At least seven people have been killed as Russian forces attacked Kyiv and other cities early this morning, officials said. Moscow and Kyiv have exchanged attacks as Russia said it faced a barrage of Ukrainian drones and intercepted or destroyed around 100 of the unmanned Ukrainian weapons including some aimed at Moscow.

Ukrainian forces made a surprise incursion into Kursk in August 2024, before being pushed out by Russian troops nine months later.

Ukrainian forces are bracing for another major frontline assault from Russia after learning of a large build-up of pre-battle troops in the north east.

Vladimir Putin has visited Kursk for the first time since claiming to have completely retaken the Russian region from Ukrainian forces, state media reported on Wednesday, as the Russian president attempts to repel international pressure to agree to a 30-day ceasefire on the other side of the border.

The 1998 crisis worsened the situation, as a global recession and falling commodity prices led to fiscal imbalances and doubts about Russia’s ability to service its debt and uphold the fixed exchange rate. The central bank raised interest rates to 150% to try and stabilise the rouble, but this failed.

Statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin about creating a buffer zone are evidence of the Russian Federation's aggression, said Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Russian leader traveled to the region in the west of the country where a surprise incursion last year embarrassed Moscow.

Zelensky says Putin makes ‘mockery of entire world’ as historic prisoner swap continues - The Ukrainian president said 390 prisoners were returned on Friday, with more to follow over the weekend