UKRAINE foiled a Day of the Jackal plot to assassinate President Zelensky with a sniper.
Russia’s feared FSB spy service had activated a sleeper agent to carry out the hit in Poland.
The would-be killer was a retired military officer, Ukraine’s SBU spy service said yesterday.
He had been recruited “decades earlier” and was planning to kill Zelensky at Poland’s Rzeszów Airport – where British troops were based.
It echoes the plot of the Jackal spy thriller – remade with Eddie Redmayne last year – in which a sniper attempts to a kill high value target but ultimately fails.
Ukraine’s SBU spy chief Lt Gen Vasyl Maliuk said the FSB agent plotted “several options” including a sniper and a drone.
He said: “The task was the physical elimination of President Zelensky at Rzeszow airport.
“Several options were considered. One of them was an FPV drone, the other was a sniper.”
Maliuk said the sleeper agent had been recruited through nostaliga for the collapsed USSR and “nurtured” over many years.
He was detained in a joint operation with Poland‘s Homeland Security Agency.
He claimed over 500 Russian spies had been caught during the war – including two senior colonels whose job was to guard top officials.
Maliuk said the boss of the FSB’s feared Fifth Service, Lt Gen Sergey Beseda, was sacked by President Putin when the plots failed.
Details emerged as President Zelensky swooped into London for talks with Keir Starmer on military aid.
Both men have flown through Rzeszow travelling to and from Ukraine.
Zelensky told The Sun he had lost track of all the attempts to kill him, and compared it to a bout of covid.
He said: “The first one is very interesting, when it is the first time, and after that it is just like Covid.
“First of all people don’t know what to do with it and it’s looking very scary.
“And then after that, it is just intelligence just sharing with you detail that one more group came to Ukraine to [attempt] this.”
Russian special forces parachuted into Kyiv to kill him on the first day of Putin’s full scale invasion, on Feb 24, 2022.
In February, Zelensky also revealed how he almost got killed in an assassination attempt orchestrated by the Kremlin inside his secured presidential fortress.
The brave leader revealed that people died inside his office in Kyiv when Vladimir Putin sent hitmen to wipe him out and take over Ukraine.
In an interview with the Guardian, Zelensky said he was attacked by the Russians amid efforts to force Ukraine to accept a peace deal in the wake of the full-scale invasion.
By Jerome Starkey
EVERYONE says they want peace, so why is the war still raging in Ukraine?
The short answer is simple: Peace means very different things to very different people.
They have different goals and different motives. Vladimir Putin wants total conquest.
And he wants to be remembered as a modern Tsar who restored Russia’s imperial greatness.
Ukraine wants to survive, as a sovereign independent nation.
Europe wants a chastened Russia and peace that lasts beyond six months.
Trump just wants a deal — any deal at any price — with minerals thrown in for good measure.
He wants to claim the glory and perhaps a Nobel Peace Prize for sorting out the carnage which he sees as Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s mess.
The American position is clear from the terrible deal they want Kyiv to accept.
Their so-called seven-point peace plan would freeze the war on the current front lines and force Ukraine to surrender almost all of its occupied territories — some 44,000 square miles — with almost nothing in return.
That is an area the size of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It is roughly 20 per cent of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. In return, Russia would hand back small pockets of territory, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and give Ukraine unhindered access to the mouth of the River Dnieper.
Moscow would also give up its ambitions to capture the parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces that its troops have been unable to take by force.
But crucially, for Ukraine, there are no security guarantees.
That means there is nothing to stop Russia catching its breath, rearming and invading again a few months or years later.
The president added: “There were people who wanted to kill [me]. There were gunshots and more.
“Some people were killed here, inside the Presidential Office, others were defending us.”
Zelensky did not reveal the number of people killed during the act, nor did he specify if they were Russians, Ukrainians, or both.
Details of the latest plots came as came as a massive missile and drone blitz killed at least eight people in Kyiv and injured dozens more.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky said a hospital and several homes were hit when Russia fired more than 360 missiles and drones.
DONALD Trump last night mocked Iran’s “very weak” missile attack on a US base in Qatar — and even thanked them for sending a warning.
Iran stage-managed a response to America’s huge B-2 stealth bomber blitz on its nuclear sites.
The terrorist state cooked up a fake attack after passing warnings to its Qatari allies, which allowed all US service personnel and aircraft to be moved out of harm’s way.
Reports of the number of missiles varied, with Qatar initially claiming it was 12 but later revising the figure to 19. Trump said 14 were fired.
Trump described Iran’s attack as “a very weak response”, which the US had expected and “very effectively countered”.
