Since Russia occupied Crimea and large parts of eastern Ukraine in 2014, evidence has mounted of the forcible indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children in these regions. In March 2023, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was charged by the International Criminal Court with illegally transferring many of the children into Russia itself. Now a report has revealed the extent to which many Ukrainian children are being groomed to serve in the military and fight for Russia against their own country.

This indoctrination begins in middle school where the curriculum includes propaganda masquerading as history and PE classes that resemble military boot camp, where children are instructed in the use of small arms and drones and act as “storm troopers”.

With a byelection to contest in Clacton in less than a fortnight, the last thing Nigel Farage wants is to be mired in controversy about how, and from whom, he sources his funding. But these questions show no sign of going away any time soon and are likely to dog the Reform leader up to polling day and beyond.

Sports massage, orthopaedic bedding and laser therapy: just a few of a range of treatments now on offer for the discerning dog. Read all about the new craze for “poochmaxxing” and why regular walks and a healthy diet are probably a better bet for keeping your hound in top condition.