Soldiers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits with Ukrainian soldiers during a visit to the Donetsk region of Ukraine in December 2022. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said 2 million Ukrainians are wanted for dodging the country’s draft in addition to the 200,000 who have gone AWOL. File Photo courtesy of Ukrainian Presidential Press Office | License Photo

Jan. 14 (UPI) — Ukraine‘s chief of defense estimate Wednesday that 200,000 soldiers have gone absent without official leave during an address to parliament.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said another 2 million Ukrainians are wanted for dodging the country’s draft in addition to the 200,000 who have gone AWOL.

The update from Fedorov comes as the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches in February.

“I don’t want to be a populist — I want to be a realist,” Fedorov said. “The Ministry of Defense is coming into my hands with a [$6.7 million] shortfall, two million Ukrainians who are wanted and 200,000 who are AWOL.”

The Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General has opened nearly 290,000 criminal cases for troops who have abandoned their military units. More than 235,000 of those cases were marked for AWOL while more than 50,000 were for desertion.

Fedorov’s address to his nation’s parliament is the first time a Ukrainian official has quantified the scale of the problem it is facing with low morale and military desertions.

All Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years old are required to register for military duty. Men 25 to 60 are eligible to be called into action under Ukrainian law.

Men who are eligible for duty between 23 and 60 are barred from leaving the country, yet tens of thousands have done so.

Fedorov is the former deputy prime minister of Ukraine and former minister of digital transformation. As minister of digital transformation, he oversaw Ukraine’s adoption and use of drones in combat.

The Saving Private Ryan star will present the series with more than 20 episodes exploring the origins and turning points of the Second World War

A landmark documentary series spanning over 20 episodes is preparing for worldwide launch, with the factual programme, entitled World War II with Tom Hanks, to be both hosted and narrated by the acclaimed Hollywood star. The sweeping series will feature the Saving Private Ryan actor “present a sweeping and definitive retelling of the Second World War, drawing on rarely seen archival material, powerful, evocative storytelling, and insights from leading historians”.

Broadcasting on Sky History and The History Channel, each instalment will delve into the conflict’s origins alongside its pivotal moments. Audiences can expect deeply moving personal accounts woven throughout the narrative.

Hearst Networks, spearheading the ambitious project, promised “the series offers a panoramic and emotionally resonant perspective on the war that reshaped the modern world“. The American actor and filmmaker revealed his intimate ties to the conflict, admitting: “During my formative years, every single adult in my life would make references to two words: The War.

“The lasting effects of the Second World War on the world and my own family was not lost on me. I am thrilled to partner with The History Channel to produce this all-encompassing series with a long-form format that will give us the ability to tell this important piece of history in its entirety.”

Hanks is serving as executive producer alongside Gary Goetzman for Playtone. An official air date will be announced in the coming months.

Heather Jones of Hearst Networks commented: “World War II with Tom Hanks is a landmark series with deep relevance across all our markets. It’s a privilege to bring such a powerful and resonant project to audiences throughout EMEA simultaneously.

“Our ambition is to deliver premium, globally relevant storytelling at scale, and to remind viewers of all ages of the importance of understanding, and reflecting on, the events and impact of this pivotal moment in history.”

Hanks has featured in numerous productions portraying wartime scenarios, including the 2020 film Greyhound. He took on the role of Commander Ernie Krause, a US Navy officer on his maiden voyage commanding a multinational escort destroyer group, protecting an Allied convoy against U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic.

In April 2025, news emerged that a follow-up to Greyhound was being developed, with Hanks, who penned the screenplay, returning as Captain Krause. The continuation will track Krause and the Greyhound crew “from the beaches of Normandy to the ocean in the Pacific as they help turn the tide of the war”.

His 1998 epic war drama, Saving Private Ryan, takes place in 1944 in Normandy during World War II and chronicles a group of soldiers tasked with finding Private James Francis Ryan (portrayed by Matt Damon ) and ensuring his safe return home following the deaths of his three brothers in combat. Hanks portrayed Captain John Miller in the film, drawing inspiration from Stephen E. Ambrose’s books and numerous soldiers’ accounts. The film is widely hailed as one of the finest war films ever produced.

Hanks also took centre stage in Steven Spielberg’s historical drama Bridge of Spies, set amidst the Cold War. It narrates the tale of lawyer James B.