He said on social media: “There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and one was ‘set free,’ because it was headed in a non-threatening direction.
“I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE.
“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured.
“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
US President Trump’s mocking response came after Iran launched ballistic missiles at America’s Al-Udeid base near capital Doha.
American interceptors were seen streaking to meet the incoming barrage shortly before 7pm local times. Trump had warned Iran not to attack US forces in the region, vowing an even more withering attack if they dared to take revenge.
But Iran’s fanatical Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — in a bid to show defiance at home — pulled the trigger on what he called Operation Blessings of Victory.
Explosions were also reported over Iraq amid reports that at least one Iranian missile was launched towards US forces and alerts also sounded in nearby Bahrain.
However, officials later confirmed that there was no Iranian attack detected at any US military base other than in Qatar.
Iran described its attack as “a mighty and successful response to America’s aggression”.
Khamenei added: “The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a great crime; it must be punished and is being punished; it is being punished right now.”
Iran was reported to have coordinated its attack on the US air base with Qatari officials to achieve a symbolic victory to provide an “exit ramp” from the conflict.
Qatar announced within minutes that missile defences had repelled the attempted strike and that there had been no casualties.
Iran was said to have even contacted Qatari officials before the limited attack to “minimise casualties” and US personnel there had all taken cover.
But last night Qatari officials said: “We express strong condemnation of the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace. We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly.”
Meanwhile, Israel stepped up its blitz on its arch enemy yesterday, with follow-up strikes on the region’s Fordow atomic plant.
Khamenei’s regime announced last night that it had used the same number of missiles in its attack as the US used during Sunday’s historic Operation Midnight Hammer blitz of atomic sites.
Trump has ordered Iran’s leaders to surrender unconditionally immediately and halt their nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
But he yesterday openly floated the idea of new leadership to end the tyranny of the hate-filled Islamist zealots he branded the “bullies of the Middle East”.
Trump said on his Truth Social forum: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change’.
“But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”
The White House later insisted regime change was not among its objectives and that it was not actively hunting Khamenei — said to be cowering in a secret bunker in capital Tehran.
But risks remained last night of a deadly miscalculation that could claim US lives and force Trump to plunge deeper into the conflict.
He and defence chief Pete Hegseth entered the Situation Room in the West Wing of the White House to begin plotting their response within minutes of the strikes.
But initial reports suggested there had been no US casualties thanks to prior warnings given by Iran through back channels.
Trump had visited Al-Udeid air base five weeks ago on his Middle East tour and was given a rapturous reception by servicemen and women. But hopes rose last night that he may step back from a response that could suck global powers into a catastrophic escalation.
Last night’s drama came after British citizens in Qatar were urged to “shelter in place” last night amid fears of an imminent Iranian attack. Qatar then closed its airspace as multiple sources reported that “a credible threat” had been identified to the US-run Coalition Air Operations Centre at Al-Udeid.
The base was put on maximum alert and military personnel were ordered to bolt for secure bunkers.
Trump has already warned of massive retribution if the terror state dares to strike back after the weekend strikes in support of Israel. British RAF personnel also serve on rotation alongside US military and were also understood to have taken cover last night.
Around 20,000 Brits and 8,000 American citizens currently live in Doha. All received government advice to step up vigilance ahead of Iran’s action.
Britain’s Foreign Office urged all UK citizens there to “shelter in place” — defined as seeking immediate safety indoors, preferably in a safe room — and to stay there.
The drastic direction is usually only issued to protect people from “imminent danger”.
JESSIE J broke down in tears in a heartbreaking hospital video as she had surgery.
The Flashlight hitmaker was previously diagnosed with breast cancer and she’s now given fans an insight into her battle.
Jessie, 37, took to her Instagram profile to give a candid behind the scenes look into her treatment.
She uploaded an album of snaps and behind-the-scenes medical videos onto her Instagram grid page.
The smash-hit singer captioned the album: “!!Blood warning!! This post is some of the honest lows and highs of the last 48 hours.
“I will always show the good and hard bits of any journey I go through.
“Grateful to my doctor / surgeon and all the nurses who cared for me and all my family / friends who came to visit.”
She continued: “I am home now, to rest and wait for my results. Chanan is in a nurse outfit. No no, he isn’t, but funny to imagine.
“Still hugging everyone going through something tough right now. We all got this!”
LOVE could be in the air for tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu after they got tongues wagging at Queens.
Insiders said British ace Emma, was seen cheering on world No2 Carlos, last Thursday and on Saturday when he won the competition after beating Jiri Lehecka.
They claimed the pair also arrived at Queens within minutes of each other on both occasions Emma came to watch Carlos play.
