Why did President Zelenskyy write an open letter to Vladimir Putin? Why did Putin say he was rude? And why are ordinary Russians complaining about the price of cucumbers? In this episode of The World podcast, Yalda is joined by Sky's Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett to find out what it's like reporting from Russia. They talk about Zelenskyy's open letter, Putin's reaction, and what Russians are saying about price rises and internet shutdowns. The pair also examine whether the Kremlin is getting nervous and how the war with Ukraine might end. You can email your questions to Richard and Yalda at theworld@sky.uk You can also watch our podcasts on our YouTube channel here.

Artist Talay Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, died after he was found with stab wounds in Silvertown on Friday, the Metropolitan Police said. The Grammy award-winning songwriter was pronounced dead at the scene. The musician worked with Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, Ellie Goulding and numerous other artists. He has almost 77,000 listeners on Spotify and had toured with Usher and other artists. In a tribute on social media, his brother, artist Scribz Riley, whose real name is Michael Orabiyi, said: "My heart is shattered! This doesn't feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation." He added his brother was a "friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people's lives". "He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit," he said. Rapper Stormzy commented on the post: "I'm sorry bro", while singer Kehlani wrote "Big hugs Scribs I'm so sorry" and British rapper Wretch 32 said: "Sending love to you & your family bro. Your brother was a gem & will be missed & never forgotten, Never! RIP." Craig David, Paloma Faith and Oritse Williams also joined in the social media tributes. "Omg I am in shock. I had no idea I worked with him quite a few times and he was such and amazing talent and fun person to be around," Paloma Faith said. In a statement, Orabiyi's family said: "Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He brought love, light and joy to our family and to all who knew him. "We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. "May his soul rest in perfect peace." A second man in his 20s, who suffered stab wounds in the incident on Friday, remains in hospital, police said. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident, the Metropolitan Police said. A 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further inquiries. A 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action after police questioning. The artist received a writing credit for the song Lights On on R&B artists H.E.R's self-titled album, which won a Grammy in 2019.

The protracted absence of the government's "defence investment plan", which is already more than six months late, has even prompted some people to ask whether a sweeping review of defence that was released last year might now need a "refresh". This is not an idea that is under official consideration – as far as I can tell. But the mere fact the words "strategic defence review refresh" are being speculated in the margins is a sign of growing unease about what is happening with the UK's stuttering efforts to rearm at a time of increased threats. Sir Keir Starmer, addressing a major security conference in Munich in February, talked about the need for Britain and its European allies to strengthen their militaries. "We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," he said. But the failure by his government since then to finalise its defence investment blueprint means much of the UK's defence industry – vital for any war effort – is waiting in limbo. In an indication of disarray behind the scenes, government and industry officials had been preparing for the investment plan to come out this Thursday. That date will almost certainly now slide by at least 24 hours – quite possibly longer – after the latest offer of additional money from the Treasury fell too far short of what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking for. The case for the defence As part of the discussions, there is thought to be a desire from the defence industry for the government to commit to a clear timeline for increasing military spending to 3% of GDP from around 2.3% at present. Such a move would guarantee tens of billions of pounds in extra funding within a more certain timeframe than the current pledge, which is for the uplift merely to happen at some unspecified point during the next parliament. There is also an ambition for a clearer pathway to meet an ultimate goal to boost defence expenditure to a new baseline of 3.5% of GDP that was set last year by all NATO allies. Sir Keir has so far pledged to achieve this by 2035. But that is the latest possible date by which the alliance has said the target could be met and some allies are moving much faster, leaving the UK in the slow lane even though it prides itself as being a leading member of NATO. With or without a firm date for at least the 3% target to be reached, the MoD needs to accept what the Treasury is offering in terms of extra funding before the defence investment plan can be finalised. As of Tuesday evening, it's