The World Tonight

As US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was telling an audience in Kyiv that American weapons are on their way to the country, hundreds of miles to the east Russian troops advanced further into the Kharkiv region. They've now reached the small city of Vovchansk.

In New York, Donald Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen took to the stand in the Trump hush money trial for a second day, clashing with the former President's lawyers.

And in Rome, the manager of the Italian capital's opera house settled on a unique way to get young people interested in the artform, inviting them for a sleepover in the grand building where they witnessed rehearsals, took part in a treasure hunt, and met the opera houses's ghost.

As huge protests continute in Georgia against a bill similar to one that was used to stifle dissent in Russia - is the country slipping back into Moscow's orbit?

Also on the programme:

Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen has finished his first day of testimony at a New York court We find out how the courtroom drama played out.

And The Beach Boys on how competition with The Beatles pushed them to be a better band.

Russian forces have launched a surprise new ground offensive in Ukraine - crossing the border into the Kharkiv region. We ask how dangerous could this be for Ukraine.

Also on The World Tonight:

The UK economy is out of recession and the prime minister says the economy has "turned a corner". Two former advisers to leaders, Conservative and Labour, discuss what impact the latest economic figures could have on the election strategy of the those two parties.

And as Netflix hit Baby Reindeer finds itself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, we ask how TV makers can avoid the pitfalls of drama based on real people.

A boost for Labour as another Tory MP defects. But with growing disquiet amongst the Labour ranks - could the coup backfire?

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University leaders will meet at Downing Street tomorrow to discuss what the prime minister calls an “unacceptable rise in antisemitism” on campuses. We'll speak to a Jewish student leader - and a pro-Palestinian protester who's gone on hunger strike.

As Russia's military attache is expelled for spying - what goes on behind the gates of the Russian Embassy in London?

And the sperm whale whisperer: we speak to the scientist who's been decoding the sounds from the deep that resemble a human language.

Airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle and Manchester were all hit by a "technical issue" affecting passport control e-gates, causing long queues.

The Home Office, which oversees Border Force, said it was working with the agency and affected airports to "resolve the issue as soon as possible and apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused."

In Rafah, Israel's military operations continue, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sends a delegation of negotiators to Cairo for a potential ceasefire deal.

And to mark the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, we spoke to BBC Symphony Orchestra composer Sakari Oramo about the thrills and challenges of the piece.

The day began with Israel warning civilians in eastern Rafah to flee as they began a long-anticipated military operation in the city in the south of the Gaza Strip. But by day's end some Gazans were celebrating as news reached them that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire deal put forward by Egypt and Qatar. Israel's operation continues though, as Prime Minister Netanyahu says the deal is "far from meeting Israel's demands". Nonetheless, he has sent a delegation to the negotiations.

Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron has been welcoming his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for a state visit. The pair discussed tariffs, trade, and the war in Ukraine.

And should Wales, a land of song, have its own Eurovision entry? Campaigners have released a possible contender, it's called Anfonaf Angel and is sung by Sara Davies. We speak to her.

The Conservatives suffered big losses in Thursday's local elections. Labour swept to victory in places like Redditch, Thurrock and Hartlepool, as well as winning the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election. There was some consolation for the Tories in Tees Valley, where Conservative Ben Houchen was returned as mayor.

The Kremlin has reacted angrily to Lord Cameron's remark that Ukraine has the right to use British weapons to hit targets inside Russia.

And the twisted comedy series that's become a fan favourite, Inside No. 9, is heading to the West End.

Polls have closed in the last big test of voter opinion before the general election - and one that may be decisive for the pime minister's immediate future. Experts are here with me in the studio to guide us through what lies ahead.

France's moment of reckoning over sexual abuse allegations in its film industry. We speak to the actress who's become the symbol of France's Me Too Movement.

And is it time we scrapped audio guides? We discuss with a leading British artist why he thinks they're part of a “terrible” modern scourge messing up the enjoyment of art.

There have been violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counter-protesters at University of California, Los Angeles. Meanwhile hundreds of people were arrested in New York, where students occupied part of Columbia University and demanded the institution cut ties with Israel.

Also on the programme:

Police in the South Caucasian country of Georgia fired tear gas and stun grenades to quell protests over new legislation that requires organisations with funding from abroad to register as foreign agents - it's been dubbed the "Russia law".

And can you ban politicians from lying? Members of the Welsh Senedd think so, and are discussing a law to do just that.

After Humza Yousaf's resignation we ask who is most likely to succeed him as first minister - and what the dramatic development means for Scottish independence - and UK politics.

Also on the programme:

Anger in Dublin after Rishi Sunak says a rise in asylum claims in Ireland shows the UK government's Rwanda policy is working.

And why are more people than ever signing up to run marathons?