Shortly before hard-right Republicans made history by ousting Kevin McCarthy, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Ukraine’s western allies, including the UK, the European Union and Nato, received a phone call from President Joe Biden. Congress may be frozen but support for Ukraine is “ongoing”, Mr Biden told those on the line. It was intended as a message of reassurance but, devoid of any detail, it spoke to an impending issue largely outside of the president’s control. Hardline Republicans in the US, the powerhoue of the West, are threatening to demonstratively derail US aid to Ukraine for the first time since last February. Mr McCarthy was removed as head of the lower chamber of the United States Congress, on Tuesday evening following a dispute over how best to allocate government funds for the next fiscal year. The campaign was spearheaded by a group of eight Republicans – a number of them supporters of Donald Trump – angry the domestic issue of securing the border was not being prioritised over supporting Ukraine. The move has plunged the House into chaos and frozen its ability to allocate money completely, including to Ukraine. Until a new speaker is elected and a new financing agreement is approved for next year – a temporary funding bill takes them to 17 November – those reliant on these funds are living on borrowed time. The US is currently operating a policy of taking equipment from its military stocks and sending them straight to Ukraine under the agreed “President Drawdown Authority”. This circumvents the need to buy new equipment from defence companies, which would inevitably delay military aid to a nation that needs it immediately. Congress last year raised the ceiling on the amount the president can take from these military stockpiles from $100 million (£82.4 million) to $14.5 billion (£11.9 billion) to ensure continued support for Ukraine. The Pentagon subsequently sought to get the most out of its funds. But when the fiscal year ended on 1 October without an agreement in the House over how to finance next year, that drawdown authority went back to $100m. Given the burn rate per month for Ukraine of military aid, including artillery and heavier equipment lost in battle, is about $2.5bn, the lowered ceiling of $100m is “basically nothing”, according to Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia and Asia programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. US aid to Ukraine has nearly three months worth of funds (up to $6 billion) to keep feeding its military needs but after that, without a resolution in the House, the stockpiles will run dry. The ousting of Mr McCarthy has made hopes of a resolution evermore difficult. Without a speaker, no decisions can be made. “There is no way to sugarcoat how bad it would be if US security assistance [to Ukraine] stops,” Mr Bergmann said. “A lot of Ukrainians will die and their ability to fight on will be severely compromised.” Russian strikes on critical infrastructure across Ukraine has already begun ramping up, making Kyiv’s need for more air defence systems to protect its civilians more acute. If US funding slows or stops this task beomes far more difficult. Along the frontline, a winter Ukrainian offensive, or the continuation of the current summer counteroffensive, will become exponentially harder the more foreign military aid dwindles. Ukraine’s Armed Forces have become used to attritional warfare, which involves bombing enemy positions before advancing in small groups, retaking small chunks of territory in the process. This requires a continual supply of artillery and shells. Without this, not only are advances more difficult but the threat of a Russian counterattack is heightened. There is also the geopolitical implication of reduced support: it would prove correct the Russian belief that their deep military and personnel resources can outlast Western resolve. “Such a lapse in support will make [Russian President Vladimir] Putin believe that he can wait us out,” US national security council spokesman, John Kirby, said on Tuesday, describing this issue as “just as critical” as the impact on the frontline. European aid will go some way to slowing a potential dilution of US support but they have their own long-term problems regarding arming Ukraine. “The continent collectively has underinvested in defence,” Mr Bergmann said. “There is not as much in the warehouses; there is less ammunition and less mortar rounds.” The House of Representatives, ruled by a razor-thin Republican majority, will now have to vote for a new speaker. Representative Steve Scalise, the number two House Republican, has long been favoured to take over as speaker and enjoys wide support from across his party, but he is currently undergoing chemotherapy for blood cancer. The House, then, must elect a new speaker from a pool of options that are either in the middle of treatment or will struggle to earn enough support to secure any form of sustainable leadership in the House. While they debate and jostle, Ukraine will get closer to losing its most significant military supporter. Read More Kevin McCarthy ousted as US House speaker by Trump supporters – everything you need to know White House says ‘time not our friend’ on Ukraine funding as all eyes on next House speaker Ukraine-Russia war – live: Kyiv launches 31 drones on Putin’s territory as offensive gains momentum

Kyle Walker was not involved as Manchester City held an open training session on Tuesday ahead of the Champions League final. The England full-back was substituted in the latter stages of City’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday. All other players were present as City continued preparations for the encounter with Inter Milan in Istanbul this weekend. Pep Guardiola said at a press conference later in the afternoon that Walker had sat out the session to avoid aggravating a back problem. The City boss said: “He has had a little bit of a disturbance in his back. “Yesterday he was not good, today he was a little bit better but we didn’t want to take any risks. We will see in the next days.” Guardiola referred to Saturday’s final being a “dream” opportunity for his side. City are bidding to win the competition for the first time, having been runners-up to Chelsea two years ago. He said: “In two days we will travel to Istanbul. It’s a dream. “Two years ago we were there, but it’s a different circumstance. It’s about what you have to do in 95 minutes to be better than the opponent. In one single game you have to be better.” Guardiola was criticised for his team selection after the 2021 final loss to Chelsea, particularly his decision to leave out midfielder Rodri. He said: “It was a game plan like it will be on Saturday and if I tell you the reason why I made the decision maybe you’ll think I’m right. “But if I win I’m right and if we lose I’m wrong. In this business, you have to accept it.” Read More A look at one-off EPL nationalities as Postecoglou becomes first Australian boss Bastoni at the back with Martinez in attack – Inter Milan’s key players Football says goodbye to Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Monday’s sporting social Finals are 50-50 – Kevin De Bruyne not saying City are favourites to beat Inter Football rumours: Manchester City look to tie down Erling Haaland to new deal The sporting weekend in pictures