thought this had not happened. But there still appears to be a desire for the prime minister to make an announcement on the investment plan on Friday, even though parliament will not be sitting. Here's what could happen One possibility is that Sir Keir is able to say it is finished, give some topline figures and talk about investment in priority programmes such as a multi-billion-pound agreement with Japan and Italy to develop the next generation of highly sophisticated fast jets. That could then be followed by the full document being published next week. Or else, the whole thing is yet again delayed, though the prime minister has said it will be released before the next NATO summit on 7-8 July. The proposed settlement for additional defence investment, which is thought to range from an extra £12bn to £18bn over four years, is still less than what the MoD wants, but the upper end is probably just about manageable. However, the Treasury is thought to have gone back to defence with an offer at the lower end. If that is the final deal, it could mean more defence cuts, while efforts to rebuild the military would happen at an even slower pace. How did it come to this? Last June's Strategic Defence Review was meant to be the defining document on the armed forces of the Starmer government. It set out the parlous state of the army, navy and air force following decades of underinvestment since the end of the Cold War. The review then mapped out a plan for modernisation, transformation and rearmament, which could be accelerated should the government agree to spend more. This body of work, led by Lord George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, should have been followed last autumn by the defence investment plan, which would explain how the vision would be funded. It was always going to be a challenge because the Treasury's original spending envelope was never enough to avoid significant, further cuts to capabilities. So began a protracted and at times tense negotiation between the MoD, the Treasury and Number 10 on what the new funding figures for the military should be. More from Sky News:UK set for another heatwaveThomas Tuchel gives World Cup update The decision for the prime minister has long been whether to go all-in and give a lot more to defence at the cost of other departments or to heed Treasury caution about the military's poor track record at spending its already sizeable budget. Yet, months on, there is still no clarity, creating uncertainty for the entire defence community at a time when it should be preparing for the possibility of war. Asked previously about the defence investment plan, an MoD spokesperson has said: "The defence investment plan will deliver the best kit into the hands of our armed forces. We are working hard to finalise it, and it will be published as soon as possible."

The 44-year-old - making her first appearance since the 2022 US Open - partnered Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 victory over third-seeded duo Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe. Williams was given a standing ovation as she walked onto the grass court at the Andy Murray Arena, her debut at the Queen's Club, with the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion putting in an impressive display. Latest tennis scores, results and scheduleSerena Williams adds Berlin Tennis Open to comeback scheduleDownload Sky Sports app for analysis, news and videoNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract The unseeded pair will now face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund, who defeated Alexandra Panova and Demi Schuurs 6-2 2-6 11-9, in the quarter-finals. "I had so much fun playing with Vicky [Mboko]," Williams said on court. "She really was able to hold up the team and play big on the big points - I could really rely on her. "We've never played together, but it just felt so natural playing with her so it was a lot of fun." Williams showed she still has plenty of her trademark power during a tight first set, hitting service winners of up to 120 mph, as Melichar-Martinez Routliffe recovered from being broken early to force the tie break. Mboko and Williams only needed one of their four set points on offer to close out the opening set before claiming a double break in the second, with the American great firing two aces during a match-winning hold to complete her winning return in style. On why she decided to make her comeback at Queen's, Williams joked: "I had nothing better to do - I got tired of sitting at home! My kids are out of school for the summer so why not?! "I never got to play here [during her singles career], it was always just the men, but it feels so special to play at some place so iconic and where I saw so many of my friends win." Willams said ahead of featuring at Queen's she had "nothing to prove" in her competitive comeback, having previously said she was "evolving" away from tennis rather than outright retiring in 2022. The 14-time Grand Slam doubles champion will also compete in doubles at the Berlin Open in Germany next week, although has yet to confirm whether she will feature at Wimbledon from June 29. Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app. Find out more here.

