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Ukraine

PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian troops are regrouping in preparation for a renewed assault, as he dismissed Kremlin promises to scale back attacks on the capital Kyiv.

With the shelling of Kyiv and Chernigiv continuing this week despite a Russian vow to “reduce” military activity by “a large margin”, Zelensky told his wartorn nation to brace for a new Russian onslaught in the eastern Donbas region.

“There is an accumulation of Russian troops for new strikes in Donbas and we are preparing for it,” Zelensky said in a late-night video message. “We will fight for every metre of our land,” he added. |

Malta

POPE Francis is on a two-day trip to Catholic-majority Malta today where he will again highlight the plight of migrants, as the Ukraine war sends a stream of refugees across Europe.

The 85-year-old pontiff is the third pope since 1990 to visit the tiny Mediterranean archipelago, where

Saint Paul was said to have been shipwrecked in 60AD. Catholicism is part of the constitution.

Malta is also a key destination for Pope Francis for its front-line role in managing the mass influx of African migrants who try to reach Europe, many arriving by sea over the years.

BRUCE Willis is “stepping away” from acting following an aphasia diagnosis.

The 67-year-old star, who is known for his roles in hit films, has been diagnosed with the condition which affects the ability to communicate and as a result will be taking a break from his career, his family has confirmed.

Willis’ acting career started in the early 1980s and exploded later that decade thanks to his starring role opposite Cybill Shepherd in the series Moonlighting and the1988 action movie Die Hard, which gave Willis his first major film franchise.

He’s been nominated for five Golden Globes and three Emmys. | IANS

Oscars

WILL Smith refused to leave the Oscars ceremony after attacking comedian Chris Rock, the Academy of Motion Picture

Arts and Sciences revealed this week, as it began disciplinary action against the mega star.

Smith could face expulsion from the academy for the open-handed slap, which came moments before he was handed the best actor award for his role in King Richard – an announcement greeted with cheers by the audience.

“While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently,” a statement said.