global travel taskforce

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Global Travel Taskforce

In February 2021, the Prime Minister asked the Secretary of State for Transport to convene a successor to the Global Travel Taskforce, building on the recommendations set out in November 2020. The taskforce published its report on 9 April 2021, setting out a framework for a safe and sustainable return to international travel when the time is right. The taskforce sought input and views from industry stakeholders. The Secretary of State confirmed on 7 May that non-essential international travel will resume on 17 May.

Terms of reference of the 2021 Global Travel Taskforce

The Global Travel Taskforce: Safe Return of International Travel is the successor to the Global Travel Taskforce which made a series of recommendations in November 2020.

The Global Travel Taskforce will report by 12 April 2021 with recommendations aimed at facilitating a return to international travel as soon as possible, while still managing the risk from imported cases and variants of concern.

Following that, the government will determine when international travel should resume, which will be no earlier than 17 May 2021. A decision on the reopening of international travel will need to consider:

• the global and domestic epidemiological picture
• the prevalence and location of any variants of concern
• the progress of vaccine roll-outs here and abroad
• what more we’ve learnt about the efficacy of vaccines on variants, and their impact on transmission, hospitalisation and deaths

This taskforce will be led by the Department for Transport ( DfT ) and report to the Prime Minister. Its aim – in the context of the decision above – will be to work in partnership with industry and international partners to develop a risk-based framework that could facilitate the return of international travel, while still managing the risk from imported cases and variants.

That will include making use of the measures the government already has in place (such as testing and isolation) and building on the recommendations from the Global Travel Taskforce last year .

Scope and timing

The taskforce will:

• consider policy proposals to set out a possible pathway to safely reopen international travel, taking account of scientific and clinical data
• in partnership with industry, develop an implementation plan for the adoption of any recommendations to enable government, industry and consumers to prepare for when any decisions are taken
• consider how to implement recommendations from the previous Global Travel Taskforce, such as bubbles, to facilitate tourist and business travel
• ensure that any shorter-term changes act as a bridge to longer-term objectives on delivering vaccine certification to facilitate travel (noting this work is being conducted in parallel) and global standardisation of border measures

The taskforce will report to the Prime Minister on 12 April 2021 with an implementation plan to follow.

The taskforce will be a cross-government endeavour, with the Secretary of State for Transport reporting to the Prime Minister. It will involve collaboration between officials from:

• Department for Transport
• Department for Health and Social Care
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
• Public Health England
• Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
• HM Treasury
• Home Office
• Department for International Trade
• Cabinet Office C-19 Taskforce

Officials from the Scottish and Welsh Governments, and Northern Ireland Executive will be closely involved in the taskforce’s work.

The taskforce will seek to achieve a joint approach while noting that health matters are devolved, so decision-making and implementation may differ across the nations.

The taskforce will also take into account evidence and data from the scientific communities and our international community.

In addition, it’s vital that any proposals have been developed in partnership with industry, taking account of the vast experience from outside of government.

The taskforce will, therefore, establish working groups to feed into its final report. Most critical will be that established with the travel industry, given the need for proposals to be workable.

In addition, the taskforce will consult to inform its report:

• international partners – to discuss options for bilateral pilots and the standards needed to facilitate safe international travel
• the tourism sector and local business leaders – to consider how international travel can support economic recovery
• academia and policy institutes – to provide innovative solutions to the challenges the sector is facing

As with last year’s taskforce, the 2021 taskforce has worked with a range of industry stakeholders – covering aviation, maritime, international rail and the visitor economy – to develop the recommendations set out in the latest report .

Terms of reference of the 2020 Global Travel Taskforce

The taskforce’s work will include:

• considering how a testing regime for international arrivals could be implemented to boost safe travel to and from the UK
• what steps we can take to facilitate business and tourist travel on a bilateral and global basis, through innovative testing models and other non-testing means
• more broadly, what steps we can take to increase consumer confidence and reduce the barriers to a safe and sustainable recovery of international travel

The ongoing travel corridor process and related policy will not be within scope of the taskforce.

