Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 2 Mar 2014

1. UKRAINE WARNS VLADIMIR PUTIN OF ‘WAR’

Ukraine’s interim leaders have warned Vladimir Putin that any military intervention “would mean war”. In a television address, Ukraine’s interim president Oleksander Turchynov said his troops are on combat alert and that security has been boosted around nuclear facilities. In a 90-minute telephone conversation, Barack Obama has told Putin to withdraw his troops.

Ukraine warns Putin: this could mean war

2. BORIS DISMISSES ELECTION CLAIMS

“Bull****!” – that was the reaction of Boris Johnson when he was told of claims that David Cameron has encouraged him to stand at the next general election. Sources close to the mayor believe the claims that George Osborne delivered the message are a “dirty tricks plot” to damage Johnson's leadership credentials and boost those of the chancellor.

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3. CHINA KNIFE ATTACK LEAVES 29 DEAD

Separatists from Xinjiang have been blamed for a knife attack which killed at least 29 people in China yesterday evening. A knife-wielding group launched the attack at the Kunming Railway Station in China’s southwest, leaving more than 130 people wounded. Police shot dead four of the attackers and captured one, says state media.

4. LEVESON ‘COVERED UP’ POLICE CORRUPTION

Sir Brian Leveson “pulled his punches” over evidence of “serious police corruption at the very highest level” says a News of the World hacking victim. Former British Army intelligence officer Ian Hurst has written to the Ministry of Justice claiming that Leveson “failed in his judicial duty” by covering up police corruption as it was “too hot to handle”.

Leveson accused of police corruption cover-up

5. SOL IN ENGLAND CAPTAIN RACE CLAIM

“I believe if I was white, I would have been England captain for more than 10 years” – that is the claim of former England star Sol Campbell. The defender, quoted in the Sunday Times, adds: "I think the FA wished I was white. I had the credibility, performance-wise to be captain.” Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been fined £100,000 for headbutting a Hull City player.

Sol: I’d have captained England for 10 years if I were white

6. CALL FOR BLOODY SUNDAY IMMUNITY

British troops who were involved in Bloody Sunday should escape prosecution, says Peter Hain. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the former Northern Ireland secretary argues that attempts to prosecute the troops should be abandoned to help “draw a line” under the conflict. His article comes after a disclosure that several IRA suspects have been given immunity from prosecution.

Bloody Sunday troops ‘should be given immunity’

7. GRAVITY AND SLAVE SET FOR OSCARS

Space thriller Gravity is expected to grab several awards at Sunday’s Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles. However, the film most tipped to win best picture is 12 Years A Slave. The 86th Academy Awards will be hosted by Ellen DeGeneres. Unexpected wet weather has hit Tinseltown in recent days, leading to the red carpet being covered with plastic.

Oscars 2014: who will win the big awards on Sunday night?

8. SEX ABUSE CLAIMS SWEEP BRITISH ARMY

The UK armed forces have been hit by a wave of sex crime allegations, according to figures in the Sunday Times. The statistics, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show 150 alleged sexual assaults and 75 rape allegations were reported to military police between 2011 and 2013. However, an MP on the defence select committee says the figures could be the “tip of the iceberg”.

9. BROADBAND ‘ADDS 20% TO HOUSE VALUE’

Homes without broadband could be worth up to 20% less than equivalent properties with a strong internet connection, say house market experts. “Broadband has become ingrained in people's lives and is an important factor when choosing a home,” said a spokesman for property search website Rightmove.

10. LEAGUE CUP: MAN CITY V SUNDERLAND

Manchester City and Sunderland come head to head in today’s League Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Sergio Aguero is fit to return to City’s squad after missing five matches with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile in the Premier League, Tottenham’s clash with Cardiff is the pick of today’s ties. The North Londoners can move within four points of fourth-placed Manchester City.