Vladimir Putin is "mirroring" the fascism of Nazi Germany. That is what Ben Wallace will say today, as the Russian leader holds a massive military parade to galvanise his war effort.
In a major speech, the Defence Secretary will accuse Mr Putin of "hijacking history" and insulting the memory of fallen Soviet forces in Russia's annual Victory Day parade that marks the defeat of Adolf Hitler's Germany.
He will also accuse senior officers in the Russian army of such incompetence they should be court-martialled. The speech will be given as Moscow throws a lavish military parade (pictured below during rehearsals) in a show of strength against Ukraine and Nato.
As Dominic Nicholls reports, it will include a display of Mr Putin's so-called "doomsday" jet – the aircraft designed to protect the president and allow him to rule from the skies in the event of a nuclear attack and from where a nuclear strike order could be issued.
It came as the G7 agreed on fresh sanctions for Russian financial firms in addition to banning or phasing out Russian oil imports to cripple the country’s economy.
The UK announced new sanctions on Russia and Belarus to target ￡1.7 billion of trade by raising tariffs on products including platinum and palladium.
It will bring the total value of products subjected to full or partial import and export sanctions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine to more than ￡4 billion.
Follow the latest updates and analysis throughout the day in our live blog.
Hay fever medication runs low as pollen levels peak
As Met Office forecasters warn of high pollen levels over the coming days, hay fever medication supplies are running low because of a shortage of a common allergy drug.
Stocks of chlorphenamine maleate – which is the active ingredient in Piriton and other hay fever remedies – are running short across the industry, according to Boots.
It coincides with high pollen forecasts for most of England and Wales for the next few days, with temperatures of up to 23C forecast this week with a few light showers.
If you are hunting for a more natural solution, see our guide to the surprising hay fever cures that could save your summer.
Baftas used as 'Tories out' platform by award winner
The creator of a BBC show named best drama winner at the Baftas demanded: "Get the Tories out", in comments that were hastily cut from the televised broadcast.
This year's ceremony was billed as a celebration of British television after two tough years of production through the pandemic.
But, as Anita Singh reports, the event became a platform to attack the Government on issues including its handling of Covid. See a list of winners, including Jodie Comer as leading actress for Help.
Today's political cartoon
In his latest cartoon, Blower he imagines what goes on behind the camera of Sir Keir Starmer's public statements.
Also in the news: Today's other headlines
Gove and Sunak 'meddling' | Liz Truss faces Cabinet opposition to her plan to rip up the Northern Ireland Protocol, The Telegraph can reveal, despite claims it could secure a devolved government in the province. The Foreign Secretary is at the "vanguard" of attempts to act unilaterally to override the Brexit deal in the wake of the local elections. The issue has become more urgent following last week's poll in which Sinn Fein became the largest party in Northern Ireland, as the prospect of direct rule from Westminster risks fuelling nationalism further.
Second homes | Owners face double council tax in Queen's Speech Sir Keir Starmer | Labour leader misses event amid 'beergate' Agony and large bills | County becomes latest NHS 'dental desert' Royals | Prince Harry faces setback in Mail on Sunday legal battle Keys to the Tardis | 'I'll put stamp on the role', vows first black Doctor Around the world: Vigils outside judges' homes
Pro-choice abortion campaigners staged vigils outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts over the weekend to protest at a leaked ruling that would overturn the outcome of the Roe vs Wade case. After what was described as a constitutional earthquake in America, David Millward reports that campaigning is expected to intensify with more protests already planned.
Comment and analysis Nick Timothy | Johnson and Starmer are clinging to their jobs Jane Shilling | Still time to turn tide on horrors of Estuary English Michael Hogan | BBC no longer pleases 'legacy' Doctor Who fans Bryony Gordon | Separate beds make for a happy marriage Reader letters | Economic incompetence cost Tories Barnet council Editor's choice Dennis Waterman dies | 'Diamond in rough whose greatest trick was letting others shine' The rise of the senior 'fitizen' | How life-aiding exercise is keeping older people young Lack of awareness | Time to ditch the term 'stroke' – we need to switch to 'brain attack' Sport briefing: Title race mind games
Pep Guardiola has stoked the fires in the title race by claiming the whole country wants Liverpool to beat Manchester City to the Premier League crown. City responded to Wednesday's crushing Champions League semi-final collapse against Real Madrid by thrashing Newcastle 5-0 yesterday to move three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table and overtake their rivals on goal difference. Read chief football correspondent Jason Burt's match report from the Etihad Stadium.
Business briefing: Nuclear plant faces axe
A nuclear reactor plant in Essex is at risk of collapse because of political opposition to a Chinese investor's involvement, French energy giant EDF warned. It told investors it has no obligation to keep funding the project in Bradwell and there is now "great uncertainty" over its delivery. It came as the boss of one of the UK's largest suppliers warned that energy bills are on course to surge to almost ￡3,000 by the end of the year.
Tonight's dinner
Spring vegetable and ricotta salad | A proper knife-and-fork salad with bags of flavour and texture. See the recipe and try our Cookbook newsletter for more inspiration.
Travel: Portugal's best-kept secret
Vila Real de Santo António is a fishing village on the Algarve with a fabulous beach, charming pine groves and delicious chicken piri-piri. Mary Lussiana says you will not find a prettier, more ship-shape, town if you travel the length of the Algarve. She has your guide to the pretty seaside town with hidden depths that you must visit in summer.
And finally... for this morning's downtime
Should you join the Tesla club? | With the Model Y now Britain's bestselling car, Elon Musk's premium electric vehicle revolution is booming. From price to reliability, here is a full rundown of nine things to know before you take the leap with your own purchase.
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