Donovan, tasked with negotiating the release of Francis Gary Powers, a convicted Central Intelligence Agency pilot.

The Hollywood luminary played the lead role in the film, which bagged six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

World War II with Tom Hanks will be broadcast on Sky History in the UK and The History Channel elsewhere.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website**

A fan-favourite star from Stranger Things took on a minor Game of Thrones role before becoming a household name

Joseph Quinn, known for his role in Stranger Things, had a minor part in HBO’s smash-hit fantasy series Game of Thrones, and fans are just now discovering this unexpected link.

The British actor is most recognised for his portrayal of the standout character Eddie Munson in the fourth series of Netflix’s popular supernatural horror drama.

He has since secured the iconic role of Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch, in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps and will be playing George Harrison in the eagerly awaited four-part Beatles cinematic event.

However, before he became a familiar face, he played a small role in the seventh and penultimate season of Game of Thrones as Koner, a soldier loyal to House Stark.

In the episode titled The Spoils of War, Koner is seen guarding Winterfell’s gate alongside fellow soldier Henk (played by Danny Kirrane) when Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) arrives and insists on being let in, reports the Express.

The soldiers mock her and dismiss her, believing Arya to be dead, and instruct her to leave when she requests to see Jon Snow (Kit Harington), who they inform her is thousands of miles away.

Eventually, Arya manages to bypass the soldiers by warning them of severe repercussions if her sister and the castle’s head, Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), learns of their refusal to let her in.

Koner and Henk argue over who will accompany her to Sansa, while Arya seizes the opportunity to sneak through the gates.

Viewers who haven’t watched the episode since its original broadcast in 2017 were left gobsmacked after a recent Reddit discussion jogged their memories about the Stranger Things actor’s early television role.

“I was today years old when I realized that Joseph Quinn (who plays Eddie in Stranger Things) was also in GoT!” one fan wrote.

Another viewer on X recently made the connection as well, writing: “Love when you go back to an older show and notice a now established actor in the start of their career.

“Joseph Quinn in Game of Thrones. Never realised he was in it.”

Interestingly, Quinn’s episode was helmed by Matt Shakman, who would later go on to direct him in The Fantastic Four.

The actor has also featured in films including Gladiator II and Warfare, as well as BBC dramas Strike and Small Axe.

He’s set to return as the Human Torch in Avengers: Doomsday, which arrives in cinemas towards the end of 2026.

Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix. Game of Thrones is available on Sky and NOW.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

An upcoming Netflix thriller based on a bestselling series of novels is a must-watch for streamers this year

Netflix has confirmed a new thriller series based on an iconic series of books is in the works – and it’s shaping up to be a must-watch release for 2026.

Starring Watchmen’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen ll, the seven-episode first season follows former Special Forces soldier John Creasy, who’s looking to turn over a new leaf.

However, he must first battle his own personal demons before he can live the life he wants to lead.

Man on Fire will stream on Netflix at an undisclosed date in 2026. Based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A.J. Quinnell, the original book has spawned a bestselling series and a film adaptation starring Denzel Washington.

Joining Abdul-Mateen is Billie Boullet (World-Breaker) and City of God star Alice Braga in major roles.

Plus, True Detective’s Scoot McNairy and Only Murder in the Building’s Bobby Cannavale will also star in recurring roles.

Director Steven Caple Jr, who has helmed the blockbuster films Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, will direct the first two episodes.

An official synopsis from Netflix reads: “Man on Fire follows John Creasy, who was once a high-functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary known for surviving even the most desolate situations.

“However, John is now battling extreme PTSD and personal demons. As he attempts a fresh start, he’ll find himself back in the (metaphorical) fire and fighting harder than ever.”

Actress Boullet will portray Poe Rayborn, a young woman “growing at a rapid and confusing pace” who reluctantly moves to Brazil when her parents relocate.

Spending her days with a class of wealthy international school friends, her worldview is totally thrown off its axis after witnessing a terrifying event and she’s forced to ally herself to John.

Braga is portraying Valeria Melo, “a professional driver with familial connections to a gang running a local favela. After Creasy hires Melo, she quickly becomes his right hand in protecting a young girl and pursuing terrorists.”

