Boris Johnson has branded Russian President Vladimir Putin a “f****** idiot” over his alleged imperial ambitions.
The former prime minister used the colourful language in an interview with news website Delfi.
Mr Johnson is known for his vocal support for Ukraine and was leading the UK when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
During the interview, Mr Johnson reflected on the end of Britain’s own empire and said that Mr Putin needed to understand Moscow was no longer an imperial power either.
“He needs to understand that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania … none of these countries are part of the Russian imperium anymore,” he said.
He continued: “And nor is Ukraine. It’s over. Over. Over. Over. No more empire Vladimir you f****** idiot – excuse my language – okay?”
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The war goes on
His comments come as Russia has claimed to have taken two villages in eastern Ukraine.
The country’s defence ministry claimed its troops had taken control of the villages of Yantarne in the Donetsk region and Kalynove in the Kharkiv region.
Its claims have not been verified by Sky News.
Russia’s forces have been steadily advancing westward in the Donetsk region for several months, edging closer to important towns like Pokrovsk.
Separately, Ukraine’s air force said Russia had launched 94 drones overnight into Sunday – around two-thirds of which were downed by defences.
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his forces had captured two North Korean soldiers.
In a post on social media, he shared images of the captives in prison.
Read more: Ukraine says it captured North Korean soldiers Ukraine launches new offensive in Russia
“As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance,” Mr Zelenskyy said.
He added that journalists would be given access to speak to them.
North Korean regular troops entered the war on Russia’s side in October, according to Kyiv and its Western allies, who initially estimated their numbers at 10,000 or more.
Pyongyang has also been accused of supplying Russia with vast quantities of artillery shells.
The family of a missing British hiker in northern Italy have said they are “devastated by the tragic events of the last few days”.
Search teams have continued looking for Aziz Ziriat, 36, who has been missing in the Dolomites in northern Italy for more than a week.
The body of his friend Sam Harris, 35 and also from London, was found in the Passo di Conca area on Wednesday, rescuers said.
In a statement, Mr Ziriat’s family said: “Aziz is continuing to be loved and prayed for. We hope, with all our hearts, he will be found and brought home soon.”
Image: British hikers Aziz Ziriat (left) and Sam Harris. Pic: PA
Meanwhile Joe Stone, a university friend of Mr Ziriat, told the PA news agency on Saturday that while search teams were “trying everything” to find him “there is an acceptance among us that it’s not going to be good news”.
The pair’s last known location had been a mountain hut called Casina Dosson, close to the town of Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda.
Italy’s National Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS) said on Saturday that the search for Mr Ziriat resumed at first light.
Image: Alpine rescue teams continuing their search. Pic: Soccorso Alpino/AP
Around 40 rescuers had been airlifted to high altitudes to dig into the snow to search for Mr Ziriat in the area where Mr Harris’s body was found.
On Wednesday, teams tracking a “phone of one of the two mountaineers” found a body in the area of Passo di Conca “sadly deceased, buried under the snow”.
Mr Ziriat’s family praised the work of search teams, adding that “their commitment to finding Aziz has been outstanding”.
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Palace For Life, the charity run by Crystal Palace which Mr Ziriat works for, posted on X: “We are aware of reports that the body of Sam Harris has been recovered.
“We are devastated to receive this news and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones. No further information is currently available regarding the whereabouts of Aziz.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Friday: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in northern Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler will become the youngest darts world champion of all time if he beats three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in tonight’s final.
It’s no small task for the darting star – but he’ll have few doubters after a breakthrough 12 months which has seen him win 10 trophies.
Despite his age, Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke”, already has valuable experience of the World Darts Championship final, having made it there last year before getting beaten by world number one Luke Humphries.
The teen has fast become one of the sport’s biggest names – but how did he get here?
Here’s everything you need to know about the darting prodigy – from learning to play in nappies as a toddler to building new rivalries.
Playing darts at 18 months old
Image: Luke Littler celebrates winning his semi-final match against Stephen Bunting. Pic: PA
He may only be a teenager but Littler, from Warrington, Cheshire, has been practising his throwing for some time.
He previously told Sky News: “There’s a video on YouTube of me when I was 18 months in a nappy listening to Raymond van Barneveld’s music, listening to Phil Taylor’s music, doing their celebrations.
“That’s when it started – 18 months and in a nappy on a magnetic board.
“[Aged] four or five I was on a proper board but it was a bit low and then about seven to eight, that’s when I started playing [at] the proper height and the proper length. So it’s just been all darts in my life so far.”
Talent is one thing, but having the right support system to nurture it is just as important.
The teen clearly thinks a lot of his parents, who he said were “proud” of what he had achieved so far.
Image: All eyes were on the teenager as he walked out for the semi-final. Pic: PA
“They just can’t believe [it], I can’t believe it myself,” he told Sky News during the world championships last year.
