Trump is appeasing Putin, Biden tells BBC

Hello. In his first interview since leaving the White House, former US President Joe Biden has accused President Donald Trump's administration of appeasing Russia by putting pressure on Ukraine. We have the latest developments as India and Pakistan report civilian deaths following air strikes and shelling, as tensions between the two intensify. And with the conclave set to begin, we report on the behind-the-scenes divisions at play in the Vatican and how they could influence the vote to elect a new pope.

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President Biden's first interview since leaving White House

Joe Biden spent more years in government than any other president. Credit: BBC

The Trump administration's pressure on Ukraine to give up territory to Russia is "modern-day appeasement", Joe Biden has told the BBC in his first interview since leaving the White House. In a wide-ranging interview, Biden addressed the current administration's treatment of US allies, condemning Trump's calls for the US to acquire Greenland and make Canada the 51st state, and said he was concerned about US-Europe relations breaking down. The 82-year-old was also pressed on whether he should have dropped out of the presidential race earlier, and challenged on his own record on Ukraine.

Tensions soar between India and Pakistan

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after India says it launched missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian fighter jets. A number of deaths have been reported in the air strikes, as well as firing by both sides in and around the de facto border. Here's what we know so far.

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The divides behind the scenes in the Vatican

Pope Francis appointed about 80% of the cardinals who will select his successor. Credit: Getty Images

The Catholic church's secretive election begins today, when 133 cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to elect a new pontiff, sealed off from the rest of the world until a successor is named. The late Pope Francis looms large, with a growing coalescence around the idea that his work should be built on, but some of his critics remain far from convinced.