Cannavale will take on a guest role as Paul Rayburn, an ex-Special Forces soldier with an uncanny ability to read people. McNairy is guest starring as an intelligent and manipulative CIA agent, Henry Tappan.

If you still need to be sold on this action-packed new series, Quinnell’s series of novels have built up a huge following of die-hard readers over the years who will surely be first in line.

One fan on Goodreads gave the first book a five-star review and said: “Few books are perfect action films but this is one of them.

“I have not felt this engrossed while reading a story in a long time. If you enjoy action or revenge movies you will dig this book.”

Netflix has just released a first-look at Abdul-Mateen in action, but stayed tuned for more details coming soon.

Man on Fire premieres in 2026 on Netflix.

The Night Manager has returned with both Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie as executive producers.

The Night Manager season two has landed, but it didn’t take fans long to complain about a glaring problem.

Tom Hiddleston fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to The Night Manager, an unforgettable BBC drama that originally aired in February 2016.

Starring opposite Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman, The Night Manager season one revolved around ex-soldier Jonathan Pine (played by Tom Hiddleston), who was hired to infiltrate the inner circle of a secretive arms dealer.

Despite series one getting rave reviews, viewers had given up hope that it would return for a second season, but to everyone’s delight, the series two renewal came in April 2024.

The Night Manager season two finally made its debut this evening, Thursday, January 1, once again focusing on Pine, now known as Alex Goodwin, who works as part of the nocturnal surveillance unit, the Night Owls.

But it isn’t too long before he spots a familiar face from his past with Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), taking him down yet another dangerous path.

Fans couldn’t wait to tune into the new series, but many couldn’t help but make the same complaint on X, formerly Twitter, as they struggled to remember season one.

“Watching #TheNightManagerS2 when you already have a notoriously bad memory,” someone joked.

A second echoed: “Was going to watch the #TheNightManagerS2 but I can’t remember #thenightmanager so will have to rewatch series one. Anyone else doing the same thing?”

“I have no idea what is going on”, a third began.

“Not sure if it would be easier to follow if they didn’t keep cutting back to characters from 10 years ago that I have forgotten about.”

A fellow user remarked: “Was struggling to understand why I couldn’t for the life of me remember what happened in season 1 of #TheNightManagerS2 only to Google it and see that it aired TEN years ago?????? Girl bye.”

Someone else posted: “The recap hardly helped, I can’t remember what happened last week, let alone what I watched on TV 10 years ago”, as another added: “The Night Manager is really testing everyone’s memory right now.”

Despite fans having an issue with remembering what happened in series one, others have also been praising the new season.

Someone labelled the debut episode as “outstanding” and “brilliant”, while a fellow viewer commented: “Well that didn’t disappoint!!! Episode 1 of The Night Manager- Phew – must resist the temptation to binge!”

Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait very long for the second episode, with the next instalment set to air on Sunday, January 4, at 9pm.

After this, The Night Manager will continue to be shown every Sunday in the same timeslot.

The Night Manager is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Dec. 25 (UPI) — The remains of two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in an ambush in Syria arrived at the Iowa National Guard base in Des Moines, with funeral services for both scheduled for this weekend.

The bodies of Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar were carried off a KC-135 on Wednesday afternoon at the base as Gov. Kim Reynolds, Sen. Joni Ernst, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, leaders from the Guard and their families looked on, Iowa Public Radio and KCCI Des Moines reported.

“Today’s honorable transfer of Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torres-Tovar marks their return to Iowa,” Reynolds said in a post on X. “They can now be laid to rest after making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.”

Howard and Torres-Tovar, who were promoted to the rank of staff sergeant posthumously, and a civilian U.S. interpreter were killed in an attack in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, in a lone gunman attack.

Their flag-draped caskets were saluted by Ernst, Nunn and Guard leaders before their families had a moment alone with them.

Iowa state and Des Moines police officers then escorted processions to Marshalltown, where Howard’s visitation and funeral will be held on Saturday, and south Des Moines, where Torres-Tovar’s visitation will be held Sunday, ahead of his funeral and burial on Monday.

Three other Guard members were also injured in the attack, two of whom are receiving treatment in the United States, while the other was treated in Syria.

Eight-month-old among multiple Palestinians wounded in attacks across the occupied West Bank.

