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WE all know that dogs are man’s best friend – but sometimes our four-legged pals can misbehave.

Recent data has revealed that there are around 10.6 million dogs living in homes across the UK, making us the second-highest dog-owning nation in the world.

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According to pet insurers at ManyPets, there are five popular pooches that are up to no good more than others[/caption]

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Even some names tend to be more mischievous than other picks.[/caption]

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But with more than 400 dog breeds recognised worldwide, which is ones are the most likely to be naughty and munch on your TV remote whilst you’re whipping up dinner?

According to pet insurers at ManyPets, there are five popular pooches that are up to no good more than others – and even some names tend to be more mischievous than other picks.

Labradors are officially the naughtiest thanks to their strength and energy. 

They are closely followed by Cockerpoos and the adorable Frenchies.

The German Shepherd – another popular choice for many families – was also called out, followed by Cocker Spaniel.

According to the experts, the names of the naughtiest dogs are Luna, Teddy, Bailey, Bella and Max.

The reputable pet insurance provider has also revealed the 6 bizarre claims that came from their naughty insured furry ones.

Pet ate a TV remote and battery: Don’t leave small tech objects at easy reach of your furry friends.

These can turn into health hazards, especially when they’re teething.

Pet ate a whole panettone: This festive delicacy contains many ingredients that can prove fatal to a dog, ingredients such as chocolate and raisins can be toxic for dogs.

Pet ate part of a hedgehog: If your dog eats a hedgehog, stomach upset from the spines or insides aren’t the only risk.

Your pup also has a small chance of catching infections like
salmonella.

Hedgehogs can also transmit external bugs like fleas. You should seek your vet’s advice if your dog makes a hedgehog a snack.

Pet ate a plastic head cone post-surgery: Monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea, or in some cases, may recommend further intervention depending on the size of the plastic piece ingested and your dog’s size.

Pet ate a razor: The sharp blades can potentially cause damage to their stomach and intestines.

An X-ray will be needed to confirm if the razor is present and determine the next steps.

Pet ate children’s slime: This can be toxic for dogs because it often contains ingredients like borax and certain types of glue, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and other health issues if ingested by a dog.

ManyPets vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan said: “Some of these dogs can
have a stubborn or independent streak, whereas others are high-energy and will need an experienced owner who can give them plenty of time and attention.

”With patience and consistency, these dogs can also learn to follow their owner’s commands.”

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan added that naughty dogs largely need the same approach and training as dogs who are considered well-behaved.

“Positive, rewards-based training is always the best way to teach dogs new behaviours, especially if they’re naughty.

“That means lots of treats, praise and encouragement – never punishments, raised voices or negative actions.

”Negative actions always lead to anxiety, fear, mistrust and aggression, which are the exact behaviours owners try to rectify in naughty dogs.

“Instead, positive actions, like clicker training, can build a strong, positive bond and better relationship between pet and owner.”

A BRITISH couple detained in Iran could be left to languish in a hellhole jail for years, sources fear.

Channel 4 stars Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested during a motorbike trip across the world.

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Lindsay and Craig Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran[/caption]

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They were on a round-the-world motorcycle trip[/caption]

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A picture was released showing Brit ambassador Hugo Shortner meeting with the couple, whose faces were blurred[/caption]

They ignored advice from family and the foreign office to go to Iran and were taken into custody on unspecified security charges in January

The couple, who previously appeared on Channel 4’s A New Life in the Sun, have now been charged with espionage and continue to be held in prison.

Iran’s regime has accused them of “collecting information in several provinces of the country” while “under the guise of investigative and research work”.

But insiders believe Iran’s merciless leaders have made a “fabricated case” to use Craig and Lindsay as pawns in their sick game to get Western countries to give in to their demands.

United Against Nuclear Iran’s (UANI) policy director Jason Brodsky told The Sun while they are unlikely to face execution, they could be jailed for years and face torture.

He said: “Iran uses hostage diplomacy as a means to extract concessions from Europe and the United States. 

“Hostages have languished for years behind bars in Iran. 

“The Iranian regime has executed dual-nationals previously, or those with Iranian citizenship in addition to American or European nationality. 

“Since the Foremans do not have dual-nationality, an execution is unlikely but the danger of harm remains.

“The Iranian regime employs both psychological and physical torture methods depending on the situation.”

Insiders and campaigners say it is likely the couple were arrested simply for being British.

