The Loop: Zelenskyy says Russians acted 'like terrorists', new hypersonic missile pact, and the science behind 'puppy dog eyes'

Good morning, it's Wednesday, April 6. Here's what you need to get going today.

One thing to know right now: Zelenskyy says Russians acted 'like terrorists'

Here's the latest from overnight: 

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told the United Nations that Russian soldiers have acted like "terrorists" during the invasion of his country

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke via remote feed during a meeting of the UN Security Council. (AP: John Minchillo)

• He detailed horrific war crimes he says were committed by Russian forces that were the worst since World War II, including the rape and murder of civilians, and showed a confronting video. Here's part of what he said:

• It was his first speech to the UN's Security Council, where he also urged them to remove Russia from the council or "dissolve yourself":

• And the ABC's correspondents have gone into the city of Bucha, the site of horrific atrocities, to talk to those who survived, including Larysa:

Larysa Savenko was trapped inside her shed for five weeks as Russians occupied her town. (ABC News: Phil Hemingway)

• The 72-year-old hid in her shed for five weeks. Here's what she said about the initial invasion:

One thing you’ll be hearing about today: The AUKUS pact

Remember this new alliance, thanks to the push for nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy? They've got some news:

• Australia will partner with the US and UK militaries to develop hypersonic missiles, as part of the AUKUS pact between the nations
• The US President Joe Biden, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Scott Morrison have issued a joint statement early this morning, updating progress on the defence technology pact
• The three countries are pressing on with the trilateral plan to develop nuclear powered submarines for Australia, with officials from all three countries scoping out sites across the country in February as they work out what infrastructure and industrial capabilities will be needed

News while you snoozed

Let's get you up to speed.

• The New Zealand military has revealed new details of why Australia's only prosecution of an elite SAS soldier for crimes in combat collapsed. An Australian Defence Force magistrate ruled against affording identity protection to New Zealand special forces witnesses
• Scientists from around the world have collaborated on a huge Alzheimer's study that has identified double the previous genetic risk factors for the disease. Dr Michelle Lupton, from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, took part in the study, and says it could hopefully help target higher risk people for preventative therapies
• Brisbane's Emily Bates has been named as the AFLW's outstanding player of the 2022 season. The Lions' vice-captain edged out Adelaide's Anne Hatchard by one vote, after the two players were tied heading into the closing round. And Ebony Antonio of Fremantle scored goal of the year for this:

The news Australia is searching for

• Ivanka Trump: We're expecting to hear more from Donald Trump's daughter (and former White House adviser) today as she testifies at the committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. Bennie Thompson, the committee's chairman, said she had been answering investigators' questions on a video teleconference and was not "chatty" but had been helpful to the probe
• Australia's men's cricket: The team has finished up its tour of Pakistan with a three-wicket victory in a T20 match. Captain Aaron Finch top scored with 55 runs off 45 balls

One more thing: Why are dogs *really* man's best friend?

See these cute eyes? 

Example A. (Supplied: Anne Burrows)

A team of scientists, led by Anne Burrows of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, has found fast-twitching muscles above the eyebrows are what enables dogs to put on their famous puppy-dog eyes.

That's the slightly worried vulnerable look that dogs get that makes us want to go, "Awww … so cuute … come and let me look after you." 

Now they've found there are a lot more fast-twitching muscles in dogs' faces — and they're also important for barking (another way your dog will convince you it wants something... often at 5 in the morning). Those fast-twitch muscles are also important for human facial expressions. 

Bradley Smith of Central Queensland University, who studies the cognition and behaviour of canines, said the study was "a great step" in our understanding of how dogs can communicate with us.

And the "mutual gaze" between dog and humans triggers the release of the love drug oxytocin in us, he added.

That's it for now

We'll be back later on with more.

ABC/wires