Five Israeli settlers have been arrested over their alleged involvement in an attack on a Palestinian home that wounded an eight-month-old baby in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the infant suffered “moderate injuries to the face and head” in the attack that took place late on Wednesday involving “a group of armed settlers” who were throwing stones at homes and property in the town of Sair, north of Hebron.

Israeli police on Thursday said five settlers were arrested after they received reports of “stones being thrown by Israeli civilians toward a Palestinian home”.

Israeli settlements and outposts are Jewish-only communities built on Palestinian land that are illegal under international law. They can range in size from a single dwelling to a collection of high rises. About 700,000 settlers live in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, according to the Israeli advocacy group Peace Now.

Elsewhere in the West Bank, a 17-year-old boy was shot and dozens of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation during an Israeli army raid in the town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus, Wafa reported.

The report added that “Israeli forces carried out a widespread incursion into the town, firing live bullets and tear gas canisters across its neighborhoods”.

Israeli forces also detained three Palestinians from Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, after settler attacks.

Also in Masafer Yatta, Israeli forces raided homes and tents belonging to residents, searched them and vandalised their contents before detaining one resident.

Another Palestinian man was wounded in a settler attack in the town of Deir Jarir, east of Ramallah.

Local sources said armed settlers attacked homes near the village entrance, resulting in minor injuries to a young man.

British tourists have been warned by the Foreign Office after deadly fighting erupted between two countries, with rockets fired across the border and travel insurance likely voided in affected areas

British holidaymakers travelling along a well-trodden backpacking trail have been issued a stark warning by the Foreign Office following deadly clashes between two neighbouring nations.

The UK Foreign Office issued an urgent notice to all travellers heading to Thailand and Cambodia this holiday season – as parts of the country grapple with “regular attacks”.

Residents in areas of Thailand and Cambodia sought refuge last week as both countries launched volleys of rockets across their shared frontier. Both nations have blamed each other for violating a Trump-mediated ceasefire that brought an end to intense five-day hostilities earlier this year.

Authorities have urged British holidaymakers to avoid travelling within 50km of Thailand’s entire border with Cambodia. The only exceptions are a few islands, which should only be visited if absolutely necessary. These include Koh Chang, Koh Kood and the other islands in between.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure to read all of the Foreign Office advice.

The escalation comes as Cambodia’s senate president Hun Sen vowed to mount a fierce battle against Thailand. Last week’s unrest included brutal airstrikes and saw at least 20 people killed.

An orange alert has been issued, covering Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat Province, alongside the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi, and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province.

Approximately one million UK citizens travel to Thailand annually. In recent years, it has become commonplace for some visitors to take brief excursions over the land crossing into Cambodia by catching a coach from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.

However, the frontier has remained shut for most of this year due to violent outbreaks, with current UK Foreign Office guidance as of this week advising that British citizens should steer clear of “all but essential travel” to areas within 31 miles of Thailand’s border with Cambodia.

The guidance states: “Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas, such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple, and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple, are closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all but essential travel to the affected border areas.”

Whilst travelling to a region marked as ‘essential travel only’ by the Foreign Office isn’t against the law, doing so will likely invalidate your travel insurance – even if it remains valid in other parts of the same nation considered safe. This leaves you personally responsible for expenses such as medical emergencies, cancellations, or repatriation, and securing help from the British Embassy becomes considerably more challenging should problems arise.

What’s the reason behind the Thailand and Cambodia conflict and what part did Donald Trump play?

The ongoing strife between Thailand and Cambodia is a flare-up of a border disagreement that has been simmering for several decades, which until this year had only led to occasional skirmishes.

In May, the death of a Cambodian soldier in one such skirmish sparked an intensification of hostilities, culminating in five days of full-scale warfare in July. The fallout saw at least 48 fatalities and displaced 300,000 people.

A peace agreement mediated by Donald Trump was inked by the Thai and Cambodian governments in Malaysia in October, with the US President having threatened to withhold trade deals with either nation if they rejected the pact. However, this week saw a resumption of hostilities after the ceasefire was violated – with each party pointing the finger at the other for firing the first shot.

Thailand’s military alleges that Cambodia launched an assault on Thai positions with artillery, rockets and drone strikes earlier in December, following accusations of previous attacks in the days before. Conversely, Cambodia asserts that Thai forces initiated the conflict, in the Preah Vihear province.