The protracted absence of the government's "defence investment plan", which is already more than six months late, has even prompted some people to ask whether a sweeping review of defence that was released last year might now need a "refresh". This is not an idea that is under official consideration – as far as I can tell. But the mere fact the words "strategic defence review refresh" are being speculated in the margins is a sign of growing unease about what is happening with the UK's stuttering efforts to rearm at a time of increased threats. Sir Keir Starmer, addressing a major security conference in Munich in February, talked about the need for Britain and its European allies to strengthen their militaries. "We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," he said. But the failure by his government since then to finalise its defence investment blueprint means much of the UK's defence industry – vital for any war effort – is waiting in limbo. In an indication of disarray behind the scenes, government and industry officials had been preparing for the investment plan to come out this Thursday. That date will almost certainly now slide by at least 24 hours – quite possibly longer – after the latest offer of additional money from the Treasury fell too far short of what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking for. The case for the defence As part of the discussions, there is thought to be a desire from the defence industry for the government to commit to a clear timeline for increasing military spending to 3% of GDP from around 2.3% at present. Such a move would guarantee tens of billions of pounds in extra funding within a more certain timeframe than the current pledge, which is for the uplift merely to happen at some unspecified point during the next parliament. There is also an ambition for a clearer pathway to meet an ultimate goal to boost defence expenditure to a new baseline of 3.5% of GDP that was set last year by all NATO allies. Sir Keir has so far pledged to achieve this by 2035. But that is the latest possible date by which the alliance has said the target could be met and some allies are moving much faster, leaving the UK in the slow lane even though it prides itself as being a leading member of NATO. With or without a firm date for at least the 3% target to be reached, the MoD needs to accept what the Treasury is offering in terms of extra funding before the defence investment plan can be finalised. As of Tuesday evening, it's thought this had not happened. But there still appears to be a desire for the prime minister to make an announcement on the investment plan on Friday, even though parliament will not be sitting. Here's what could happen One possibility is that Sir Keir is able to say it is finished, give some topline figures and talk about investment in priority programmes such as a multi-billion-pound agreement with Japan and Italy to develop the next generation of highly sophisticated fast jets. That could then be followed by the full document being published next week. Or else, the whole thing is yet again delayed, though the prime minister has said it will be released before the next NATO summit on 7-8 July. The proposed settlement for additional defence investment, which is thought to range from an extra £12bn to £18bn over four years, is still less than what the MoD wants, but the upper end is probably just about manageable. However, the Treasury is thought to have gone back to defence with an offer at the lower end. If that is the final deal, it could mean more defence cuts, while efforts to rebuild the military would happen at an even slower pace. How did it come to this? Last June's Strategic Defence Review was meant to be the defining document on the armed forces of the Starmer government. It set out the parlous state of the army, navy and air force following decades of underinvestment since the end of the Cold War. The review then mapped out a plan for modernisation, transformation and rearmament, which could be accelerated should the government agree to spend more. This body of work, led by Lord George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, should have been followed last autumn by the defence investment plan, which would explain how the vision would be funded. It was always going to be a challenge because the Treasury's original spending envelope was never enough to avoid significant, further cuts to capabilities. So began a protracted and at times tense negotiation between the MoD, the Treasury and Number 10 on what the new funding figures for the military should be. More from Sky News:UK set for another heatwaveThomas Tuchel gives World Cup update The decision for the prime minister has long been whether to go all-in and give a lot more to defence at the cost of other departments or to heed Treasury caution about the military's poor track record at spending its already sizeable budget. Yet, months on, there is still no clarity, creating uncertainty for the entire defence community at a time when it should be preparing for the possibility of war. Asked previously about the defence investment plan, an MoD spokesperson has said: "The defence investment plan will deliver the best kit into the hands of our armed forces. We are working hard to finalise it, and it will be published as soon as possible."