It is feared they have been taken “hostage” to put pressure on the UK.

Hossein Abedini of the National Council of Resistance told The Sun: “Based on previous experiences, the clerical regime, involving the Ministry of Intelligence, creates a fabricated case and usually makes the conditions difficult in order to justify issuing fake verdicts. 

“All of these actions are aimed at gaining leverage from the country to which the hostages belong.

“Therefore, any verdicts could arise.

“This is a repetitive process that has occurred many times, but due to the concessions made by the West, the regime assesses this as a profitable business.

“The experience of the Iranian Resistance over 45 years of opposition to this regime shows that the regime only understands the language of firmness. 

“Therefore, although the regime has unfortunately suppressed and destroyed many movements in Iran, the Iranian Resistance has not only survived despite over a hundred thousand executions and severe repression, but has also grown. 

“This is because the Iranian Resistance has chosen the path of standing firm against the regime”

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The pair previously featured on Channel 4’s A New Life in the Sun[/caption]

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The couple were due to leave Iran on January 4[/caption]

Craig and Lindsay, both in their 50s, are being held in the southeastern city of Kerman, according to state media.

Iran’s judiciary claims they were “cooperating with covert institutions linked to the intelligence services of hostile Western countries under the guise of investigative and research activities”.

Craig, a carpenter, and Lindsay, a life coach, were travelling through Iran on a round-the-world trip.

They arrived in the country from Armenia on December 30 and planned to leave on January 4 to head for Australia.

Once in Iran, they visited Tabriz, Tehran and Isfahan – but failed to check into their hotel in Kerman.

Their detention only came to light last week after Iranian authorities released an image of them meeting with British ambassador Hugo Shorter.

Foreign Office guidance warns against all travel to Iran – warning Brits they can simply be detained for their nationality.

But the couple ignored risks and concerns from family and friends.

In a post the same day the couple arrived in Iran, they shrugged off the extreme risk.

They wrote: “Despite the advice of friends, family, and the FCDO (which strongly advises against travel to Iran for British nationals), we’ve chosen to keep moving forward.

“Why? Because we believe that, no matter where you are in the world, most people are good, kind humans striving for a meaningful life. Yes, we’re aware of the risks.

“We also know the rewards of meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and seeing the breathtaking landscapes of these regions could far outweigh the fear.”

Following their arrest, a Foreign Office spokesman said they were “united in our determination to secure their safe return” – saying their detention “caused significant concern”.

Demands are again being made to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation.

UANI’s director of IRGC Research Kasra Aarabi told The Sun: “The IRGC has once again taken British nationals hostage in Iran. 

“This is the result of years of appeasing the Ayatollah’s regime. 

“Prime Minister Starmer must show leadership and immediately impose consequences on Tehran. 

“This should start with proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist group.”

KATIE Price today revealed how much insurance she has to pay on her new car – after after being banned from the road SIX times

The star, 46, recently revealed she was back behind the wheel again after another lengthy ban.

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Katie Price has revealed the cost of her car insurance[/caption]

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The star has been banned from driving six times[/caption]

In a new episode of her podcast, The Katie Price Show, the mum-of-five revealed exactly how much it will cost her to get back on the road.

Speaking to her sister Sophie, Katie said: “New year, new start manifesting, already good stuff has happened.

“Jobs on my way but the most important thing is me getting back to driving.

“Now I got my licence back two years after I should have got it back because I had the problem with DVLA and people emailing in.

“I got my licence back but I couldn’t get insured on any of the cars – it was going to cost be £150k a year, £7k a month, who’s going to pay that, that’s ridiculous.”

Continuing she added: “So I went to rent a car, I could rent a car and pay £1,600 a month to rent a car and I thought ‘oh let’s just see if I can get insured on my car’ and it went through.

“I’ve now got normal insurance for £800 a year – fully comp and I’m so happy.”

DRIVING BAN IS LIFTED

Katie revealed more about the ban being lifted in her late January podcast.

She said: “I’m driving now! I don’t know if I was proper driving [on the last podcast].

“So this year, is going to be amazing.

“Having my independence back is so nice to the point that if I’m in the car with the kids, I’m like, ‘I’m sorry kids if I’m driving slow’.”

She continued: “If I’m in a 30, I set it at 30. Or on the motorway, I set it at 70.

“They’re like, ‘No, mum. It’s good, it’s good that you’re sensible. No, no, we love this, mum.