“But it’s just good to have a set of parents who are supportive and that are always there for me and I’ve got a good management team around me. So it’s just the best group of people that can be around me, to be honest.”
For coaches and friends who watched Littler play at St Helens Darts Academy in his early years, his rapid rise in the professional game is no surprise.
“He was averaging stupid averages that you should be [getting at] like 16 to 20 years old, but he was doing it at 10,” his former coach Karl Holden told Sky News.
“He was special then,” he added.
Eleanor Cairns, who has known the 17-year-old for five years and is also a darts player, told Sky News Littler has got a “natural throw” and showed natural talent “from the start”.
But she believes his success comes down to far more than just being gifted.
“I know he does a lot of practice for the competitions,” Ms Cairns said.
“Luke never really stops playing darts throughout the week either, so he’s definitely always throwing. It does take a lot, but I know he’s worked hard for it.”
Awards, fans and fame
Image: Littler accepts BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award. Pic: PA
Littler’s celebrity status has risen with every dart he’s thrown.
His Instagram account went from 4,000 followers at the start of last year’s tournament to over 450,000 by the final. Now it’s at 1.5 million.
Not only that – the teenager’s prize earnings have now topped £1m.
If he wins tonight, he’ll add £500,000 to his prize pot – and even if he loses he’ll get £250,000.
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1:48
Littler talks fame during last world championships
His light-hearted interviews and extraordinary performances led to Littler being named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2024 last month, having been beat to the senior award by 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson.
Posting on X, Littler called the public’s recognition a “huge honour”.
“Support this year has been amazing and [I] want to say thank you to everyone who voted and sent messages,” he said.
The teenager admitted his life has drastically changed as a result of his success.
This time last year, he told Sky Sports his life had already changed.
“I’m doing interviews with Sky Sports. Usually I am up in the morning watching Sky Sports News. Now I am on the news. It’s all incredible. I am taking it all in my stride,” said Littler.
Now, he said it’s at a completely different level.
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Fans cheer on Littler before semi-final
Asked if he can walk down the street or go to the shop without being bothered, he laughed and told Sky Sports News: “Not really. Because it’s only a small town and you get spotted everywhere. But I don’t mind taking pictures and seeing all the fans.”
His career so far
It was his remarkable run to the world championship final last year which made Littler a household name, but his talent had been evident for some time.
He won the England Youth Grand Prix in 2019, became England Youth Open champion in 2021 and won his first senior title at the Irish Open later that year.
He won the Welsh Open in 2022 and in 2023 notched further senior titles at the Isle of Man Classic, Gibraltar Open, British Open and British Classic.
He was also back-to-back JDC World Champion and reigning World Youth Champion.
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But 2024 saw record-breaking success for Littler on the senior stage, seeing him become just the fourth player ever to win 10 trophies in a season.
Even he cannot quite believe how much he has achieved in his debut year, crediting his early victory at the Bahrain Masters, in which he hit a nine-darter, with spurring him on.
“I just wanted to win a few Pro Tours, but obviously winning Bahrain, the World Series, and then it was just European Tours, Pro Tours, and just all the titles I’ve picked up. It just goes to show how well I’ve been playing,” he told Sky Sports News at the end of November.
“It was good to win Bahrain, the first tournament of 2024. I’ve put my hands on it and I just had to build from it there and that’s what I’ve done.”
But he isn’t content with 10.
“I could potentially end the year on 11, couldn’t I? But yeah, I’ve set another record”, Littler said.
“I’ve put my name into the other players who have won 10 titles this year. But like I said, potentially it could be 11 by next year and I’ll try and break the record.
“I got the runner-up on my first go, but yeah, I’d like to win it… I think I can win it.”
Road to the final
Image: Bunting congratulated Littler as the 17-year-old booking his place in the final. Pic: PA
After being exempt from the first round due to being seeded, Littler started the Alexandra Palace tournament with a surprisingly tough bout against Ryan Meikle in round two, recovering from a slow start to dominate the closing stages of the contest, wrapping up a 3-1 victory.
Next up was Ian White in round three, who gave the teenager another scare, forcing a tight opening set before winning the second. But Littler kept a cool head to eventually see his opponent off with a 4-1 win.
Round four saw a 4-3 thriller between Littler and Ryan Joyce, where the favourite never trailed, but was pushed to the limit by his unseeded opponent as he was repeatedly pegged back.
Littler then hit form, hitting 15 maximums against Nathan Aspinall in a 5-2 quarter-final win before thrashing 39-year-old Stephen Bunting 6 sets to 1 to set up the dream Van Gerwen finale.
Growing rivalry with Van Gerwen
Image: Michael van Gerwen embraces Luke Littler after winning a Premier League match in May. Pic: PA
This will be the 13th match-up between the two biggest faces in darts: Littler and Van Gerwen, having won six each in various competitions this year.
