Dozens killed in Russian attack on Ukraine

Hello. At least 51 people have been killed today in a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Potlava. Our security correspondent Frank Gardner provides some analysis on what is the deadliest single attack on Ukraine this year. In Málaga, Guy Hedgecoe speaks to the Spaniards who say tourism is making their lives harder. We're also reporting on Swedish trash, Chinese TV and American noses.

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Dozens killed in Russia's deadliest strike this year

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At least 51 people have been killed and more than 200 injured by a Russian missile attack on the city of Poltava, Ukrainian authorities say. The buildings hit included a military training institute, and Ukraine's armed forces have confirmed military deaths.

What does this attack mean for Ukraine?

The attack on Poltava, with its exceptionally high death toll, is a further reminder of Ukraine’s dire need for more and better air defences. President Zelensky has also used this incident to repeat his call to Western allies for help in striking those bases inside Russia from which attacks are being launched.

What is the current state of the debate?

The question of whether Western donors should now remove the restraints on their long-range weapon systems being used inside Russia was the hot topic at last weekend’s Globsec24 security forum in Prague. There were calls from several Western ministers and military experts for Ukraine to be given free rein to target bases deep inside Russia. But Washington and Berlin remain reluctant, for fear of escalation and prompting a Russian retaliation against a Nato country. Critics argue that this fear is unjustified.

Would this be a silver bullet for Ukraine?

The attack on Poltava is believed to have been launched from Russian-occupied Crimea, an area that Ukraine already has the green light to target, as most of the international community does not consider it Russian territory. But Ukraine’s greater concern now is the lack of warning it was able to provide its citizens when these high-speed ballistic missiles came hurtling down.

THE BIG PICTURE

China bets on TV to win over Africans

A Kenyan family watches on the Paris Olympics thanks to a Chinese satellite service. Credit: BBC

Satellite TV has been integral of China's soft-power strategy in Africa. Over the past decade, Beijing has provided satellite dishes to thousands of villages across the continent. A free trial of the StarTimes service has brought Chinese dramas and European football to poorly connected areas. But are people willing to pay for it?‌

And finally... in China

Dissident Chinese artist Gao Zhen has been detained on suspicion of "insulting revolutionary heroes and martyrs," his sibling and artistic partner Gao Qiang has said. The Gao brothers have gained international acclaim for their provocative sculptures, which critique the founder of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong, and his regime.