambridge Square at around 3.37pm to reports of a fire.

At the scene, fire crews found a food van completely alight at Cambridge North railway station. They remained at the scene as of 5pm damping down the area and making it safe.

There were no reports of any injuries as of 5pm. A spokesperson from Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “At 3.37pm on Friday July 17 a crew from Cambridge and the south roaming fire engine were called to a fire on Cambridge Square in East Chesterton ward, Cambridge.

“Firefighters arrived to find a food van well alight. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels. They remain at the scene damping down the area and making sure it is safe.”

Kelvin Graham tried to evade responsibility and justice during the investigation into his activities and subsequent court proceedings.

The 45-year-old defendant sexually abused the teenage schoolgirl at an address in Newcastle, acting aggressively to force her to comply.

Kelvin Graham, jailed today (Fri July 17) for 11 years after being found guilty of three child sex offences following a trial earlier this year (Image: Northumbria Police)

She was to describe feeling ‘petrified’ of Graham in the moments leading up to the assaults.

Having lived with the effects of his crimes for several years, a report was made to Northumbria Police, and an investigation was launched.

When he became aware the police were looking for him in connection with the allegations, Graham fled his address but was soon apprehended by officers.

He was later charged in connection with the abuse.

When he then failed to attend court for his trial, he was remanded into custody.

Following an eventual six-day hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, on March 30, Graham, of Fawdon Lane, Kenton, was found guilty on unanimous jury verdicts of three child sex offences.

They were two counts of causing or inciting a female under 16 to engage in a sexual act and one of sexual assault by penetration.

He was brought back to court for his sentencing hearing today when the trial judge, Judge Penny Moreland, imposed the 11-year prison term.

Graham will also spend the rest of his life having to register as a sex offender and will also be subject to the terms of a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order plus restraining order.

In a statement provided by the victim and read before the court, she described the effects of Graham’s offences.

She said: “I didn’t want him to touch me, and I made that clear to him.

“I said ‘no’, but he persevered anyway, against my will.

“I was scared of him and confused with what was happening.

“He was larger than me, older than my years.

“He was overpowering and I was scared and intimidated by him.

“I didn’t know who to tell or whether I would be believed and to speak out would have blown up my life at that point.

“Shortly after the incidents, I started experiencing panic attacks.

“This became a regular occurrence, and I became scared to leave the house.

“It’s hard to explain but I felt dirty and worthless, and the journey to justice has been all-consuming and traumatic, and, at times, has felt too much to cope with.

“There are things that have been borne out of this abuse that have affected my life so profoundly and will continue to do so long into the future.”

The officer who led the investigation, Detective Constable Lisa Herron, said she was both “grateful and proud” of the “victim-survivor” for showing “immense courage from day one of this investigation”

The detective said: “After understandably initially feeling scared to come forward, a report was then made allowing us to bring the perpetrator to justice.

“The fear abusers such as these distil into their victims is something which keeps that control over them, even long after the offences have taken place, which is something we’ve seen all too well in this case.

“It’s clear from events during this investigation just what type of person Kelvin Graham is.

“Not only did he commit horrendous abuse against a child, but then has attempted to evade both accountability and justice by attempting to flee and making the victim-survivor re-live her experiences through a trial.

“He is both a coward and a child sex offender.

“We won’t tolerate this kind of abuse in our communities, and we’re here to listen and support anyone who may want to make any form of disclosure to us.

“Whether the incident occurred yesterday, last week, last year, or 30 years ago, we’re committed to taking action.”

Dear Coleen,

A close friend got married recently to a woman he met through someone at work, so we didn’t know her before they got together. He’d been seeing her for just over a year when they got married, so everything happened very quickly.

This raised a few eyebrows among our group, but we were happy for him, as he’d been on his own a while. A few months ago, he invited us over for drinks to meet her and we were all taken aback. She’s very different to us and unlike any of his previous girlfriends. She’s quite loud and “in your face” and a bit rude.

She said a few things that maybe she thought were funny, but they didn’t land well, including, “I’ve finally met my sugar daddy”. My friend is doing well in life and he’s a bit older than her, although there’s only a six-year age gap. We’ve met her a few times since and our impression of her hasn’t changed.

He seems genuinely happy, although we never see him on his own any more – she’s always with him. Recently, I met one of his colleagues who knows her quite well and it was clear from the expression on her face that she didn’t like her either, although all she said was, “She’s an interesting character”.