The head-to-head might look even, but there has been a stark contrast between the pair’s past 12 months; while Littler has won 10 titles, his Dutch counterpart failed to win a televised tournament in a calendar year for the first time since 2011.
The final is by far the most important meeting between the pair yet, as Van Gerwen, 35, seeks a fourth world title and Littler a first.
If Littler wins, he will also break Van Gerwen’s record as the youngest ever world champion, as the Dutchman won his first aged 24.
The 17-year-old believes time is firmly on his side to get that record wrapped up.
“Well, I know Michael van Gerwen holds the youngest at 24, so I’ve got seven years,” Littler told Sky Sports News.
“I could just slouch about for six years and then just win it when I’m 24.
“But no, I’d like to obviously win it before Michael won it. It’d mean everything. So to be the youngest, that’s definitely what I’d be looking for.”
Despite the jabs, there is no doubt huge respect between the pair.
Asked about Van Gerwen, Littler said: “As I got older, I watched darts more and more. The first one [Van Gerwen match] I remember was the 2017 final when he beat Gary [Anderson].
“He’s been around for years and years and I’m sure he won’t change for anyone.”
Van Gerwen said of Littler: “I think he’s great. What he’s done for the sport is great. Fair play to him.
“Television and social media is big which helps him. It’s good for darts in general. I don’t mind.”
Coverage of the pair’s epic showdown begins live on Sky Sports from 7.30pm tonight.
<a href='https://www.skysports.com/darts/live-blog/12288/13271484/world-darts-championship-live-updates-news-scores-results-stream-and-highlights-from-alexandra-palace'>Luke Littler taking on Stephen Bunting in semi-finals of World Darts Championship – follow live</a>
Luke Littler has reached the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship after a 5-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
The 17-year-old – who was runner-up in the competition last year – triumphed over Nathan Aspinall and will now face eighth seed Stephen Bunting on Thursday for a place in the final.
Littler made 15 maximums during the match as he looks to add to the 10 titles he has won in his first year on the PDC Tour.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I think we both played very well there. I’m so glad to win.
“The crowd were chanting for Nathan, they wanted the comeback, but I had to finish it.
“When they’re going in I’m playing with freedom, but now I’m looking on to the semi-finals.”
Bunting beat two-time champion Peter Wright in his quarter-final.
The other semi-final will be between Michael Van Gerwen and Chris Dobey.
Van Gerwen overcame Callan Rydz 5-3, whilst Dobey made the semi-finals for the first time in his career after coming from behind to beat Gerwyn Price 5-3.
George Eastham, who was part of England’s 1966 World Cup team, has died at the age of 88.
Eastham did not play in any of the World Cup matches but was part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s squad that ultimately triumphed over West Germany at Wembley.
Born in Blackpool, he spent most of his career at Newcastle, Arsenal, and Stoke.
He is known among football fans as the player who fought to end so-called “slavery contracts”, with his involvement in a 1963 court case helping reform the UK football transfer market, and allowing players greater freedom to move clubs.
Eastham’s father, George Senior, also played for England – winning one cap, and his uncle Harry Eastham played for Liverpool and Stoke.
George Junior secured 19 – playing for his country between 1963 and 1966.
He made 194 League appearances for Stoke, and after a brief stint playing in Northern Ireland, 124 for Newcastle, and 207 for Arsenal.
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Eastham retired in 1974 and was awarded an OBE for services to football shortly before.
He managed Stoke in 1977 and 1978 before moving to South Africa where he coached local children and was a vocal anti-Apartheid campaigner.
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Black armbands to be worn in memory
Paying tribute to him, Stoke City FC said the club is “immensely saddened”.
“George was signed by the Potters for a £35,000 fee shortly after being part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad,” its statement read.
“He went on to represent the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in red and white.
“He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
“The Potters will wear black armbands for the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday as a mark of respect. Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
A former Premier League footballer has been jailed for 20 years for bribery, Chinese state media has reported.
Li Tie, who played in midfield for Everton more than 30 times between 2002 and 2006, went on to manage the China national team between January 2020 and December 2021.
It is alleged the 47-year-old received bribes of more than 50 million yuan (£5.4m).
He was found guilty of “leveraging his positions” as head coach of the national football and national selection teams by a court in the city of Xianning.
Li Tie was also charged with taking bribes between 2015 and 2019 while working for local football clubs.
He pleaded guilty to bribery and corruption in March following an investigation which began in November 2022.
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Image: Li Tie on the bench while at Everton in 2005. Pic: Reuters
His is the latest in a series of corruption cases within Chinese football.
In March Chen Xuyuan, a former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), was sentenced to life in prison for bribery.
Earlier this week, three other CFA officials received prison sentences for bribery, state media said.