A core function of the taskforce will be to afford policy-makers a chance to discuss these issues further with those outside of government, as it considers robust and sustainable proposals that will facilitate safer international travel. In its work, the taskforce will therefore seek to consult representatives from:

• the transport industry, to discuss shared challenges, the value of the sector to the economy, and the future of international travel
• international partners, to discuss different approaches to health measures at the border, and what standards and practices are needed to maintain safe international travel
• the tourism sector and local business leaders, to consider the economic impact on domestic tourism, and how international travel can support economic recovery
• the private testing sector, to consider capacity constraints, pricing, and how quickly testing capacity can be rolled out
• academia and policy institutes to provide insight and innovative solutions to the challenges the sector is facing

This engagement will include a series of workshops with the above groups, on which further detail will be provided shortly.

The taskforce will report to the Prime Minister no later than early November 2020, setting out recommendations for how the UK can support the recovery of international travel, including how we can increase consumer confidence, and continue to provide global leadership in the setting of standards for border health measures.

The taskforce will be chaired by the Secretary of State for Transport and the and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. It will include collaboration between officials from departments across government, as listed below, and will liaise with the travel sector in order to work on the operationalisation of testing approaches designed to reduce self-isolation.

• NHS Test and Trace
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• The Home Office
• The No 10 / Cabinet Office C-19 Taskforce

Officials from the Scottish and Welsh Governments, and Northern Ireland Executive will be closely involved in the taskforce’s work. The taskforce will seek to achieve a 4 nations approach, while noting that health matters are devolved, so decision-making and implementation may differ across the nations.

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Global Travel Taskforce Report

Published on 9 April 2021, the government’s Global Travel Taskforce report sets out the recommendations for a safe return to international travel. Here, we present a detailed overview of the Transport Secretary’s report – all the salient findings and key proposals you need to know and what they mean for business travel.

In February 2021, the Prime Minister asked the Secretary of State for Transport to convene a successor to the Global Travel Taskforce , building on the recommendations set out in November 2020 to develop a framework for a safe and sustainable return to international travel when the time is right.

The Taskforce sought the views of industry stakeholders across the travel and tourism sectors.

The report is an important landmark, detailing a series of recommendations to restore international travel safely following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

General comments from Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport

• This deadly virus, with its potential to mutate into more infectious and virulent variants which may threaten the efficacy of our current vaccines, is a – moving – constant threat.
• A safe, sustainable and robust reopening from 17 May at the earliest does not mark a “return to normal” for international travel.
• Our policy on non-essential international travel must therefore be guided by one overwhelming priority – public health. 
• We cannot allow mass international travel to become a major vector for the introduction into the UK of dangerous COVID-19 variants.
• Even as we seek to re-open international travel, we cannot rule out future restrictions, should they prove necessary. Be in no doubt: this government will act swiftly if the need arises.
• Travel operators need some warning if country risk assessments – based on the “traffic light” system – are likely to change. The system being introduced today seeks to provide this warning – but it is subject to the strict condition that if this government needs to act swiftly in response to a sudden change in circumstances it will not hesitate to do so.
• We will confirm in advance if non-essential international travel can resume on 17 May. The measures introduced will be reviewed regularly and modifications made if and when necessary.
• 2020 saw the largest year-on-year decline in global air passenger traffic in aviation history and a 76% decline in inbound tourism.

The Traffic Light System

• Red countries: High-risk countries (currently known as “red list”).
• Amber countries: Moderate-risk countries.
• Green countries: Low-risk countries.
• Health measures for arrivals – this system will be in place from 17 May at the earliest. Associated measures applied to each category will be as follows:

• Introduce a “Green Watchlist” to support outbound travellers identify countries most at risk of moving from green to amber.

