Russian troops thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian special forces to fly soldiers in via a helicopter to the embattled eastern city of Pokrovsk, Russia's defence ministry said on Saturday.

An outbreak of a "highly contagious" virus has killed 24 cats at a North Yorkshire rescue centre, the owners have said. Filey ...

Public expressions of dissent are rare in Russia, which has cracked down on any opposition to the Kremlin's policies with lengthy prison sentences.

Bird flu measures requiring owners to keep their flock on a strict lockdown in their housing are due to come into effect.