“I have changed a lot. I think the past is the past, the future is the future and continue on that.

“I’m glad last year’s done. Lots of good things are happening.”

KATIE’S LEGAL TROUBLES

Katie was banned from driving for two years in December 2021 after crashing her BMW in a drink-driving smash in Horsham.

 She had been meant to get her licence back in later 2023, but it was delayed by almost another year.

This was after Katie was charged in early 2024 with driving without insurance and a valid licence.

To add to her woes, was also declared bankrupt for the second time in March last year.

At a hearing held at the Rolls Building in London, it was heard she owed HMRC a total of £761,194.05.

But in the UK, providing you cooperate with the terms of your bankruptcy, you can be discharged after 12 months.

Katie’s first bankruptcy ended in November 2024, and her second will be up in late March this year.

GET RICH QUICK PLAN

The star, who was once worth an estimated £40million, has now hatched some grand plans for making herself a fortune again.

Katie said on her podcast, which returned on Thursday following a four-month break: “My New Year’s resolution, if that’s the right word, is I wanna make about £500million in about three years.

“There’s one way I’m going to do that. Do you know how? Win the f***ing lottery!”

IT’s fair to say Vaclav Cerny has experienced just about everything Scottish football has to offer during his loan season so far with Rangers.

The winger snapped at the Ibrox fans under the weight of their expectations, has experienced victory and defeat in Old Firm derbies, played in a cup final and been on the wrong end of a cup shock.

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Vaclav Cerny joined Rangers on loan from Wolfsburg last year[/caption]

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He’s certainly had his ups and downs during his time in Scottish football so far[/caption]

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Nicky Cadden up against Ridvan Yilmaz during Hbs’ clash with Rangers last month[/caption]

And one of his opponents from earlier in the campaign has revealed how he was ‘welcomed to Scotland‘ during one particular match.

The Wolfsburg loanee, who has scored 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season, locked horns with Nicky Cadden last month when the Light Blues travelled to Eater Road to face Hibernian.

That fixture came three days after Gers upset the odds to beat Celtic in the January 2 derby at Ibrox.

Hamza Igamane scored a hat-trick but a double from Martin Boyle and a late equaliser from Rocky Bushiri ensured the spoils were shared.

Cerny played 81 minutes before being subbed in Edinburgh and provided one of the assists but was otherwise quite quiet on the day.

Hibs ace Cadden revealed that he and Cerny had a discreet conversation early on in the game, which gave a glimpse into the Czech attacker’s mindset.

Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Cadden said: “A story about Cerny, obviously, he was playing against me on the wing.

“It was raining, it was a a wee bit wet, and Josh Campbell smashed into somebody and the crowd erupted.

And Cerny was like, ‘Huh, welcome to Scotland’.

“I was like ‘Get used to it mate!’”

Cadden would add that he felt the tackle actually got a bigger cheer than any of their goals.

He said: “We scored two goals and that tackle got the biggest cheer!”

Cadden also spoke about Igamane’s quality after seeing him score all three of Rangers‘ goals when they met.

He said: “He was amazing against us.”

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

LOVE Island’s Ekin-Su and Curtis took a swipe at rivals Elma and Sammy following their clashes in the villa.

Both couples reached the Love Island All Stars final – but fell short of winning the £50,000 prize.

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Ekin-Su and Curtis took a swipe at their Love Island rivals[/caption]

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The pair had tension with fellow islanders Elma and Sammy[/caption]

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Both couples reached the All Stars series two final[/caption]

Ekin-Su and Curtis spoke to Amy Hart on the Love Island: The Morning After podcast following the finale.

Addressing tensions with Elma and Sammy, Curtis said: “I feel like the situations that went on… I don’t want to say we were in the wrong or the right.

“But I feel like we weren’t in the wrong.”

Ekin-Su continued: “I’m going to stand by that we were in the right. For me, that was not okay at the time.”

Meanwhile, Amy asked the new couple about who their closest friends were in the villa.

Former winner Ekin-Su first highlighted Nas Majeed and Oliver “Chuggs” Wallis as examples.

She added: “Catherine and Omar, I think Catherine’s one of my closest girls in here.

“Gabby, Grace… Elma, I do like but obviously in some situations, in that game thing, you kind of questioned a little bit.

“We’ve passed it now, you know.”