Forms & Apps

• Monitoring and compliance activity will remain, such as the consistent requirement of a Passenger Locator Form (which will be improved by 17 May).
• We will develop automatic validation of the Passenger Locator Form so that it cannot be submitted unless passenger can show that they have fulfilled requirements. This will reduce time spent processing non-compliant passengers at the border, although passengers should still expect extended waiting times whilst COVID-19 travel requirements are in place.
• Improved the Passenger Locator Form, with full e-gates integration across the largest airports by summer 2021 and all e-gate ports of entry by autumn 2021. We will develop automatic validation of the Passenger Locator Form so that it cannot be submitted unless passenger can show that they have fulfilled requirements. Form will also be provided in multiple languages.
• Maintain leadership role within multilateral organisations including the ICAO, IMO and OECD, and work with like-minded states including the G7, G20 and Five Eyes group to develop strategies for reopening international travel. 
• Continue close coordination with industry to ensure third party apps can be integrated with a national digital certification system that is interoperable, safe and secure. The UK government will aim to support residents of England who wish to travel by providing verification that meets international requirements.
• The NHS is developing a digital and non-digital solution for individuals to demonstrate COVID-19 status. NHSX is working with the Department for Transport and other departments to consider the role of these in helping to facilitate outbound travel.
• For inbound international travel, our ambition is to have a system in place to facilitate travel certification for international travel. Any solution for international travel certification needs to be user friendly, interoperable with various other systems and able to facilitate a quick interaction at the border
• We will also explore the feasibility of bilateral pilots for testing initiatives such as digital solutions on particular routes, or with other countries.
• NHS tests at no cost for those with symptoms will not be permitted for use in international travel. Travellers must source tests from the approved list of providers and at the appropriate times as outlined in the table above. But This could include cheaper tests being used when holidaymakers return home, as well as whether the government would be able to provide pre-departure tests.
• Carrier checks also continue to be in place to bolster assurance on passenger compliance. Border Force will roll out e-gates integration across the largest airports by summer 2021 and all e-gate ports of entry by autumn 2021. We will continue to review capacity of the Managed Quarantine Service, NHS Test and Trace, and private testing.
• Hold three “checkpoints” on 28 June, 31 July and 1 October.
• The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated. 
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. 
• Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.
• Use feedback from industry and CAA expertise to make targeted interventions to ensure operational safety.
• Establish a joint UK government and industry working group to ensure border readiness.
• Introduce a passenger COVID-19 charter by 17 May setting out consumer rights and responsibilities whilst measures remain.

Consumer Rights

• Government will also review the need to modernise the powers of other transport mode regulators so that all passenger rights, domestic and international, are protected. This will build on the Competition and Markets Authority investigations on the practices of travel agents and airlines in issuing refunds to customers affected by the travel restrictions during COVID-19. Latest data suggests that airlines are now paying the vast majority of refunds in a timely manner, within 14 days.
• Government has extended its backing for the whole of the Air Travel Trust Fund (ATTF) until 30 September 2022 so that ATOL bookings continue to be fully protected. If a travel business with an ATOL ceases trading, the ATOL scheme will continue to protect consumers who had booked ATOL-protected holidays with that business.

To help you navigate the changes of business travel, we’ve created the brand-new Traveller Toolkit . This invaluable online resource is packed full of easy-to-use guides and checklists for every stage of every journey. We detail exactly what you need to know and do before, during and after your trip.

You’ll also find innovative and interactive virtual trips , which walk you through each step of  being at the airport, on the train and in the hotel. You can even check the travel restrictions and health status of your destination with our comprehensive COVID-19 Country Tracker, updated five times daily to ensure you have the very latest information to help keep you and your travellers safe.

Travel is changing. But with common sense and a good TMC behind you, travellers should have the confidence to once again take to the skies. It’ll soon be business as (un)usual.

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UK government looks into reducing 14-day quarantine for arrivals

A new travel taskforce has been launched to assess coronavirus testing options, with a decision expected early November

The UK government has launched a “global travel taskforce” to explore ways of reducing the current 14-day quarantine for people arriving in the UK from abroad. The cross-government panel will assess single and double testing regimes in an effort to restore consumer confidence and boost international travel.

Led by transport secretary Grant Shapps and health secretary Matt Hancock, the new taskforce will work with travel industry experts, private sector testing firms, healthcare leaders and scientists. Recommendations will be put forward to the prime minister “no later than early November”. The group will also seek to achieve a an agreement covering all four UK nations.

Unless travelling from a small number of exempt destinations (currently only six), travellers arriving in the UK face 14 days of self-isolation. The taskforce will look at reducing this quarantine time with testing: it will assess both a single-test approach – a private test taken several days into the self-isolation period (expected to initially cost passengers around £150); and a double test, with an inital one taken on on arrival. Various pilots and partnerships with other countries are also under consideration, including a period of quarantine pre-departure.

“The government does not support the use of a single test on arrival as an alternative to self-isolation,” Shapps said on Wednesday . “However, a combination of self-isolation and testing is promising.”

