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Syrian and Russian jets have launched air strikes on Syrian rebels who are advancing through the country after seizing its second-largest city.

The rebels, led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al Sham, took over most of Aleppo in a shock offensive on Saturday. They claim to have also entered the city of Hama.

Air strikes that hit the entrance of Aleppo University Hospital killed 12 civilians and injured 23 others, said the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets.

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Russian jets strike Syrian hospital

The Syrian army and Russia denied attacking civilians and said they had targeted insurgent hideouts.

Images from the city of Idlib also showed the aftermath of a strike with a vehicle on fire and debris covering the street.

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Children rescued after Syria airstrikes

A White Helmets volunteer told Sky News: “War planes are everywhere, targeting everything.

“The situation is complex but the only thing which is true is that the civilians [have] paid the price from 2011 up until now. And now, a new episode is happening.”

The Syrian regime has also deployed military personnel with rocket launchers, its defence ministry said on Facebook.

A view of a vehicle on fire in the aftermath of what the White Helmets say is a strike, in Idlib, Syria, released December 1, 2024, in this still image taken from a handout video. The White Helmets/Handout via REUTERS
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A vehicle on fire in Idlib following a strike. Pic: Reuters

Russia has long been a key ally for Syria’s President Bashar al Assad and helped him regain control in 2016 following an uprising that began in 2011.

The air strikes come after Mr Assad said in his first public comments that his country would “defend its stability and territorial integrity” and defeat the “terrorists and their supporters”.

On Saturday, thousands of insurgents – many of whom had previously been forced into retreat in Idlib Governate – took over most of Aleppo and faced little to no resistance from government troops, according to fighters and activists.

They also seized towns and villages in northern Hama, a province where they had a presence before being expelled in 2016.

The swift offensive is a huge embarrassment for Mr Assad and raises questions about his forces’ preparedness.

Opposition supporters stand on a captured Syrian army tank near Aleppo. Pic: AP Photo/Omar Albam
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Opposition supporters on a captured Syrian army tank near Aleppo. Pic: AP

The insurgents, including Turkey-backed fighters, began the attacks on Wednesday and entered Aleppo two days later.

At least 327 people, including 44 civilians, have been killed since, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Thousands have also reportedly been displaced.

Russian war bloggers claimed on Sunday that the general in charge in Syria, Sergei Kisel, had been sacked and replaced.

However, the move has not yet been officially confirmed.

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Moment rebels topple statue in Aleppo city

Russia’s defence ministry first said its air force had carried out strikes on Saturday, Russian news agencies reported.

The state-run Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of the Enemy Parties in Syria said attacks had targeted “militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions” in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

It claimed about 300 rebel fighters had been killed.

The strikes follow the boldest rebel assault for years in a civil war where front lines had largely been frozen since 2020.

The long-simmering war, which has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, has ground on for more than a decade with no formal end in sight.

Syria’s civil war: a timeline

Syria has experienced more than 13 years of civil war. Here are some of the key events since the conflict began.

2011: Anti-regime sentiment spreads across Syria after protesters are shot dead by government forces. Conflict breaks out between rebels and pro-Assad troops.

2012: Government forces relentlessly bombard rebel territory, particularly the besieged city of Homs.

2013: The Islamic State (IS) is founded and begins to grow in strength and territory. A chemical weapon attack in Ghouta, Damascus, killed hundreds. The UN found that sarin gas was used, but did not assign blame to the Assad regime or the rebels.

2014: IS declares a “caliphate” covering much of Syria and continues to fight both the Assad regime and the rebels. Foreign countries begin bombing IS strongholds.

2015: IS fighters seized the historic city of Palmyra, destroying monuments across the city, a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Russia, launches its first airstrikes in Syria. Moscow said they were targeting IS, but the West accused them of also attacking rebels to support Damascus. This proved to be a turning point in the conflict.

2016: Syrian troops, backed by Iran and Russia, recapture Aleppo – a significant blow to the rebels.

2017: IS is driven from Raqqa, the capital of the “caliphate” by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces – widely seen as a symbol of the terror group’s decline.

2018: At least 70 people died and hundreds were injured in an alleged chemical attack on Douma, eastern Ghouta. The US state department called it “one of the worst chemical attacks in Syrian history”. The US, UK and France launched airstrikes against Assad targets in response.

2019: Turkey launches an offensive into northeastern Syria.

2021: Daraa in southern Syria sees intense fighting after the region boycotted the presidential election. A ceasefire is agreed in September.

2022: IS militants attack a prison in northeast Syria during which 500 people are killed and some fighters escape.

2023: A devastating earthquake strikes Turkey and Syria, killing tens of thousands of people.

Read more:
Rebels ‘take control’ of airport and seize most of second city
A setback for the regime or start of a major escalation?
From 2021: 10 years of the Syria war

As well as Russia, Mr Assad’s allies include Iran whose foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, was in the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday.

