Russia attacks Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region

Russian forces on Tuesday hit back at Ukrainian troops with missiles, drones and airstrikes in actions that a senior commander said had halted Ukraine's advance after the biggest attack on Russian sovereign territory since the war began.

Ukrainian soldiers breached the Russian border a week ago in a surprise attack that Russian President Vladimir Putin said was aimed at improving Kiev's negotiating position ahead of possible talks and slowing the advance of Russian forces along the front, Reuters reports. 

Ukraine occupied part of Russian territory, illustrating the weakness of Russia's border defenses and prompting Moscow to evacuate at least 200 people.

Russian war bloggers reported intense fighting across the Kursk front as Ukrainian forces tried to extend their hold, although they said Russia was bringing in soldiers and heavy weaponry and had repulsed many of the Ukrainian attacks.