A source said: “Emma and Carlos’ friendship was the talk of Queens – people think there is something going on between them because they have such a spark.
“He was apparently seen at her hotel last week and on Thursday and Saturday, when Emma went to support him, Emma’s car arrived just minutes after Carlos got to Queens with his team.
“Inside they were seen laughing and joking with one another.
“They seem very happy and relaxed with each other”
The pair are going to be teaming up in the mixed doubles at the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship in August but insiders have tipped their partnership to spill into romance.
A second source added: “It wasn’t just the tennis lot who were talking about it.
“People who worked for the BBC and other broadcasters were all gossiping about it.
“The only love being talked about was about Emma and Carlos.”
Spanish Carlos – who is favourite now to win Wimbledon when the competition starts on June 30 – lamented his love life struggles last year.
When asked about relationships, he said: “I am single. I am looking for someone.
“It can be difficult as a tennis player to meet the right person because you are travelling all the time.”
Emma, ranked 38 in the world, said she’d struggled to find lasting love too – admitting her parents banned boyfriends when she was coming up the rankings.
She said: “My parents were very much against [boyfriends] as it interfered with training.
“When I was younger, I wasn’t even allowed to hang out with my girl friends.
“A lot of the time I was very resentful, but it made me very confident and comfortable in my own company.”
Fans of the tennis champs are keen for them to get together too – with comments on Emma’s last Instagram post inundated with comments about Carlos.
One fan joked: “I’m here to read comments about Alcaraz.”
Another added: “Future Emma Alcaraz.”
The pair will compete together in August when they enter the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship as a team.
He said of Emma: “She’s going to be the boss.
“I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament.
“I know Emma since a really long time ago.
“I have a really good relationship with her. It’s going to be interesting.
“We are both going to enjoy, for sure. I will try to put my doubles skill on it.
“We will try to win. But obviously it’s going to be really fun.”
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EDDIE HALL has left fans stunned with an incredible throwback picture.
The former World’s Strongest Man looked unrecognisable in old photos he has dug up and posted on social media.
Hall, 37, weighed a staggering 195kg (31 stone) during his Strongman days.
And the 6ft2in giant has seemingly always been a man mountain.
In old snaps posted on Facebook, he is stood topless with a chain around his neck, a pierced nipple and cream trousers on.
Hall captioned the image: “13-years-old and on the doors.”
And in another photo, he shows off his ripped physique alongside his brother and dad.
The throwback images have wowed fans and many refuse to believe he is aged 13 in the first picture.
One said: “You must be kidding me.”
Another joked: “Thirteen years old grown man.”
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A third commented: “Thirteenth birthday bash at working men’s club after 30 pints.”
Hall was a competitive swimmer who competed in the UK Nationals when he was a youngster – even setting a British record for his age group in the pool.
But at his peak, Hall won the prestigious World’s Strongest Man competition in 2017 and set a world record by completing a 500kg deadlift.
The legend has gone into fighting in recent years and scored a knockout victory in 30 seconds over Mariusz Puzianowski in his first MMA bout earlier this year.
Hall shed 45kg (seven stone) from his heaviest weight for the clash, ditching his 12,000-calorie-a-day diet to be a lean machine in the octagon.
TWO people have been killed in a plane crash after lifting a wheel to dodge a turtle on the runway earlier this month.
The small private plane had already landed when the pilot lost control of the aircraft, according to a National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report released on Friday.
The pilot and a passenger were killed when the plane crashed in a wooded area near Sugar Valley Airport in North Carolina and burst into flames on June 3.
A second passenger was severely injured in the crash.
A communications officer looking out the airport office window advised the pilot that the reptile was on the runway as he prepared to land, the NTSB said.
The pilot touched down about 1,400 feet down the 2,424-foot runway at the airport in Mocksville, which is 60 miles north of Charlotte.
To avoid hitting the turtle, the pilot lifted the right wheel of the Universal Stinson 108 plane and pushed the throttle forward, the NTSB said.
The communications officer said she heard the throttle advance and then lost sight of the plane.
The report said a man cutting grass at the end of the runway said he saw the pilot lift the wheel over the turtle.
He then saw the plane’s wings rocking as it flew back into the air.
The man said he lost sight of the plane in the sky before hearing a loud crash and seeing smoke billowing.
The plane crashed in a wooded area about 255 feet past the runway.
It caught on fire and was wedged between several trees, the NTSB said.
It’s unclear if the pilot’s decision to raise the wheel caused the crash.
The report said some of the plane’s body was burned and left the frame exposed.