According to state media, he described the situation as “difficult” but said the Syrian government would prevail.

Arab leaders including Jordan’s king and the president of the UAE have also expressed solidarity with the Syrian government in calls with Mr Assad.

Meanwhile, the White House said it was “closely monitoring the situation” but “has nothing to do with this offensive”.

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Syrian rebels celebrate town’s capture

A statement added: “The United States, together with its partners and allies, urge de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and a serious and credible political process that can end this civil war once and for all with a political settlement consistent with UNSCR 2254.”

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 was unanimously adopted in December 2015 – calling for a ceasefire and political settlement in Syria. However, no real progress has been made to implement the resolution.

The US maintains a presence in parts of eastern Syria, as part of coalition efforts to restrict the operations of Islamic State (ISIS) militants.

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Trump criticises Putin after potentially ‘historic’ meeting with Zelenskyy before Pope’s funeral

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Trump criticises Putin after potentially 'historic' meeting with Zelenskyy before Pope's funeral

Donald Trump has criticised Vladimir Putin and suggested a shift in his stance towards the Russian president after a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the Pope’s funeral.

The Ukrainian president said the one-on-one talks could prove to be “historic” after pictures showed him sitting opposite Mr Trump, around two feet apart, in the large marble hall inside St Peter’s Basilica.

The US president said he doubted his Russian counterpart’s willingness to end the war after leaving Rome after the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Follow live updates: 200,000 mourn at Vatican

In a post on his Truth Social platform, he said “there was no reason” for the Russian president “to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days”.

The two leaders held talks before attending the Pope's funeral
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The two leaders held talks before attending the Pope’s funeral

He added: “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”

The meeting between the US and Ukrainian leaders was their first face-to-face encounter since a very public row in the Oval Office in February.

Mr Zelenskyy said he had a good meeting with Mr Trump in which they talked about the defence of the Ukrainian people, a full and unconditional ceasefire, and a durable and lasting peace that would prevent the war restarting.

Other images released by the Ukrainian president’s office show Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron were present for part of the talks, which were described as “positive” by the French presidency.

Mr Zelenskyy‘s spokesman said the meeting lasted for around 15 minutes and he and Mr Trump had agreed to hold further discussions later on Saturday.

The world leaders share a moment before the service
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The world leaders shared a moment before the service

Trump and Zelenskyy meet in the Basilica
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Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in the Basilica

But the US president left Rome for Washington on Air Force One soon after the funeral without any other talks having taken place.

The Ukrainian president’s office said there was no second meeting in Rome because of the tight schedule of both leaders, although he had separate discussions with Mr Starmer and Mr Macron.

The French president said in a post on X “Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire” and that a so-called coalition of the willing, led by the UK and France, would continue working to achieve a lasting peace.

There was applause from some of the other world leaders in attendance at the Vatican when Mr Zelenskyy walked out of St Peter’s Basilica after stopping in front of the pontiff’s coffin to pay his respects.

U.S President Donald Trump attends the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
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Donald Trump and the Ukrainian president met for the first time since their Oval Office row. Pic: Reuters

Sir Tony Brenton, the former British ambassador to Russia, said the event presents diplomatic opportunities, including the “biggest possible meeting” between Mr Trump and the Ukrainian leader.

He told Sky News it could mark “an important step” in starting the peace process between Russia and Ukraine.

Professor Father Francesco Giordano told Sky News the meeting is being called “Pope Francis’s miracle” by members of the clergy, adding: “There’s so many things that happened today – it was just overwhelming.”

The bilateral meeting comes after Mr Trump’s peace negotiator Steve Witkoff held talks with Mr Putin at the Kremlin.

They discussed “the possibility of resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine”, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said.

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Russia and Ukraine have not held direct talks since the early weeks of the war, which began in February 2022.

Mr Trump has claimed a deal to end the war is “very close” and has urged Mr Zelenskyy to “get it done” in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He has previously warned both sides his administration would walk away from its efforts to achieve a peace if the two sides do not agree a deal soon.

Meanwhile, the Polish armed forces said a Russian military helicopter violated its airspace over the Baltic Sea on Friday evening.

“The nature of the incident indicates that Russia is testing the readiness of our air defence systems,” they said in a post on X.

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What we learn from remarkable photos of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting

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What we learn from remarkable photos of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting

On an extraordinary day, remarkable pictures on the margins that capture what may be a turning point for the world.

In a corner of St Peter’s Basilica before the funeral of Pope Francis, the leaders of America and Ukraine sit facing each other in two solitary chairs.

They look like confessor and sinner except we cannot tell which one is which.

Leaning forward hands together in their laps, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy stare at each other in one photo.

In another, the Ukrainian president seems to be remonstrating with the US president. This is their first encounter since their infamous bust-up in the Oval Office.