A decision on testing had been widely anticipated this week after months of lobbying from the travel industry. The UK currently faces losing 30.7 million visits and £24bn in spending in 2020, according to VisitBritain .

The announcement has had a mixed response from the travel industry, where many people feel the UK has lagged behind the rest of Europe with airport testing. In a joint statement, Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airports Group, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic said the the move would help protect thousands of jobs across the country, but called for it to be implemented swiftly. “We support the decision to opt for a single-test, private sector-led, passenger-funded approach that does not impact on the NHS in any way,” the statement said. “But travellers need a firm commitment that a comprehensive testing regime will be implemented in early November. A test on day five, which the government’s own conservative evidence said would be ‘highly effective’ and which they’re already doing in Germany, should be the starting point.”

The sentiment was echoed by the Association of British Travel Agents, which said “decisive and urgent action” was key in preventing further job losses, with furlough end this month and a lack of tailored support for travel businesses.

“Other countries have already moved to introduce testing, and further delays will only serve to exacerbate the industry’s struggles – especially as the winter season is fast approaching,” an Abta spokesperson said.

Paul Charles of travel consultancy the PC Agency is among those who have been calling for testing of arrivals since May. He believes the sector could see some recovery in late 2020 if the recommendations are implemented by the end of November. “I’d rather see a taskforce of travel talent coming up with innovative and workable solutions that can be put in place in November than a rushed government policy that has not been consulted on or validated by the travel sector,” he said. “Crucially there’s still the possibility of a five-day quarantine with a test, and that would make a significant difference to consumer confidence.”

However, quarantine is just part of larger picture when it comes to restoring consumer confidence, according to Rory Boland, travel editor of Which?, who is calling for wider reforms across the industry to encourage bookings. “Many travel companies and airlines have refused or delayed refunds, and trust in the travel industry is at record lows,” he said. “It’s not just confidence in their holiday going ahead that consumers need, they also need assurance that if it doesn’t go ahead they will get their money back.”

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A Major Shift in Travel Attitudes and Opportunities Is Upon Us

People are cutting back to travel more.

5 Fast Facts

75% of Global Rescue survey respondents consider travel experiences more important than material possessions.

More than 70% of respondents are cutting discretionary spending for travel.

39% of travelers prioritize travel more today than pre-pandemic.

48% believe travel will continue to grow at higher levels.

59% of respondents feel that remote or hybrid work models encourage more travel.

The value of travel experiences has surpassed the importance of material things and work from home models are inspiring more trips.

Travelers are prioritizing leisure trips more than ever, and most of them consider travel experiences more important than material possessions, according to Global Rescue’s survey of the world’s most experienced travelers.

“People are changing their spending habits, taking advantage of remote work models, and beefing up their security precautions in an effort to find ways to travel more often, and for longer durations,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Global Rescue Spring 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey collected more than 2,000 responses from current and former members between April 16-20, 2024.

More than a third of travelers (39%) responding to the survey said travel is a higher priority today than it was pre-pandemic. Three-out-of-four respondents (75%) said travel experiences are more important than material possessions.

Travelers Trading Big Purchases for Travel

More than 70% of respondents said they are decreasing discretionary spending to enable more travel. Respondents are delaying purchases of things like an additional car, a second home, tickets for sporting events, concerts or shows, jewelry, and expensive restaurants. Some are holding off on starting a family or getting a pet to save for travel, according to the survey results.

“New car sales have dipped, second home ownership has plummeted, jewelry purchases are down and travel continues to increase beyond pre-pandemic levels. People are trading off material possessions for passport entry stamps and the memories that come with traveling boldly,” Richards said.

More than half of traveling respondents (51%) plan on more trips in 2024, 38% plan longer trips and an equal percentage (38%) plan to spend more money compared to pre-pandemic behavior, according to survey results.

Travelers expect the travel surge to continue. Nearly half (48%) of respondents believe travel will continue to grow at higher levels. More than a third (35%) said travel growth will level off but remain above pre-pandemic levels. Only a fifth (20%) predicted travel would level off and then dip below pre-pandemic levels.

Remote, Hybrid Work Models Encourage More Travel

Hybrid and remote work models are motivating more travel, according to the survey. More than half (59%) of respondents revealed that a remote or hybrid workplace model encourages them, their friends and family to travel more.

