Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska has issued a sobering warning to the world as the conflict enters its 18 month, in an exclusive interview with Independent TV. Speaking from the command centre in Kyiv, Ms Zelenska warned that her country is in desperate need of “faster” support to enable it to fight Vladimir Putin’s troops. “We keep hearing from our Western partners that they will be with us as long as it takes. ‘Long’ is not the word we should use. We should use the word ‘faster’,” she told Independent TV. “Ukrainians are paying for this war with the lives of our compatriots. The rest of the world pays with its resources. These are incomparable things, so we urge you to speed up this help,” she added. A comedy screenwriter and the childhood sweetheart of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Ms Zelenska gave up her day job to become an ambassador for Ukraine after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Founding the Olena Zelenska Foundation in September 2022, the organisation’s work is wide-ranging, encompassing everything from reconstructing hospitals to supporting those suffering with their mental health. Read More If Russia wins now it’s the worst-case scenario for humanity, warns Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska From the command centre in Kyiv, Olena Zelenska’s urgent plea to help her nation as war rages around her What Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska wants the world to know Russian guards ‘using torture and genital electrocution on Ukrainian prisoners’ – investigators

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed caused a frantic scramble for masks, respirators and other gear to fight the virus. Now, a bipartisan effort in Congress is attempting to ease US reliance on countries like China for critical medical supplies, before the next disaster.

The California Highway Patrol may best be known for freeway chases and the Hollywood glamour of its motorcycle cops in television shows like "ChiPs." But now the storied agency is patrolling the streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin as part of a multiagency effort to crack down on rampant drug dealing that's decimating the 50-square-block area.

Venture capitalist David Magerman is the latest major donor to the University of Pennsylvania cutting off financial support to the Ivy League school, and he's calling for all "self-respecting" Jews to do the same.

Bill Belichick's time with the New England Patriots is likely coming to an end soon. Who might be the best place for him to end his Hall of Fame career?

The world’s biggest bond market has clawed its way back after spending chunks of 2023 underwater. Now many

The White House defended President Joe Biden’s federal response to the devastating wildfires in Hawaii on Monday saying the president is “deeply concerned” and sending federal aid. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spent the first half of Monday’s press briefing focusing on Mr Biden’s federal action to assist officials and residents in Maui. “You’ve heard from [Mr Biden] already on Thursday, certainly you’ll hear from him continuously this week,” Ms Jean-Pierre said. “Look, this is something that the President is clearly deeply concerned about.” Ms Jean-Pierre’s statement was in defence of Mr Biden who has faced criticism for what some believe to be an emotionally indifferent approach to addressing the fires. Despite declaring the fires to be a major disaster last week, Mr Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris have plans to visit Hawaii. Ms Jean-Pierre was joined by Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to answer questions about the federal government’s efforts in Maui. Ms Criswell insisted that the Biden administration has coordinated federal agencies with local and state officials to assist in search and recovery efforts. At least 96 people have died as a result of the outrageous wildfires which swept across parts of Maui and other parts of Hawaii last week. That number is expected to go up, according to Hawaii governor Josh Green, as cadaver dogs and teams search burned buildings for victims or survivors. So far, the cadaver dogs have only searched three per cent of the search area. They are expected to continue that search this week. Hundreds of other Hawaiians are still missing and thousands of people are displaced as many homes and buildings were destroyed. Over the weekend, Mr Biden spent time relaxing at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. When the President was confronted by reporters about visiting Hawaii, he responded vaguely. Some Republicans slammed Mr Biden for not taking physical action to visit Hawaii or appearing to be concerned about the conditions in Maui. Mike Flynn, who served as US national security adviser under Donald Trump, claimed Mr Biden’s predecessor would have faced a “media firestorm” for doing the same thing. Conspiracy theorist and MAGA Republican Kari Lake also joined in the criticism, tweeting: “In Maui: 93 (& counting) Americans are dead. 1,000 are missing. One of the most beautiful places on earth has been reduced to cinders. In Delaware: @JoeBiden can’t be bothered to care. Putting America First means getting this joker out of the White House.” Ms Harris told reporters last week she had no plans to visit Hawaii so as not to take away resources from where they are needed, like increased security measures. Despite the online rhetoric, Mr Green has praised Mr Biden for issuing the major disaster declaration with haste. “We were honored to have the President jump to it so fast,” Mr Green said on MSNBC on Sunday. He added: “In 6 hours, he approved the presidential declaration. It was incredible. Within 6 hours. And so, that opened up, like you said, FEMA and amazing support for recovery.” During Monday’s press briefing, a reporter asked Ms Jean-Pierre if the President’s outward image should reflect his concern for Hawaii. Ms Jean-Pierre responded by directing people to the comments that Mr Green and other Hawaii officials have given. “The president is certainly deeply concerned about the people in Maui,” Ms Jean-Pierre reiterated. “To the point of mobilising a whole of government approach.” Read More Maui wildfires live updates: Hawaii governor predicts death toll will rise by 10 to 20 people each day Lauren Boebert slammed for attacking Biden over Maui wildfires Republicans slam Biden’s blasé response to questions about Maui wildfires Did Hawaii officials botch the response to Maui wildfires? Hawaii fire survivors blast warning system failures and prepare to sue energy firm Family of four identified as some of first victims of Maui wildfires

Jozef Puska, 33, will now face jurors in a murder trial that is expected to last five weeks.

By Dan Peleschuk and Valentyn Ogirenko KYIV Russia launched a fresh "massive" wave of attacks on Kyiv in

Ukraine launched an attack in the southwestern Zaporizhzhia region that analysts said appears to have broken through Russian

Player ratings from West Ham's 2-2 draw with Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday.

SYDNEY Less than 24 hours since residents in parts of Australia's Victoria state fled bush fires, state authorities