Viewers watched a rivalry develop between Ekin-Su and Elma towards the end of All Stars.

The once firm friends fell out when Ekin-Su gave Elma’s partner Sammy Root a peck on the lips during the heart rate challenge.

She had promised Elma not to kiss Sammy before doing the opposite.

Although Elma claimed she could “forgive” Ekin, she found the “forgetting” part harder.

Later, Curtis pointed out “spite” behind a question Elma and Sammy asked about him and Ekin in a villa game.

They wanted to know “do you think Curtis and Ekin-Su are the weakest couple?”

However, Elma had the smile wiped off her face when she was told the public think her age-gap with Sammy will have an impact on their relationship on the outside.

The two women also clashed after Elma told Curtis to “f*** off” during a spat with Elma refusing to say sorry.

Although she did later apologise, viewers reckoned they sussed out the “real reason” behind doing so – a day before the final.

One wrote: “Nah not Elma coming to apologise cos she was vulnerable and knows she’s no longer the favourite girl.”

Another added: “Elma saying sorry to Curtis one day before the final…… calculated.”

Ultimately, Elma & Sammy finished in fifth place while Ekin-Su & Curtis placed third.

Love Island airs on ITV2 and ITVX.

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STEPHEN HENDRY has slammed the antics of snooker players in a fiery rant.

The seven-time world champion hit out at stars that show their opponents too much respect and apologise after a fluke shot.

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Stephen Hendry has hit out at the snooker stars’ gestures[/caption]

Hendry labelled modern-day sporting gestures as “horrendous” and did not hold back in his criticism.

He told the Snooker Club podcast: “You know what’s even worse? After every good safety shot, it’s a tap on the table now.

“What is going on? Sometimes it’s not even getting to the cushion and it’s ‘tap the table, tap the table, it’s so nice, lovely shot’.

“I mean, bore off. You’re there to win. Who are these people?”

Hendry praised Judd Trump for not engaging in these antics and had a theory about the five-time Triple Crown winner.

He continued his theory: “Trump never apologises for a fluke, hardly ever.

“And he never says ‘good shot’ and taps the table, ever.

“He’s world No1, he’s won everything, you do the maths.“

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has pulled out several tournament recently, is set to feature against Stuart Carrington at the World Open on Sunday.

Hendry said he would be “shocked” if the Rocket withdrew as he “loves” playing in China.

However, he does worry we may not see O’Sullivan until the Crucible in April.

Hendry said: “Part of me thinks, is he just going to play in the World Championship? Is that the goal now? Is that the game for the season, the plan?

“I don’t know, but there’s no doubt if he’s not in an event, the event suffers a little. There’s no doubt about it.”

ROB Beckett has quit his BBC Radio 2 show just three years after taking over the slot from Paul O’Grady.

The BBC announced that today Rob has decided to step down due to scheduling issues, with him putting down the headphones for good in April, shortly before Easter.

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Rob Beckett will be leaving his Radio 2 slot[/caption]

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The star took over the Sunday evening show from Paul O’Grady[/caption]

Over the course of his career, Beckett has become known for TV presenting, stand-up comedy and radio show.

He is most known for his Sky shows, including Rob and Romesh Vs… with Romesh Ranganthan, his appearances on Mock The Week, and his new quiz show, Rob Beckett’s Smart TV.

While Beckett will be leaving the afternoon 5pm to 7pm show, he will still make appearances for the radio channel as a cover presenter.

On the announcement, Beckett said: “I’ve had such a laugh each Sunday getting to know the listeners, but as my tour schedule hots up and my family forget what I look like, I’ve decided to step away from a weekly show.

“But you won’t get away from me that easily as I’ll be back presenting shows on Radio 2 later in the year when normal service is resumed!”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added: “I’d like to thank Rob for his brilliant work every Sunday evening. He’ll stay within the Radio 2 family and will be heard on the station at a later date.”

His replacement is yet to be confirmed.

Beckett took over the show from O’Grady in 2022, with the beloved presenter saying at the time it was “time to go” after 14 years in the timeslot.

For a period before his permanent placement, Beckett shared the slot with O’Grady in a 50/50 split – with both having 13 weeks on air, before 13 weeks off.

O’Grady later admitted he didn’t enjoy sharing the slot with Beckett, and suggested that it had an influence of his exit choice.

He later wrote on Instagram: “I did the honourable thing, I honoured my contract, gave my notice in and now I’m off.”