“It’s a boon for the travel industry, and one reason why travel growth continues to surpass pre-pandemic levels,” Richards said

Nearly a third (30%) of survey respondents reported they travel for work. Of those, seven out of 10 (71%) are working remotely – either part- or full-time. A new, key finding is that since January 2024, business travelers’ expectations of work-related travel exceeding pre-pandemic levels have doubled, based on a comparison of results between the January and April surveys. In January, only 11% of surveyed individuals who travel for work predicted business travel to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Today, that percentage has nearly doubled to 21%.

The increase may be attributed to a nascent trend reported by the Oxford Economics survey revealing that employers are encouraging remote and hybrid workers to travel, largely for business-related reasons but also to satisfy employee travel desires.

“Call it FOMO Travel or YOLO Travel, individuals productively working remotely, part- or full-time, are renewing meaningful business and personal connections here and abroad. It’s fostering soul-enriching journeys,” Richards said. “Vacations used to be all about a complete escape from work, but now you can check emails from a hammock in the Maldives, take a break from a video conference to surf the incoming tide in Rincon, or finish the workday in Sweden and have plenty of time to view the Northern Lights,” Richards said.

You Don’t Need Global Rescue…Or Do You?

You’ve traveled before with no incidents. Why do you need a travel membership today? Here are 10 ways a travel membership can have your back. From medical emergencies and security threats that require medevac to mundane inconveniences and practical travel solutions to keep you safe, it’s no surprise a Global Rescue travel protection membership is the perfect way to travel prepared, no matter where your travels take you.

Read the 10 Reasons Why You Need Global Rescue Travel Protection    

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Global Indicators

Global Indicators are also known as GI and are used to describe the direction of the journey or travel. The global indicators are important as the fares will not only differ by class of service, fare type but also where they are travelling from and are represented by GI or global indicators.

To cite an example fare in an economy class or a Y class from Seattle to Fukuoka through the Atlantic will be higher and the passenger would save money if he/she decides to travel through the pacific. One needs to know the routing of the fare to make a correct fare. 

There are twelve global indicators on which airlines can be used. 

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

This journey is within the AREA 1 or TC1. The fare components/sectors are totally situated within the Western Hemisphere. Example is Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

EASTERN HEMISPHERE

This journey is within the area 2 and area 3 and is via eastern hemisphere (barring TS/RU/FE). This will be between area 2 or within area 3. It would be TC2 or TC3. Example of such a journey is Delhi Dubai London. 

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ATLANTIC JOURNEY

Atlantic Journey is known, as TC12 that is journey is between the area 1, area 2 and area 3, which is passing through the Atlantic except the south Atlantic.  

PACIFIC JOURNEY

The journey or the fare components are lying between area 1 and area 3 and the crossing or travel is via the Pacific Ocean barring the North Pacific. Example of such a journey is Los Angeles Melbourne Delhi 

NORTH PACIFIC (PN)

This journey only crosses the pacific. The journey will be between Area 1 to Area 3 or between Area 3 to Area 1 and travel will be to or from South America via North America. 

SOUTH ATLANTIC (SA)

TC123 the journey is between Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, South East Asia via the Atlantic and only via point in Central Africa southern Africa, Indian Ocean, Ireland or via direct services. Example of a journey is Buenos Aires Cape Town Jakarta 

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ATLANTIC PACIFIC (AP)

This journey involves crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific both. The journey is between the area 2 and the area 3 or area 3 and area 2 via the area 1. The example is Frankfurt, New York, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Delhi. 

RUSSIAN FEDERATION (RU)

The fare components or sectors lie between Russia (Europe) and Area 3 where condition is the nonstop services between Russia (Europe) and Japan, Korea and not through another country in the European continent.  

Also read World Major Airports with Official Codes

TRANS SIBERIAN (TS)

The fare components or journey lie between the area 3 and city in Europe via a non-stop flight from any city in Japan (TYO, OSA or NGO) or to or from any city in Europe Or from any city in Europe to Area 3 via a non-stop flight to/from a city in South Korea (SEL or PUS) or via to/from any city in Europe. Example of such a journey is Sydney Hong Kong Tokyo London Manchester or a simpler example would be Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Sydney via Trans-Siberian Route.

