Ukraine's 'tough phase'

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region is an attempt by Kyiv to stop Moscow's offensive in the Donbas region.

Speaking at a meeting with top security and defence officials, Mr Putin said the attack that began last Tuesday appeared to reflect Kyiv's attempt to gain a better negotiating position in future talks.

He argued that Ukraine may have hoped to destabilise the domestic situation in Russia, adding that it has failed to achieve the goal, and that the number of volunteers to join the Russian military has increased.

He said the Russian military has pushed its offensive in the Donbas and vowed that Moscow will achieve its military goals.