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. "Veteran news anchor Jon Snow has shared that he's living with dementia, speaking publicly for the first time to raise awareness of a condition affecting around one million people across the UK," the Alzheimer's Society said. The charity said the 78-year-old has decided to speak out in a new documentary which will air on Channel 4 later this month. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised Mr Snow as a "true giant in journalism" and said his decision to go public with his diagnosis is "helping others feel less alone and raising awareness of a condition that affects so many families". Michelle Dyson, CEO of Alzheimer's Society, said: "Jon's decision to talk publicly about his dementia diagnosis is a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many. "His support for Alzheimer's Society will help spark a national conversation about dementia that we so desperately need. "Despite being the UK's biggest killer, dementia is still not treated with the same urgency as other major health conditions like cancer. "Alongside his wife Precious, Jon is shining a light on the need for faster, fairer access to diagnosis. "I would encourage anyone needing help or information to call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk." Read more from Sky News:Anthony Head dies aged 72Two men found guilty of stabbing TV presenter Mr Snow, who gave an exclusive interview to the Daily Mail, revealed he has had the disease since 2023 and that before his diagnosis he was reluctant to see a doctor and had insisted there was nothing wrong. The journalist also revealed he was part of a clinical trial for the condition and has previously spoken about how his mother, Joan, struggled with Alzheimer's in the years leading up to her death. Alzheimer's is the ongoing decline of brain functioning and can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities, according to the NHS. Louisa Compton, head of news, current affairs, specialist factual and sport at Channel 4, said: "It is a profound privilege that we are able to document his last big investigation, in a sensitively made film that frames Jon's current affairs nous alongside a new life lived with Alzheimer's. "We hope this film will go a long way to raise awareness of how to live whilst facing a life-changing diagnosis."

New figures shared exclusively with Sky News reveal that between January 2024 and March this year, 545 laptops, tablets and phones have gone missing, as have 744 phones. None of these devices have been recovered, according to information shared by the department following a Freedom of Information request. In total, 132 laptops and tablets are thought to have been stolen according to the MoD, alongside 36 phones. The rest of the devices are thought to have been lost by staff. The data also shows the cost of replacing all of these devices could be as much as £1,634,944. It comes at a time when the department is under immense pressure to deliver value for money, as defence chiefs call for increased spending. But the Treasury has been seeking to minimise additional expenditure from the MoD. 'Security crisis' James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrats' defence spokesperson, said the missing devices constituted a "security crisis" and urged Defence Secretary John Healey to "get a grip". He told Sky News: "Every pound counts when our national security is at stake and the government's defence investment plan is still missing in action – yet the MoD is leaking money through basic incompetence. "Seeing taxpayer cash vanish into a black hole of lost laptops and stolen phones is a kick in the teeth – every pound spent replacing an iPad is a pound taken away from the frontline." "We cannot strengthen our national security if we cannot even keep track of the technology being used to defend it," he added. 'A real concern' Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said the figures are "a real concern". "With Labour still failing to produce the defence investment plan, the public will hear these reports of lost and stolen MoD kit and wonder what on earth Starmer is doing – especially at a time of war on two fronts," he told Sky News. "For 1,000 items to disappear in two years is a real concern and raises questions about security in our most sensitive government department. "Ministers must act now to ensure as few devices as possible go missing – and get on with delivering the funding our military needs to keep us safe." Key defence blueprint still yet to be published It comes as the government is still yet to publish its long-awaited defence investment plan, which was due last autumn. The plan is effectively a blueprint setting out how the government will pay for the biggest overhaul of the armed forces since the Cold War. The document has been repeatedly delayed due to disagreements between the Treasury and the MoD about the scale of the investment needed, with defence bosses pushing for more money to fulfil the plans envisioned by last year's strategic defence review. An MoD spokesperson told Sky News: “We take the security of defence assets extremely seriously and have robust policies and procedures to prevent losses and thefts. “If any assets are reported lost or missing due to suspected criminal activity, we take the necessary steps to investigate, prosecute and recover the items.”