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French prosecutors have launched an investigation into a billionaire who is the world’s second-richest person over his links to a Russian oligarch. Bernard Arnault, co-founder and chief executive of luxury-goods group Louis Vuitton (LVMH), is being investigated amid allegations of money-laundering. The Paris public prosecutor’s office says it is investigating financial transactions involving the French billionaire and businessman Nikolai Sarkisov. Mr Arnault’s spokesperson declined to comment. The inquiry is centred on property purchase in Courchevel, a ski resort in the French Alps known for being a playground for the ultra-rich, the prosecutors said. Mr Sarkisov acquired property there via a transaction in which Mr Arnault, through one of his companies, had provided a loan, according to French daily paper Le Monde, citing the Tracfin financial-intelligence unit. It said the 55-year old Russian billionaire had acquired 14 housing units from a single seller in 2018 for €16m (£13.9m) in a complex deal involving companies based in France, Luxembourg and Cyprus. Tracfin, part of the French justice system focused on combating money-laundering, has yet to determine whether any crime had been committed, a source close to the investigation said. Mr Arnault’s LVMH group owns handbag brand Louis Vuitton, Moët champagne, Hennessy cognac, the jeweller Tiffany’s and the watchmaker Tag Heuer, among many others. His fortune is thought to be worth $164bn (£134bn), according to financial experts at Bloomberg. Mr Sarkisov’s RESO-Garantia insurance company in Moscow could not be immediately reached for comment. Le Monde cited a person close to Mr Arnault as saying the transaction had been carried out in full respect of French law. In 2019, the French tycoon, who is the richest person in Europe and second-richest after Elon Musk, pledged 200 million euros (£173m) for the restoration of Notre Dame after it was devastated by fire. Breaking news: more follows Read More First Abrams tanks arrive from US in boost for Kyiv – live Europe sweeps opening session in Ryder Cup to put USA in 4-0 hole Putin recruits former Wagner commander ‘Grey Hair’ Troshev First Abrams tanks arrive from US in boost for Kyiv – live Europe sweeps opening session in Ryder Cup to put USA in 4-0 hole Putin recruits former Wagner commander ‘Grey Hair’ Troshev

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Glastonbury has officially kicked off, with thousands of people rushing through the gates of Worthy Farm to attend the biggest festival in the world. The annual celebration of live music and performing arts will see headliners such as Arctic Monkeys, Elton John, and Guns ‘N’ Roses take to the main stage, as well as hundreds of other artists. Get live updates on Glastonbury 2023 here. It is also an event known for attracting some of the most edgy and chic sartorial looks that informed festival fashion all around the world. Famously, celebrities including Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller have sparked trends while attending the major event. Although festival fashion has changed drastically over the years, this year’s Glastonbury can still expect to see some head-turning outfits, as revellers trot out their hardiest gear amid the sun and rain forecasts for the next few days. Here are our favourite looks at the festival so far: Ready, set, match Matching group outfits is a great way to make a statement as well as keep an eye on members of your squad at all times. Lost Jessica? Just look for the girl vibing in the Healing Fields in the same outfit as you. Sporty chic Sporty Spice Mel C wearing an “Alexa, Play Spice Girls” t-shirt during her set on Thursday (23 June). Flower power Are flower crowns a little 2010? Perhaps, but they’re classic festival-wear for a reason. This version is bright and vibrant, and most importantly, BIG. We love a good flower crown. Kilt calm and carry on Singer-songwriter Maisie Peters wearing a Chopva Lowena tartan skirt on the Pyramid Stage. Flying high Inflatable wings are certainly an unusual choice, but look perfectly in the right place at Glastonbury. We just hope he looks where he’s going, or someone’s going to get a face full of wing. Feeling green We can’t tell if this guy is trying to blend in with the foliage behind him, but he’s doing a pretty good job of it. 10/10 camouflage skills. Dress for the weather you want This huge wide-brimmed feather hat screams “sunshine” and will be sure to keep the excellent weather in Somerset going – even when the sun slips behind a cloud. Smile, boys Don’t feel like smiling? Let your head do it for you. Suited and booted These lads look like they know how to have a good time. Is the one in pink their leader? All that glitters Could you get any more extra with festival wear? The commitment to wearing every single festival-appropriate item is one to be admired. Brolly up A surefire way to jazz up your Glastonbury outfit is to carry the brightest, jauntiest umbrella you can find, just like these folks. Daylight robe-ery This is probably the most chic way we’ve ever seen a kimono-style dressing gown being worn outdoors, in public. Upstaged An impressive effort to make a model and wear it on your head for an entire head. We hope he gets himself a good spot for Elton. Piping hot Who said that pipe cleaners couldn’t be a fashion accessory? A DIY effort to be marvelled at. Pretty in pink A matching moment straight out of Mean Girls, this ensemble look is both a tribute to Y2K fashion and the legacy of The Plastics. Read More Glastonbury 2023 – live: Carly Rae Jepsen dazzles The Other Stage as Churnups speculation intensifies Who is Louise Verneuil, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner’s girlfriend? Mapped: Inside the Glastonbury 2023 site Who is Louise Verneuil, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner’s girlfriend? 6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival Couple ‘seal marriage’ at Glastonbury with intimate handfasting ceremony

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