He was later critical of Radio 2’s shake ups, telling Metro the radio station “wasn’t what it was” as it brought in younger presenter.

“They’re trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn’t make sense because you’ve got Radio 1,” he told Metro in 2023.

He also noted: “I’m a great believer in continuity. If you go off for 13 weeks and somebody else comes on, the listeners don’t know when you’re back on.”

O’Grady died in March 2023 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia at the age of 67.

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The star has become a regular voice for listeners – and he’ll still be returning in guest slots[/caption]

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The stand-up comedian noted his upcoming tour and his family for why he gave up the spot[/caption]

Yippee ki-yay, Paradise enthusiasts! In addition to being heavy on Die Hard references, this week’s episode raises a question I’ve (and likely you’ve) certainly considered since the show’s start: Could Xavier’s wife, Terry, somehow have survived the catastrophic event that send the chosen few underground to Paradise? At the end of this week’s episode, Sinatra […]

A CONCLUSION to the gruelling three-year war in Ukraine is edging closer after today’s historic peace talks between Russia and the US.

Moscow said the conversations “went well” as Washington labelled the crucial meeting “useful” – with both parties already reaching a number of landmark deals.

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US, Russian and Saudi representatives speaking at Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace over peace talks earlier today[/caption]

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shake hands[/caption]

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The talks are hoping to help bring an end to the gruelling three-year war in Ukraine[/caption]

Earlier today, a team of top diplomats from Russia and the US spoke about negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The talks – which were quickly drawn up – represent the rapidly growing ties between the two nations under Donald Trump‘s new leadership.

Present at the negotiating table was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz all sit down in Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace.

They were joined by outspoken Putin cronies Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushako.

Notably missing was any representative from Ukraine.

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All we know from day one of the peace talks

• No new details on when Putin and Trump will meet
• Full embassy staffing agreed
• Both sides agree to create “high level teams”
• Vlad will speak to Zelensky “if necessary”
• Russia won’t allow Ukraine to join Nato
• Kremlin wants to end Western sanctions
• Zelensky postpones Saudi trip as he blasts unfair meeting

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The meeting lasted for almost five hours with Moscow and Washington being joined by Saudi representatives who helped monitor the talks.

Following the peace chats, which mark the first time Russia and US delegates have met in person since the war broke out, both sides said they were hugely beneficial.

Close Putin aide, Yuri Ushakov, said the talks “went well” as he also revealed negotiators have been agreed to talk about the war in Ukraine from either side, IFAX reported.

Russia‘s lead negotiator told reporters after the talks: “It was a very serious conversation on all the questions we wanted to touch upon.”

Secretary of State Rubio said the meeting showed him that the Kremlin is finally “willing to begin to engage in a serious process”.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce later said the two sides have agreed to appoint “respective high-level teams to begin working on a path to ending the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible”.

They added that all talks will be done “in a way that is enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides”.

Trump’s Middle East envoy Witkoff even described the meeting as positive, upbeat and constructive.

Rubio stressed that despite the initial chats being positive, it was just the first of many chats which need to take place in the coming weeks and months.

He added that everyone involved in the war “has to be okay with it” ending with both sides needing to make concessions to make a deal work.

One of the key stumbling blocks which could dampen the negotiations would be from Ukraine’s side.

They were notably excluded from Riyadh today in a move which left both President Zelensky and his European allies annoyed and frustrated.

Brave Zelensky was in Turkey as the US-Russia talks went ahead without him with the comedian turned top politician heavily criticising the talks.

He said any negotiations “should not take place behind our backs” as he reiterated a peace deal will only be agreed if it is fair for all those involved – not just Putin.

Zelensky even announced he has postponed his official visit to the Saudi Arabia until March 10 – despite him initially being scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

The move has been done in order to not give any “legitimacy” to the US-Russia meeting, two sources told Reuters.

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The talks are hoping to help bring an end to the gruelling three-year war in Ukraine[/caption]

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US Secretary Marco Rubio described the talks today as ‘useful’[/caption]

One of the main differences in opinion Kyiv has compared to their counterparts in Moscow is over Ukraine’s Nato membership.

Zelensky has long been campaigning with European leaders to grant Kyiv a spot in the organisation as it would give them protection over Putin’s army in case of any future invasion.

Putin and the Kremlin say this cannot ever be allowed to happen with blocking Ukraine from joining Nato being of the highest priority.