The report said some of the plane’s outer material burned through and left the frame exposed.
However, the plane was left in one piece except for a few pieces of fabric found in a stream near the accident site.
The airplane was lying on its left side.
The wreckage and engine were kept for investigation.
The victims haven’t been identified by the NTSB.
The NTSB also didn’t list a probable cause for the crash and didn’t immediately return The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
The probable cause for the crash will be included in the final reports of the incident, which can take up to two years to complete.
DRESSED in her trademark leopard-print, bikini-clad Mel B donned a white veil and garter as she partied with her hen do revellers in the sizzling African sun.
The Spice Girl, 50, who will marry fiance Rory McPhee, 37, in London next month, flew to Tunisia with 36 of her nearest and dearest last weekend for what she called The Spicy Bride Tour.
Daughter Phoenix, 26, Mel’s sister Danielle, her mum and future mother-in-law — plus friends including comedian Lou Sanders and charity workers from Women’s Aid — joined the singer to celebrate.
The group, who also fittingly wore leopard print for the occasion, stayed in a massive house in the town of Raf Raf, with free-for-all booze, food and dancing.
Scary Spice Mel will finally get the happy ever after she deserves when she and Rory say “I do” at St Paul’s Cathedral.
It gives a sturdy two-fingered salute to her two failed marriages and all the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that followed.
One insider revealed the hen group of 35 women and one man — her old friend, Ryan Lock — partied non stop during the four-day trip in honour of all that Mel has overcome.
Our source explained: “It was an absolute riot from start to finish — Mel was on brilliant form and bursting with energy.
“They all stayed in a massive villa and spent most of the time hanging out doing yoga and meditating during the day, and then drinking and dancing til 4am.
“Tunisia is a very conservative country and it’s dry, so they couldn’t really get a drink in many places.
“They went next door to some apartments where they had a bar, but they would only serve MEN.
“Girl Power didn’t get them very far that day!”
Our source told how revellers at a local beach bar got the shock of their lives when Mel walked in with her gang, all wearing matching animal print swimsuits.
They said: “They ended up becoming quite the centre of attention. It was there that they did a hen do dance, which they’d all spent ages practicing.
“All the punters were taking pics and laughing. The bar recognised who they were with and played Spice Girls songs in Mel’s honour — 2 Become 1 and Wannabe.
“They started a conga and loads of the locals joined in.”
Mel also enjoyed paddle-boarding and jet skiing during the trip, which was organised by her sister Danielle and soon-to-be sister-in-law.
All the hens were given a Spicy Bride Tour T-shirt to wear.
Our source added that the only low point was the journey home.
They revealed: “They were supposed to fly back on Sunday night and land back in England at 8pm, but they didn’t leave Tunisia until midnight.
“They’d been in the airport since 2pm, so everyone was absolutely knackered.”
At least Mel has time to recharge her batteries before she becomes the blushing bride.
The ceremony is set to be a “regal” occasion and Mel has revealed all the Spice Girls will be involved, though it is not clear if they will attend.
She has previously said Posh Spice Victoria Beckham was designing one of several dresses she plans to wear on her big day.
Mel and Rory will wed at St Paul’s Cathedral — a privilege earned by her MBE status. They are also planning a second, “sexy and informal” wedding abroad later down the line.
But the star — who is currently a judge on America’s Got Talent — has no intention of slowing down.
Next year marks three decades since the Spice Girls’ debut hit, Wannabe, was released.
And while some of her former bandmates have shown hesitation, Mel remains committed to reuniting all five on stage. In the meantime, she can revel in that sense of love and security she has always longed for.
Paying tribute to her husband-to-be, Mel has said: “Rory’s given me the ability to understand what honest, true love looks like and what trust looks like with boundaries.
I fell in love with a woman for five years. An experiment doesn’t last five years.
Mel B
“It’s very nurturing and very giving. We understand each other. I never thought I’d know how to love again.”
Rory is said to have a close relationship with Mel’s kids and it is understood her family and friends love him.
But the singer’s personal life has been a rollercoaster. Having found astronomical fame with the Spice Girls in the mid-Nineties, she fell for backing dancer Jimmy Gulzar in 1998.
Things developed quickly and, within weeks, she was pregnant and he had proposed. They married that September. For a brief moment, Mel B lived blissfully as Mrs Mel G.
However, as quickly as it started, reports claimed the relationship was “stormy” and Mel filed for divorce in 2000.
In a subsequent, acrimonious battle, she won custody of their daughter Phoenix, and was reportedly forced to pay her ex £1.25million.
He was convicted of assaulting Mel’s sister, Danielle, but a court later overturned the ruling.