I am a bit worried about him and she’s changed our close-knit friendship group, but what can I do?

Coleen says,

Nothing I’m afraid. Look, we don’t always like the partners our friends choose, but maybe your annoyance is more to do with the fact that she’s changed the dynamic of your group and he’s less available, but that can happen.

He’s married now and he’s happy so, unless he tells you otherwise, you have to accept it. You don’t know what makes their relationship work, but it obviously does. Maybe it’s a case of “opposites attract” and he likes that she’s confident and outgoing, and not afraid to be herself.

The sugar daddy thing probably was a joke or maybe she was being a bit provocative because she knows that none of you approve. It’s not nice to pick up on a vibe that your husband’s friends don’t approve of you.

My advice would be to give her a chance and try to get to know her better – you might even like her. However, if it does turn out that she’s the wrong person, then be a shoulder to cry on and don’t say, “I told you so”.

In the meantime, your friend won’t like you judging or excluding his new wife, so try to be supportive of the marriage and give it time. If you don’t, you might lose your friend.

Coleen’s words of wisdom

Remind yourself it’s never too late to make ­changes, whether it’s in your daily habits, your attitude, your job or the people you surround yourself with. You don’t have to stay stuck where you are.

By CAMERON CHARTERS

Published: 16:47 BST, 17 July 2026 | Updated: 17:18 BST, 17 July 2026

A Tory MP wept as he was cleared of sexually assaulting two women at London‘s exclusive Groucho club today.  

Patrick Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was accused of touching the breasts of the women on August 12, 2023, at the private members club.

He told a jury his behaviour on the night in question had been ‘wildly misjudged’ and ‘ultimately inappropriate’ but insisted he never intended to touch either woman sexually.

Giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court, the father-of-two, 38, said he had spent the day watching rugby before arriving late at the Soho private members’ club, where he admitted he was drunk but ‘not out of control’.

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He denied deliberately touching either complainant’s breasts, while his wife, Anna told jurors he is a ‘kind’, ‘gentle’ and ‘compassionate’ husband. 

After seven hours and six minutes of deliberations the jury cleared Spencer of two counts of sexual assault. 

He wept in the dock as he was told by Mr Justice Garnham: ‘You have been found not guilty on both counts. You are free to go.’ 

He then embraced his wife and left the court room with her. 

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Patrick Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was cleared of two counts of sexual assault

In a statement delivered outside of the court, the MP said: ‘Our shared nightmare is now over. 

‘I have always maintained my innocence, and today’s not guilty verdict draws a very long and challenging period in my life to a close. 

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‘I would like to thank the jury, the court, my legal team and most importantly, my incredible wife, children, family, friends and colleagues – whose support has been unwavering throughout.

‘I would also like to thank my constituents in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, many of whom have reached out to offer their reassuring support.

‘For the time being, I’m looking forward to getting home to see my kids and getting back to work representing my constituents.’

During the trial he was asked by his barrister Eleanor Laws KC whether he had deliberately placed his hands on either woman’s breasts, he replied: ‘No.’

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When asked if he had intended to sexually touch anyone, he again answered: ‘No.’

Anna Spencer (pictured right) described her husband as ‘kind’, ‘gentle’ and ‘compassionate’

Mrs Spencer, a teacher, said she had watched CCTV of the alleged incidents at the club and was fully aware of the allegations against her husband. 

She said she had never known him to inappropriately touch, look or make sexual remarks about ‘any woman ever’ in 20 years.  

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‘As a husband Patrick is kind, he’s gentle, he’s compassionate,’ she said.

‘He’s thoughtful, he supports every hobby, phase, whatever it is I choose to do. He makes me feel braver than I really am.

‘He is the most wonderful father, they adore him.’

Asked to describe his personal qualities, Mrs Spencer replied: ‘The first word that comes into my head is kind. He’s kind, he’s honest.’

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A driver has admitted killing a woman in a two-vehicle crash which left two other people seriously injured. Lydia La Polla died in hospital following a crash in Wrexham in March last year. Her husband, Robert, and a teenage passenger were also badly injured in the smash.

In a tribute following her death, the 47-year-old’s family said she had a “true heart of gold” and was “always there for others”.

Michael Connors, of Landen Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared in the dock at Mold Crown Court via videolink, having been extradited to the UK following his arrest by the Garda in Dublin. Full details here.