Without promises that Zelensky will never be able to enter the group – headed up by the US and European stalwarts – Putin is unlikely to accept any terms.

Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, who was at the meeting, again made Russia’s stance clear on the matter.

He said after the first peace talk: “We’ve told the US that deployment of Nato troops in Ukraine, even under other flags, is unacceptable for Russia.”

Before adding that expanding the alliance to include their neighbours will be seen as a “direct threat to Russia”.

The focus of the talks was not only to help secure a deal which ends the conflict but to also improve the powerful two nations diplomatic and economic ties.

Russia are hoping to return to the global sphere after being essentially banished from the world stage since they first broke past Ukraine’s borders.

Putin’s struggling country has been constricted by damaging sanctions which have seriously stunted their economic growth.

Moscow expects “progress” will soon come on the economic front to get Western sanctions removed, a negotiator said.

A growing bond with Trump’s new look America could prove to be Vlad’s way back in – despite him still being despised by many across the globe.

PUTIN SPEAKING UP

One of the main goals of the Saudi Arabia peace talks was to open up the door for tyrant Vlad to speak with President Trump in the near future. 

Trump has already said he and Putin will speak in person soon as he offered up Saudi Arabia as a likely first spot.

Putin gleefully responded by offering the US president to come to Moscow as well after their first meet.

But an official date or location is still yet to be agreed with nothing being confirmed during today’s talks.

Kremlin aide Ushakov said conditions for a meeting are being discussed, but they are still undecided on the details.

He added: “We are ready for this, but it is still difficult to talk about a specific date for the meeting of the two leaders.”

Another key takeaway from today saw the Kremlin confirm that Putin is ready to speak to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a peace deal “if necessary”.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine will not be allowed to join Nato under any agreed teams[/caption]

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Putin and Trump are edging towards a meeting but no more details have emerged today[/caption]

Putin and Zelensky have never spoken directly to one another since Vlad’s illegal invasion three years ago.

But the dictator is now said to be ready to negotiate if he must.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced Putin will talk to Zelensky if a few conditions are met.

Peskov said: “Putin himself said that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelensky if necessary but the legal basis of agreements needs discussion considering the reality that Zelensky’s legitimacy can be questioned.”

Moscow has constantly labelled Ukraine’s heroic leader as an illegitimate president due to Zelensky continuing to be in charge despite his official term ending in 2024.

Ukraine has been trapped under martial law since Putin’s cross-border massacre meaning a fair election hasn’t been able to take place -leaving Zelensky as the president. – annoying a disgruntled Putin.

The Kremlin said the tense presidential sit down between the long term enemies would only take place after the wider issue of European security is addressed by all.

Peskov added: “A lasting and long-term viable resolution is impossible without a comprehensive consideration of security issues on the continent.

“With regard to Ukraine joining the EU, it is the sovereign right of any country… Nobody can dictate to another country and we do not plan on dictating.

“But it is completely different when it comes to security issues and military alliances.

“Here we have a different approach that is well known.”

EUROPEAN TROUBLES

European leaders have tried to muscle their way into the talks to try and make sure stability in the continent can continue even if Putin gets his way in the negotiations.

Europe was also absent from today’s peace talks with Zelensky saying leaders must be present at any upcoming conversations.

He said on Telegram: “Ukraine, Europe – in a broad sense, which includes the European Union, Turkey and Britain – must be involved together with America in the talks and development of the necessary security guarantees that concern the fate of our part of the world.”

Rubio insisted that “nobody” is being frozen out of peace negotiations.

He added the European Union “is going to have to be at the table at some point” and that the time will soon come.

Waltz, the White House’s national security adviser, added: “Our allies are being consulted almost on a daily basis.”

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Keir Starmer has made a rallying cry to Europe urging them to ‘step up’ and deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine[/caption]

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The peacekeeping topic even caused German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to storm out of the meeting[/caption]

The conversation comes after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a rallying cry to Europe urging them to “step up” and deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

The PM vowed the UK will “do our bit” to try and enforce a peace deal and pressure Putin.

The bold move put pressure on Britain’s allies to also publicly back the idea of a European peacekeeping force in war-torn Ukraine.

But the idea was dramatically rejected by a number of other fellow leaders.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Starmer’s pleas as “premature” and “highly inappropriate”.

