The gunmen who killed 15 people on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, were a father and son aged 50 and 24, police have confirmed. The older man died at the scene, while his son is in a critical condition in hospital. Local media named them as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed. The men are reported to have links to the Islamic State group. The attack targeted those at an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. A fruit shop owner, Ahmed al-Ahmed, who disarmed one of the shooters has been hailed as a "hero", while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the need for tougher gun laws" will be on the agenda for a cabinet meeting on Monday.

As Vladimir Putin sat opposite American envoys in the Kremlin, he exuded an air of supreme confidence, writes James Landale. The Russian president reckons the diplomatic tide has turned in his favour, with an improved relationship with America and gains on the battlefield. Some analysts say Putin has no incentive to retreat from his demands, but there are a few possible scenarios that could make him reconsider.