2 h. ago Ukraine war briefing: Russia makes biggest battleground gains since first year of war, analysis shows

Russian army captured more Ukrainian territory in 2025 than previous two years combined; Zelenskyy names new top aide. What we know on day 1,410Russia’s battlefield gains in Ukraine last year were the highest since 2022, an analysis showed, as Kyiv prepared to host security advisers from allied states despite Moscow’s unrelenting strikes. The Russian army captured more than 5,600 square kilometres, or nearly 1%, of Ukrainian territory in 2025, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War. The land captured is more than in the previous two years combined, though far short of the more than 60,000 sq km Russia took in 2022.As Russia pressed its advantage against outgunned Ukrainian troops, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said about 15 countries would attend security talks in Kyiv on Saturday, the latest in a flurry of efforts to end the nearly four-year war. The meeting will include representatives from the EU and Nato, while a US delegatio...

Events

8 h. ago Zoe Ball teases things are going 'to ramp right up' in 2026 amid Strictly presenting rumours

The former It Takes Two presenter is one of the favourites to host Strictly in 2026

Politics

14 h. ago Top trending baby names for 2026 set to be inspired by pop stars like Lily Allen and Dua Lipa, experts reveal

According to new data from BabyCentre, the UK's leading pregnancy and parenting hub, pop culture will dominate this year's choices for those who are expecting.

Politics

15 h. ago Our favourite smartwatches for fitness and health tracking in 2026

Smartwatches are an excellent tool to help with your New Year fitness resolutions

Politics

21 h. ago From climbing Kilimanjaro to cycling the Tour de France route readers’ favourite organised challenges

Whether it’s for the satisfaction of completing a tough physical challenge or to raise money for charity, our readers select their most memorable adventures • Tell us about your favourite beach in Europe – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherWhen tackling a big cycling challenge, choose an event with strong support – it makes all the difference. Riding the full Tour de France route with Ride Le Loop was tough, but the incredible staff turned it into an unforgettable experience (riders can tackle individual stages too). Their infectious enthusiasm and constant encouragement kept spirits high, even on the hardest climbs. They not only looked after logistics but created a warm, positive atmosphere that bonded riders together and amplified the joy of the journey. My advice: pick an organised challenge where the team cares as much about your success as you do. The next one is 27 June to 20 July 2026.Neil Phillips Continue reading...

Politics

35 h. ago Why have darts fans been booing Luke Littler? Reason Ally Pally turned on 18

Luke Littler was once the darling of Alexandra Palace, but the tide shifted against the 2026 World Darts Championship favourite after a barrage of boos from the crowd

Politics

38 h. ago The Independent asked celebrities to reveal their 2026 New Year’s resolutions

With the festive season officially over, much of it sat in front of the TV watching our favourite Christmas classics, it’s time to ring in 2026.

Politics

39 h. ago 6 cars making a comeback in Britain for 2026 – including quirky hatchback and Tesla rival

A HANDFUL of iconic car models are set to make a comeback in 2026. In recent years, many manufacturers have turned to favourite nameplates to tug the nostalgia heartstrings, and some do it better than others. For example, Renault, with the 5, 4 and Alpine A110, are masters at reworking history into something special, while...

Politics

41 h. ago Forget Rover, Buddy and Spot! Taylor Swift, Charli XCX and Elvis inspire the most popular pet names of 2025

Move over Buddy and Spot - Britain's pets are getting the A-list treatment, according to new research.

Politics

42 h. ago Most popular baby names for 2026 with unexpected monikers making the list

If you're expecting a baby in 2026 you might want to see the predicted most popular baby names for boys and girls, with vintage and nature-inspired trends set to dominate

Politics

42 h. ago The top 20 trending baby names of 2025 and favourites for 2026

The biggest climbers of the last 12 months have been revealed

Politics

45 h. ago "Ancoats has developed a lot, if Sankeys was there today, I don't think we would be able to do it"

The legendary club is reopening in 2026 inside a new location with Sankeys' favourites, LED matrix grid and a no-phone policy

Politics

58 h. ago Andrew’s been caught out in a lie on a global scale – he’s to blame for the Royals’ worst year EVER, experts say

ANDREW Mountbatten-Windsor is responsible for the Royals' worst year ever according to experts. The Epstein scandal has eclipsed the monarchy's charity work and tarnished the name of the royal family on a global stage, making 2025 "the year they want to forget." Their disastrous year is dominated by Andrew, whose disgrace, while he continues to...

Events

60 h. ago Small boat death victims including girl, 8, named as dozens die crossing Channel in 2025

At least 36 people died making the perilous journey from France to the UK in 2025, charities estimate, with an eight-year-old girl among the victims - amid calls to record all small boat deaths

Events

61 h. ago Town between Edinburgh and Glasgow named Scotland's top property hotspot of 2025

The settlement was an important centre of heavy industry during the Industrial Revolution.

Politics

66 h. ago Most popular baby names of 2025 revealed with music, tv and celebrity influence

From huge pop culture influence and long-forgotten 'dad names' here are the top baby names for 2025

Culture

69 h. ago Top 100 baby names of 2025 revealed and classics that are going EXTINCT for 2026

From huge pop stars and TV shows inspiring parents to long-forgotten 'dad names' making a comeback, we reveal the nation's favourite baby names of 2025 - with key predictions for the year ahead

Politics

69 h. ago The celeb stories we COULDN’T tell you this year from the newlyweds cheating with the same man to nude photo scandal

OUR team of intrepid showbiz reporters have brought you all the latest on the Brooklyn Beckham saga, blow by blow accounts of JoJo Siwa dumping her girlfriend for Chris Hughes and we broke the news about Danny Jones kissing Maura Higgins to name just a few astonishing showbiz scoops from 2025. But while we’ve been...

Culture

3 d. ago Meghan Markle is named most disappointing celebrity of 2025 by her former hometown paper Toronto Star

Meghan Markle, 44, spent seven years of her life in Canada's capital city while filming hit Netflix show, Suits, before journeying across the pond with Prince Harry.

Politics

3 d. ago Greater Manchester town named one of UK's biggest house price hotspots of 2025

Property values have 'surged' in this one part of the region

Politics