Thousands of Ukrainian troops crossed over into Kursk more than a week ago, launching the most significant advance into Russian territory since the start of full-scale war nearly two-and-a-half years ago.
Ukraine has launched its biggest counter offensive since Russia first invaded, with kamikaze drone strikes on two major airfields being the latest blow to Putin's forces.
The foray east, initially with a tiny contingent of around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers and several vehicles, has driven out overstretched 'conscripts and irregular forces' and displaced tens of thousands of people in the biggest Ukrainian attack of the war.
Russia used missiles, drones and airstrikes on Tuesday in an attempt to claw back territory, with one senior commander claiming Kyiv’s advance was over, even as the evacuation of residents from border areas continued.