Russia ‘pauses’ Ukraine’s incursion; Kyiv says 74 areas in its control, but occupation not the goal

Russian forces repelled a Ukrainian attempt to further incursion in the Kursk region, halting armoured groups near several settlements. Kyiv stated the operation aimed to protect Ukraine from long-range attacks originating from Kursk. Ukraine’s military commander reported control over 74 settlements and 40sqkm gained in the past day.