FAR EAST (FE)

It is the fare component or journey between Russia in Europe /Ukraine and Area 3 utilizing a direct or a non-stop service to or from area 3 barring Japan/Korea/Taiwan. 

Also read Airport Check-in Procedure

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CBP announces new Global Entry mobile app

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today a new Global Entry Mobile Application that will further enhance the secure and efficient travel experience of more than 12 million Global Entry members. As of Sept. 19, the new app is available for trusted travelers enrolled in Global Entry to complete their arrival processing instead of waiting in line to use a portal.

“The new Global Entry mobile application leverages the latest technologies, in order to enhance security while further improving the travel experience for CBP’s trusted travelers,” said CBP’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller.

With the new app, travelers simply take a photo as a “selfie,” which will be compared to a photo gallery to verify their identity through facial biometrics. After the photo has been submitted, the traveler will receive a receipt on the app. Once the traveler arrives to the primary inspection area, they can bypass the Global Entry portals and go directly to the CBP officers to efficiently process their entry into the United States by showing their mobile receipt.

The Global Entry Mobile Application will initially be available for use by travelers arriving at seven airports: Seattle Tacoma International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. CBP will continue to evaluate and expand the use of the app at airports where Global Entry processing occurs in the future.

The app is free and will be available for download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store beginning on Sept. 19, 2023.

Global Entry is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs , and is used at land, air and sea ports of entry into the United States at all major airports and all Preclearance airports. All applicants undergo rigorous and recurring background checks and an in-person interview before initial enrollment. To maintain Global Entry members as low-risk travelers, any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges. More information on Global Entry and CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs is available on the Global Entry page.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

Ukraine war latest: Armed ship destroyed in Crimea, Kyiv says; controversial US television host launches show in Russia

Ukraine says it hit and destroyed the Russian missile ship Tsiklon in Crimea over the weekend. Meanwhile, analysts say Moscow is seeking to draw out Kyiv's forces - as Putin makes another significant change to his cabinet.

Wednesday 22 May 2024 14:47, UK

• Kyiv claims it has destroyed last Russian warship armed with cruise missiles in Crimea
• Tucker Carlson launches new show in Russia
• Putin sacks minister in new sign of shift in war strategy
• European country now pushing to let Ukraine strike deep into Russia with Western weapons
• Russia using 'understaffed and incohesive forces' in bid to draw out Ukrainian troops
• Big picture: What you need to know as war enters new week

As we've not been providing rolling coverage of the war in Ukraine today, here is a quick update on what's been happening since this morning. 

One of the most significant new stories is the UK accusing China of providing or preparing to provide lethal aid to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. 

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told a news conference this morning that US and British defence intelligence had evidence "lethal aid is now, or will be, flowing from China to Russia and into Ukraine".

He called this a "significant development".

We also heard from the Kremlin this morning, which said "in-depth dialogue" was needed to reduce rising tensions between Russia and the West - particularly with regards to nuclear issues. 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the "collective West" of refusing to engage with Russia despite the potential dangers. 

Here are more of the top stories: 

• Russian forces have taken over the village of Klishchiivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, close to the city of Bakhmut, according to Russian news agencies 
• At least nine people have been injured in a Russian air attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv
• Russia accused Ukraine of using a drone to attack a non-nuclear facility at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, causing no critical damage
• Moscow said it is bolstering its efforts to protect its energy infrastructure from drone attacks
• Six children were handed over to Ukraine by Russia and reunited with their families, after a deal was brokered by Qatar. 

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for the moment.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on today's developments.

Vladimir Putin has praised the late president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and said he was a "reliable partner".

Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border over the weekend along with his foreign minister and seven others.

Speaking on the leader, Mr Putin said he was "a man of his word" who carried out any agreements the pair made.

"He was truly a reliable partner, a man sure of himself, who acted in the national interest," Russian news agencies quoted Mr Putin as telling Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia's lower house of parliament.

"He was, of course, a man of his word and it was always good to work with him. What I mean is if we came to an agreement on something, you could be sure the agreement was carried out."

The Kremlin leader asked Mr Volodin, who will be attending memorial events in Iran, to pass on "words of our sincere condolences in connection with this tragedy".

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has strengthened political, trade and military ties with Iran in a deepening relationship that the US and Israel view with concern.

