The Latest Breaking News from Belgorod

Ukrainian leader says 100 Russian soldiers captured since surprise incursion began, as Russia denies strategic impact.

Ukraine on Wednesday pressed its surprise offensive in Russian territory and bombarded the neighbouring border region of Belgorod, where the governor has declared a state of emergency.

Russia’s Belgorod border region has declared an emergency under heavy shelling by Ukrainian forces that are pressing a major cross-border incursion into the adjacent Kursk region for a second week

Belgorod, Russia, declares emergency as Ukrainian forces enter Russian territory, escalating tensions and prompting evacuations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday on Telegram that humanitarian aid and a temporary military administration may be needed in the Kursk region as a Ukrainian official outlined plans to establish evacuation corridors for civilians looking to flee. Read our liveblog to see how all the day's events unfolded.

Kyiv, which claims to control 1,000sq km of Russia, has ordered army to develop next ‘key steps’ of operation.

Everything going to plan, Ukrainian commander Syrskyi tells Volodymyr Zelenskiy; soldiers recount how Russians failed to protect border. What we know on day 903

Thousands of Ukrainian troops have entered the Kursk and Belgorod regions and are said to be controlling border territories

Ukrainian troops seize Russian villages near border, prompting evacuation. Russian authorities respond with counter-terror operations.

The incursion surprised Moscow, with analysts saying the attack will change the course of the war.

Kyiv increased activity near the border just days after its biggest incursion into Russian territory since 2022