Former snooker world champion Terry Griffiths has died aged 77 after a lengthy battle with dementia, his family has said.
Griffiths’ son Wayne wrote on Facebook: “To our friends and snooker followers in general, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss.
“Terry Griffiths OBE passed away peacefully on 1st December, after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family in his beloved home-town in South Wales.
“A proud Welshman, Terry was born in Llanelli, brought pride to Llanelli and now he has found peace in Llanelli. He would not have had it any other way.”
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A ‘triple crown’ career
Born in 1947, Griffiths started playing snooker at the age of 13. He also worked as a miner when he was 15, and later had jobs as a bus conductor, a postman, and an insurance agent.
Inspired by fellow Welsh snooker player Ray Reardon – a six-time world champion who died in July – Griffiths turned professional and later won the World Championship in 1979 as a qualifier.
He went on to complete snooker’s illustrious “triple crown” – one of only 11 players to do so – by winning the Masters in 1980 and then the UK Championship in 1982.
Griffiths stayed at the top end of the sport during the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the World Championship for nine straight years, and reaching the final again in 1988.
After retiring in 1997, Griffiths became a coach, inspiring the likes of Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and Mark Allen. He also received an OBE in 2007 for services to snooker.
‘A legend of a man’
Williams – a three-time world champion – was among the first to pay tribute on social media, describing Griffiths as a “mentor, coach, friend, legend”.
Allen also said on social media: “What a legend of a man who helped shape my career and life both on and off the table.
“Absolutely heartbroken. He wasn’t just a coach, he was family.”
Read more from Sky News: Boys charged after suspected chemical attack Wallace on ‘middle-class women of certain age’ Prince William pays tribute to Rob Burrow
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After winning the UK Championship on Sunday, current world number one Judd Trump said: “It is incredibly sad news. He is a legend of the game.
“Terry was a very witty guy. Whenever I was at the Welsh Open, he would come over and make a joke. I had a good connection with him.
“It is hard to connect with some of the older generation but he was someone I felt I could get along with. It is a sad day for Welsh sport.”
In 2020, when asked about his hairstyle that looked similar to the Welshman’s, Trump said: “I want to be like Terry Griffiths. Hopefully I can play as slow as him one day as well.”
Former world champion Shaun Murphy also said: “Just hearing the news that Terry Griffiths has passed away. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The Welsh Billiards and Snooker Association – of which Griffiths was president – added it was “deeply saddened” and sends its “deepest condolences to Terry’s family”.
The world’s oldest man has died at the age of 112, the Guinness World Records has announced.
John Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on 26 August 1912, the year the Titanic sank. He was a lifelong Liverpool FC fan, born just 20 years after the club was founded.
He died on Monday at a care home in Southport, Guinness World Records said.
In a statement, his family said: “His last day was surrounded by music and love.
“John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies Care Home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other NHS staff.”
In April 2024, aged 111, he became the world’s oldest living man, following the death of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Perez from Venezuela.
Image: Mr Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on 26 August 1912, the year the Titanic sank. Pic: Guinness World Records
Mr Tinniswood’s key advice for staying healthy was to practice moderation. “If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much; if you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually.”
But when asked the secret to his longevity after turning 112 in August, Mr Tinniswood put it all down to “just luck”.
“I can’t think of any special secrets I have,” he said. “I was quite active as a youngster, I did a lot of walking.
“Whether that had something to do with it, I don’t know. But to me, I’m no different [to anyone]. No different at all.
“I just take it in my stride like anything else, why I’ve lived that long I have no idea at all.”
Image: Mr Tinniswood was named the world’s oldest man in April this year.
Pic: Guinness World Records
Apart from a portion of battered fish and chips every Friday, Mr Tinniswood did not follow any particular diet, and said earlier this year he felt “no different” turning 112.
“I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it. That’s probably why I’ve reached it.
“I just take it in my stride like anything else, why I’ve lived that long I have no idea at all.”
He lived through both world wars and was a Second World War veteran – having worked in an administrative role for the Army Pay Corps.
In addition to accounts and auditing, his work involved logistical tasks such as locating stranded soldiers and organising food supplies. He went on to work as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972.
He met his wife, Blodwen, at a dance in Liverpool. They were together for 44 years before Blodwen died in 1986.
Image: Mr Tinniswood was the oldest surviving male Second World War veteran.
Pic: Guinness World Records
Mr Tinniswood is survived by his daughter Susan, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and lived to be the fourth-oldest British man in recorded history.
His family added: “John had many fine qualities. He was intelligent, decisive, brave, calm in any crisis, talented at maths and a great conversationalist.
“John moved to the Hollies rest home just before his 100th birthday and his kindness and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to the care home staff and his fellow residents.”
The oldest ever man was Jiroemon Kimura from Japan, who lived to the age of 116 years 54 days and died in 2013.
The world’s oldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan’s 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka.