Heavy fighting in the Pokrovsk area in eastern Ukraine has forced Ukrainian troops to engage in "manoeuvres," the Ukrainian military's general staff have said.

Their report said Pokrovsk, northwest of the Russian-held city of Donetsk, remains the front's "hottest" sector.

"In some areas, the situation requires our troops to engage in manoeuvres," the general staff report reads.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has referred to the region and adjacent areas as "extraordinarily difficult" in his nightly video address.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said allies are taking too long when it comes to decisions on military support for Ukraine.

In an interview with Reuters, the Ukrainian leader said every decision which everyone came to was "late by around one year".

"But it is what it is: one big step forward, but before that two steps back. So we need to change the paradigm a little bit," he said.

"When we're quick, they fall behind. And then there's a gap - six, eight months of unpassed (aid) packages, and then two-three months of supplies - and a year goes by. We would like not to lose the advantage."

Mr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine had never used Western weapons on Russian territory.

A senior Russian diplomat has said that the EU plan to channel profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine would have "unpredictable" consequences, according to the TASS news agency.

According to TASS, Kirill Logvinov, Russia's acting permanent representative to the EU in Brussels, told Russia journalists: "The only predictable thing is that those in the EU will be obliged sooner or later to return to our country what has been stolen."

For context : In March the European Commission proposed transferring to Ukraine profits generated by Russian central bank assets frozen in Europe.

The plan would see 90% channeled through the European Peace Facility fund to buy weapons for Ukraine. 

The rest would be used for recovery and reconstruction.

Russia's defence ministry has said it has begun a round of drills involving tactical nuclear weapons. 

The exercises were announced by Russian authorities this month in response to remarks by senior Western officials about the possibility of deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine.

It was the first time Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, although its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises.

According to the ministry's statement, the first stage of the new drills include nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Iskander missiles.

The maneuvers are taking place in the southern military district, which consists of Russian regions in the south.

A Moscow court has ordered a Russian journalist who covered the trials of the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and other dissidents must  remain in custody pending an investigation and trial on charges of extremism.

Antonina Favorskaya was arrested in March. 

She is accused of collecting material, producing and editing videos and publications for Navalny's Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which had been outlawed as extremist by Russian authorities, according to court officials.

Today, Moscow's Basmanny district court ordered that she remain in custody until at least 3 August.

Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, said earlier that Ms Favorskaya did not publish anything on the foundation's platforms and suggested that Russian authorities have targeted her because she was doing her job as a journalist.

Former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson has launched his own show in Russia.

The controversial US media personality, who this year became the first Western journalist to interview Vladimir Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine, will host his show on the state-owned Russia 24 (Rossiya 24).

In the first episode, Carlson will discuss the dangers of ticks and Lyme disease.

Who is Carlson?

Carlson, who has been a vocal supporter of Mr Putin in the past, was sacked from Fox News in April last year.

He took up the prime-time weekday evenings spot on Fox News in 2016 with his show Tucker Carlson Tonight, and quickly established himself as a key player in the network and an influential voice in Republican politics.

The presenter often embraced conspiracy theories and far-right issues. He repeatedly questioned the efficacy of COVID vaccines and compared mandates to "Nazi experiments".

While he found success with viewers, his inflammatory comments caused some advertisers to distance themselves from the programme.

After his departure from Fox News he rebooted his show on X last year, calling Elon Musk's site the last big remaining platform to allow free speech.

Ukraine says it has destroyed the last Russian warship armed with cruise missiles that was stationed on the occupied peninsula of Crimea.

It comes after we reported earlier comments by Ukraine's military, which said they had hit the Russian missile ship Tsiklon (see post at 3.09pm).

Ukraine's military reported conducting a long-range attack that destroyed the Russian minesweeping navy vessel on Sunday and said it needed more time to confirm what else had been damaged.

"According to updated information, the Ukrainian defence forces hit a Russian project 22800 Tsiklon missile ship in Sevastopol, on the night of 19 May," the general staff said today.

The Ukrainian navy later said on X that the vessel had been "destroyed".

Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said the Tsiklon was Russia's "last cruise missile carrier" based on the peninsula.

Tsiklon never fired a cruise missile while on active service, Mr Pletenchuk said in televised comments.

Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014 and is home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet headquarters at Sevastopol.

The Russian defence ministry has not commented.

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