Newspaper headlines: Abramovich poisoning and first Partygate fines

Nearly all the front pages feature reports that the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and two Ukrainian negotiators were poisoned at informal peace talks - a week after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Abramovich "blinded in poison attack" is the headline on the front of the Daily Mail. It says the oligarch suffered piercing eye pain, while skin on his face and hands peeled off, after eating chocolate at the talks.

A "chemical attack" left the Chelsea football club owner temporarily blinded, according to the Sun.

The Times says the apparent attack has been blamed on Russian hardliners opposed to a peace deal. However, the paper also quotes an American official casting doubt on claims of an attack - and pointing instead to an "environmental factor". The Daily Mirror calls the suspected poisoning a "new Russia outrage".

The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph both lead on so-called Partygate. They say Scotland Yard has concluded that "laws were broken at the heart of government", as they report that the first 20 or so fines for Covid lockdown breaches in Downing Street are to be issued, "with more to come".

The Telegraph says it is unclear who exactly will be fined, but adds this development risks reigniting the political backlash which Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced earlier in the year.

"Johnson and Sunak row goes nuclear" is the headline on the front of the i newspaper. It reports that the UK's new energy strategy is being delayed because of a disagreement over the prime minister's desire to spend more than £100bn on nuclear power.

The i says Mr Johnson wants six or seven nuclear power stations to be built as part of Britain's pivot away from fossil fuels, but it says Chancellor Rishi Sunak has refused to agree to such a spending commitment.

The Daily Express leads with a report that state pensions will increase by more than 7% next year. The paper says Mr Sunak is guaranteeing the return of the "triple lock", after criticism of its suspension.

The policy commits to increasing the value of the state pension every new tax year by either inflation, average wage growth or 2.5% - whichever is higher. The Express says the move will be welcomed by pensioners, who it says have been "battered by the soaring cost of living".

"Duke back on parade" is the headline on the front of The Metro. It reports that Prince Andrew will today make his first public appearance with the Royal Family since settling his US sex assault case.

The paper says he is listed to be among the guests who will be attending the thanksgiving service for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey.

Pictures of actor Will Smith striking comedian Chris Rock in the face during the Oscars' ceremony in Los Angeles cover the front pages.

The Independent calls it "the slap that overshadowed the Oscars". "Acting out" is how the Times describes what happened, when Smith saw red after a joke was made about his wife's hair loss.

The Sun describes the fallout as a "Hollywood punch-up", with stars divided as the organisers of the Oscars launch an inquiry.

The Mail thinks the slap could cost Smith his best actor award for the film King Richard, with which he was presented a short time later.

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