In January, ECB chief executive Richard Gould said England players would be subjected to a midnight curfew, among other restrictions, following incidents in New Zealand and during the Ashes last winter. An ECB statement read: "The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men's Test against New Zealand. Reset or repeat? Have England really changed since Ashes?England player ratings: Returning Ollie Robinson stands outGot Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract "Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place. "We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course. "The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible." According to The Telegraph, Saracens rugby players were also present. "We are aware of an incident involving an academy player connected to Saracens on Sunday evening," Saracens told Sky Sports News. "The club is currently establishing the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once this process is complete, the matter will be reviewed and addressed appropriately. "We will make no further comment at this time." England wrapped up a 115-run win over the Black Caps at Lord's on Sunday in their first Test since their Ashes humiliation. England captain Stokes steered his side to victory, despite expressing frustration over the standard of the Lord's pitch, while Atkinson did much of the damage with second-innings figures of 5-30. 'It is a surprise that Stokes is involved' Geraint Hughes, Sky Sports News correspondent: There will be disappointment because there's a huge amount of scrutiny on the England men's cricket team and the women's team as well because they represent so much to so many as well. A happy medium has to be struck, but there will be disappointment because there have been breeches of acceptable behaviour before and in recent times. Ben Stokes has led England on and off the field, ever since he became captain and before. He actually became captain in April 2022 so it's well over four years. He has been the captain under head coach Brendon McCullum quite a long time as well. He also vowed to turn his life around after he was acquitted in the crown court system in 2018 of affray after a fight near a Bristol nightclub. He was a major, integral part of England winning the World Cup at Lord's in 2019. Who can forget that final against New Zealand? He then became Test captain when Joe Root left that role and for well over four years now he's been in charge and he's set exacting standards on the pitch, but also off the pitch as well. He's been very open about his mental health but also his expected high standards, so 'yes' it is a surprise that Ben Stokes is involved in this breach of team protocols. Is there a drinking culture in the England men's cricket team? In March, ECB managing director Rob Key insisted the England men's team "does not have a drinking problem" following an incident involving Harry Brook in New Zealand and a mid-Ashes trip to Noosa. Brook admitted he was fortunate to keep his England ODI captaincy position after describing his altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before a one-day international against New Zealand last winter as a "terrible mistake". The 26-year-old was issued with a final warning and fined approximately £30,000. He is the current vice captain of the Test side and would be in line to replace Stokes as captain should he miss any upcoming matches. "I don't think they have a drinking problem," Key said. I don't think it's fair to put everyone into that bracket. I think the majority of those players are unbelievably diligent and will do whatever they can to try and maximise their potential and play as well as they can for England. "Like a lot of teams, there's two or three players that can be irresponsible with alcohol given that opportunity. What we're trying to do is try and find that happy medium. "It's not about drinking so they can get away from the game. Cricket is different to a lot of other sports, especially international cricket when you are away for the entire year, almost. Even if you're playing at home, you're away." Key continued: "The stress, the scrutiny on these multi-format players is tough. So, can we be better? Do we need to keep evolving? I think the game does, to be honest, and that's not a problem I'm going to be able to solve on my own. We need to be able to create opportunities and situations where these players can make the right decisions. "We can take away the temptation, but as I said, it's finding that sweet spot in the middle. Because you go too hard on them, like your kids, then they rebel one way. For the most part, this team, we try to trust them as much as we can and they've made good decisions. "The Harry Brook-Wellington incident clearly hit us hard and no more so than Harry in particular. He's not the first person, he probably won't be the last either to do that, but I'm hoping that will be the making of him. Going back to that decision, a lot of the stuff that I've read and seen, we've spoken about, we debated all of those things. "We believe that Harry Brook made a horrendous mistake, but he came to us - and Harry up to that point had a pretty clean slate. Before any of this Wellington business came about, Harry Brook had committed to English cricket. He had said 'no I don't want to go to the IPL, I'll get banned for three years because I want to do what's best for England cricket and my England cricket career', and I believe that deserves some credit and that's why we made the decision we did." The second Test against New Zealand is not until June 17 at the Oval, live on Sky Sports. England vs New Zealand - results and schedule All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports First Test (Lord's) - England won by 115 runsSecond Test (The Kia Oval) - June 17-21 (11am)Third Test (Trent Bridge) - June 25-29 (11am)