The two leaders held talks before attending the Pope's funeral
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The two leaders held talks before attending the Pope’s funeral

Other pictures show the moment their French and British counterparts introduced the two men. There is a palpable sense of nervousness in the way the leaders engage.

We do not know what the two presidents said in their brief meeting.

But in the mind of the Ukrainian leader will be the knowledge President Trump has this week said America will reward Russia for its unprovoked brutal invasion of his country, under any peace deal.

Mr Trump has presented Ukraine and Russia with a proposal and ultimatum so one-sided it could have been written in the Kremlin.

Kyiv must surrender the land Russia has taken by force, Crimea forever, the rest at least for now. And it must submit to an act of extortion, a proposed deal that would hand over half its mineral wealth effectively to America.

The world leaders share a moment before the service
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The world leaders shared a moment before the service

Afterwards, Zelenskyy said it had been a good meeting that could turn out to be historic “if we reach results together”.

They had talked, he said, about the defence of Ukraine, a full and unconditional ceasefire and a durable and lasting peace that will prevent a war restarting.

The Trump peace proposal includes only unspecified security guarantees for Ukraine from countries that do not include the US. It rules out any membership of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s allies are watching closely to see if Mr Trump will apply any pressure on Vladimir Putin, let alone punish him for recent bloody attacks on Ukraine.

Or will he simply walk away if the proposal fails, blaming Ukrainian intransigence, however outrageously, before moving onto a rapprochement with Moscow.

If he does, America’s role as guarantor of international security will be seen effectively as over.

This could be the week we see the world order as we have known it since the end of the Second World War buried, as well as a pope.

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Pope Francis funeral: 200,000 people bidding farewell to pontiff who had ‘open heart towards everyone’

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Pope Francis funeral: 200,000 people bidding farewell to pontiff who had 'open heart towards everyone'

Tens of thousands of people have packed St Peter’s Square as the funeral of Pope Francis begins.

Royals, world leaders and cardinals joined scores of worshippers at the Vatican, as mourning of the 266th pontiff transcended wealth and social class.

In keeping with Francis’s life as a breaker of tradition, many of the more elaborate and expensive rituals customary for the burial of popes have been foregone in favour of simpler options.

Around 200,000 people are attending the funeral, with around 50,000 packing out St Peter’s Square.

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Pope’s coffin carried out as funeral begins

Follow live: Pope Francis funeral service latest updates

His body had been lying in state since his death aged 88 on Easter Monday, spending the last few days in St Peter’s Basilica to allow mourners to pay their respects.

The Vatican – where the funeral service is taking place – and Rome – where Francis will be laid to rest – are under heavy security, with a no-fly zone in place overhead.

The coffin of Pope Francis is carried during the funeral Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
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The coffin of Pope Francis is borne aloft by pallbearers. Pic: Reuters

Members of the clergy sit, ahead of the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
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Members of the clergy gathered to say farewell to their pontiff. Pic: Reuters

President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, along with Sir Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, headline a huge selection of global leaders and dignitaries.

Read more:
Pope Francis’s funeral – what is happening and when
Full order of service for Pope’s funeral

Francis’s coffin has been taken out into St Peter’s Square where 220 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests are sitting in rows, waiting to say goodbye to the Bishop of Rome.

A series of readings and prayers are being read before the 50,000 faithful gathered before the basilica, and the coffin will be sprinkled with holy water and incense.

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Singing rings out at the Vatican

Members of the clergy attend the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, in Saint Peter's Square, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
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Members of the clergy stand in St Peter’s Square. Pic: Reuters

It began with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re reading the Penitential Act – a way for the faithful to confess their sinfulness.

This was followed by the Liturgy of the Word, a part in Catholic mass where faithful gather to hear and reflect on the word of God.

Cardinal Re then delivered the homily, speaking about Pope Francis’ life and service to God.

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Applause breaks out as Zelenskyy arrives

Cardinal
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Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re read the homily

The cardinal praised the pontiff as someone who “touched the minds and hearts of people” who was “attentive to the signs of the times”.

He added: “Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life.”

He said Francis “was a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone”.

A view of St Peter's Square during the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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Tens of thousands pack St Peter’s Square for the funeral. Pic: AP

Clergy during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
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Clergy seated during the funeral. Pic: AP

At the end of the mass, the choir will sing in Latin: “May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come and welcome you and take you into the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.”

After the service, Pope Francis’s body will be taken in procession through the streets of Rome to his final resting place at his favourite church, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

People react as they wait outside the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome, Italy, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
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Worshippers outside the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Pic: Reuters

He will be ushered into the basilica – dedicated to the Virgin Mary – by prisoners and migrants, a last reflection of his priorities as pope.

In a break with tradition, the Pope outlined in his will his request to be buried “in the ground, without particular ornamentation” but simply with the inscription “Franciscus”.

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