Whatever happened, the relationship seemed toxic: Mel later spoke of Jimmy’s anger issues, while he said he contemplated suicide amid the fallout from their failed marriage.
Soon after, the singer coupled up with British actor Max Beesley. They dated for two years in the early Noughties, before Mel shacked up with film producer Christine Crokos.
The pair were an item for five years, and even lived together in Los Angeles. It seems to have been one of Mel’s healthiest relationships to date.
Speaking in 2016, she reflected: “I fell in love with a woman for five years. An experiment doesn’t last five years.”
Unfortunately, the romances that followed weren’t so rosy. Shortly after splitting from Christine, Mel had a whirlwind romance with actor Eddie Murphy.
The pair were pictured looking very cosy on nights out in Hollywood and Mel described their connection as “poetry”.
But once she became pregnant, things took a turn and Eddie went on to question paternity. As Mel later explained, it hurt all the more as, according to her, they had planned to have a baby together.
A DNA test later confirmed he was in fact the father, but the damage was done. A bitter child support battle ensued, and Eddie was initially ordered to pay around £18,000 a month, which was later increased.
He rarely saw their daughter, Angel, but has since formed a better relationship with the now 18-year-old.
Mel later called Eddie the “great love” of her life, recognising that the pain he caused had left her vulnerable.
And then Stephen Belafonte entered the scene. The pair met in 2007, while she was still pregnant with Angel.
True to form, she and Stephen embarked on a whirlwind romance — secretly marrying in Las Vegas in June that year.
Their daughter, Madison, was born in 2011. It is only in hindsight — after the marriage ended in 2016 — that we heard the extent of the turmoil she suffered.
After their divorce was finalised, Mel found herself in financial ruin, forced to pay her ex £3,600 a month in child support for Madison, who stayed living with him, and £260,000 in legal fees.
In the aftermath, she moved back to her mum’s home in Leeds, left with “nothing” in the wake of the split.
Emotionally and financially devastated, and suffering from PTSD, Mel found meaning and a purpose in seeking justice for others.
She started working passionately for Women’s Aid, and released her memoir, Brutally Honest, in 2018, which spoke about her “abusive relationship” with ex-husband Stephen. He has denied her claims.
Last year, Stephen fought back, suing Mel for £3.6million in damages and accusing her of a “malicious and vindictive global smear campaign”. The case continues.
Mel remains undeterred in her pursuit to seek justice for women — delivering on the “girl power” message that she first championed all those years ago.
She was rewarded for her efforts in 2022, when Prince William presented her with an MBE.
In the meantime, something unexpected happened — she reconnected with her old family friend Rory, a hairstylist, who she had known before she even joined the Spice Girls.
Friendship turned to love and the pair started dating in 2019. In 2022, he proposed with a £100,000 ring.
Unlike so many of her former romances — which happened in a whirlwind of toxic love and blind passion — this one was a slow-burner.
And that is how 2 Become 1 . . .
MEL B has often spoken of her rollercoaster love life.
Here we look back at some of her old flames…
LEWIS HAMILTON and Tom Cruise were among the stars at the premiere of F1 The Movie.
Famous faces from the world of sport and beyond hit the red carpet tonight at London’s Leicester Square.
The film sees Brad Pitt play the main character and the Hollywood icon led an army of A-Listers turning up at the event.
Cruise made a surprise appearance and embraced Pitt in front of cheering fans.
Co-stars Kerry Condon, Damson Idris and Simone Ashley were next to pose alongside the legendary actor.
Hamilton turned up in a stylish all black outfit and sunglasses.
The seven-time world champion is down as a producer of the movie after helping to increase the film’s realism.
Singer Tate McRae went from her hit “Sports Car” to an F1 car as she dazzled in a long black dress.
Sticking with music, DJ Peggy Gou and pop star Raye turned heads in bold outfits.
Ed Sheeran was also in attendance, posing for photographers in a light blue suit alongside producer and songwriter Blake Slatkin.
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Music icon will.i.am rocked up in a Mercedes branded jacket with a speaker attached to his bag.
Motorsport presenters Emma Walsh and Ariana Bravo, as well as racing driver Bianca Bustamante, also stole the show with incredible looks.
Other celebs that caught the eye were model Naomi Campbell and TV host Clara Amfo.
Gareth Bale was spotted with his wife Emma Rhys-Jones and the retired footballer revealed in an interview on the red carpet that he is looking to buy his hometown club Cardiff City.
The Tottenham and Real Madrid legend said: “To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true.
“It’s a club close to my heart. It’s where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.
“I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together.
“We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future but hopefully we can get something done.”
