Hello. Ukraine has accused Russia of spreading misinformation about a possible attack on Kyiv that prompted some foreign embassies to temporarily close down. Hanna Chournous reports from the Ukrainian capital. As a US House committee faces mounting pressure to release its report into Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Sam Cabral explains the allegations against Matt Gaetz. And finally, a music video leads to the downfall of a New York priest.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Gaetz faces daunting confirmation battle

Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives after Trump tapped him for the job of attorney general. Credit: Reuters

The nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general is perhaps Trump's most controversial pick. The candidate to be America's top law enforcement officer is at the centre of a number of allegations that could prevent him from getting the job. 

Who is Matt Gaetz and why is he controversial?

The 42-year-old represented Florida's first congressional district in the US House of Representatives. He joined Congress in the same election in 2016 that propelled Donald Trump to the White House. A fierce Trump defender, he has long upset Democrats but also many Republicans with his bombastic public conduct and alleged hard-partying lifestyle.

What has he been accused of?

On and off since 2021, the secretive House Ethics Committee has investigated Gaetz over various allegations, including the claim that he had sex with an underage girl, used illicit drugs, accepted bribes, misused campaign funds and shared inappropriate images on the House floor. The Floridian has repeatedly and vehemently denied wrongdoing, casting the probe as an attempt to smear his name by powerful enemies he has made in politics. He has also raised in his defence the fact that the Department of Justice (DoJ) ended a separate three-year, federal sex-trafficking investigation last year by deciding not to bring charges against him.

Did the DoJ investigation end there?

Joel Greenberg, Gaetz's one-time friend, was the lone person charged in the DoJ's sex trafficking investigation. Greenberg is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence after agreeing to plead guilty to multiple federal charges. He cooperated with investigators and reportedly told prosecutors information about multiple others, including Gaetz. 

• Closed-door hearing: The US House Committee on Ethics held a meeting on Capitol Hill as calls grow for it to release details of its investigation into Gaetz.

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• Voters' panel: Trump's cabinet picks have received a largely positive reception so far from Republicans contacted by the BBC.

• Get the latest: Vice-President-elect JD Vance is shoring up Senate support for Donald Trump's cabinet picks as he brought Gaetz along on a visit to the Capitol.

THE BIG PICTURE

YouTuber's crypto dealings under scrutiny

Logan Paul's YouTube channel has 23 million followers. Credit: BBC

For several months, internet celebrity Logan Paul had refused to talk to the BBC about his cryptocurrency dealings. Then he appeared to relent, inviting my colleagues to interview him at his gym in Puerto Rico. However, when the crew arrived, a lookalike turned up in his place, shortly followed by a crowd shouting abuse about the BBC. A lawyer’s letter on behalf of Paul also warned against publishing the investigation's findings.

And finally... in the US

A New York priest has been stripped of his duties following an investigation sparked by outrage at his decision to let pop star Sabrina Carpenter film a provocative music video inside his church. The Diocese said the investigation found other instances of mismanagement, including unapproved financial transfers. Jamie Gigantiello admitted a "lapse of judgment" in relation to the music video - he has not responded to the allegations that led to his dismissal.