He then stormed out of the meeting adding that the shear thought of making decisions seemingly on behalf of Ukraine was “irritating”.

Poland, Spain and Italy all joined Germany in scrutinising Starmer’s plan.

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Putin is ready to speak to Zelensky ‘if necessary’ the Kremlin said today[/caption]

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Ukrainian servicemen fire an MRLS BM-21 missile towards the Russian army in the Donetsk region[/caption]

SIR Keir Starmer’s pledge to deploy “British boots in Ukraine” has been met with jubilance in Kyiv.

But in Britain it’s raised more questions than answers as to how Europe must respond to the war.

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Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to deploy ‘British boots in Ukraine’ has been met with jubilance in Kyiv[/caption]

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From the UK they need certainty. Not empty words[/caption]

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Ukrainian troops are continuing to fight against Russia[/caption]

In eerie Kyiv men between 20 – 50 are few and far between on the frozen streets.

Most of them are stationed across the frontline, have been injured or died fighting what they see as not just a battle for Ukraine – but for the West and Europe and democracy.

From the UK they need certainty. Not empty words.

The PM knows he desperately needs to set out a path to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

How is it feasible for thousands of troops to come and help desperate Ukrainians when Sir Keir hasn’t even explained how he will fund them?

In an empty restaurant in quiet Lviv, I watched as five Ukrainian security chiefs guzzled a shot of vodka.

It was around their fourth toast of night – easy work for these hard-as-nails military men.

Having drunk to the health of their country and army, this next drink was for Britain.

The chiefs had heard Sir Keir Starmer pledge the possibility of peacekeeping British boots on Ukrainian soil. And for that they were elated.

The promise from the PM came in the wake of US President Donald Trump side-lining Kyiv to kickstart discussions on a deal to end the war with Vladimir Putin.

“Even hearing the words British boots, before anything has happened, is a huge morale boost for my people”, one military top brass told me as he slurped bright red Borscht.

The human tank added: “Many steps in the war are being made first by Britain and then others followed.

“It’s good leadership and this is how it should be. Someone needs to take the lead.”

What he and his top brass colleagues around the table weren’t seeing was the chaos the PM’s announced had sparked.

Reuters

Ukrainian servicemen fire an MRLS BM-21 missile towards the Russian army in the Donetsk region[/caption]

Getty

Ukrainian soldiers fire a D-30 artillery gun[/caption]

PA

Starmer has made a rallying cry to Europe urging them to ‘step up’ and deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine[/caption]

At home, former British Army chief Lord Dannatt warned the UK military is “so run down” it couldn’t lead any future peacekeeping mission to Kyiv.

Other military sources told The Sun’s defence man Jerome Starkey the army will be stretched to breaking point if thousands of troops go to hold the line in Ukraine.

In Paris last night, at an emergency meeting of leaders to strategize Europe’s response to Trump, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz slated Sir Keir’s proposal.

He told reporters: “It is completely premature and the completely wrong time to be having this discussion now.”

While the response went down more like a cup of cold sick than vodka with military leaders I met in Kyiv, Mr Scholz has somewhat of a point.

There are questions Sir Keir must answer – and fast.

But while the war still rages, security chiefs in Ukraine tell me that more than anything they need weapons.

The future of the war is in the air, they say.

Drones, missiles, and air defence capabilities are in short supply but are key to stopping “idiot” Putin’s killing spree.

The war will be far more focused on tech than people in the not too distant future.

Responding to Scholz’s backlash against British peacekeepers, a former Ukrainian SAS man told me: “Germany doesn’t have to be afraid of the Russians. There’s no point in being scared.

“If we have well trained British military here on the second or third line it can be very helpful so we can send our people to the frontline.”

He added: “What I’m hearing from Germany is disappointing. Historically, Germany they are scared of Nazi flashbacks.

“There are people saying Germans can’t be on sovereign Ukrainian soil.

“This is bullshit said by people who support Russian propaganda.”

While Starmer’s offer of peace-keeping troops on the ground was widely welcomed, first, of course, the region needs peace.

In Lviv I received a warning.

“We will fight until the death,” a security chief told me.

“We have nothing to lose. We are not going anywhere.

“But the war is not about Ukraine and it won’t stop in Ukraine.

“Putin is coming to Europe and we can’t stop him forever.”

Sir Keir’s words are welcomed – but it will be his plan of execution that really has any bearing on the devastating war.

So far that is missing.