In the headlines
Vladimir Putin says he was forced to invade Ukraine to prevent an “absolutely unacceptable threat” against Moscow from the West. The Russian president was speaking at the country’s annual Victory Day celebration marking the defeat of Nazi Germany. Devoid of any nuclear threats, it was an “only moderately sabre-rattling” speech, says the FT’s Max Seddon on Twitter. Keir Starmer has cancelled a public appearance planned for today amid growing pressure over “Beergate”. The Labour leader has repeatedly insisted that the curry and beer he enjoyed with colleagues during lockdown was not premeditated, says The Sun, but a leaked memo shows that the meal was in his itinerary for the day. He’s facing “the prawn baltimatum”. Britain is set to have its hottest summer ever, says the Daily Star, with five “sizzling heat waves” on their way. Temperatures could hit 27C within days – warmer than Italy.