Russia strikes back at Ukrainian forces in Kursk region

Evacuees from the Belgorod region's Krasnoyaruzhsky district, who left their homes following an incursion of Ukrainian troops in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, arrive at a temporary accommodation centre located in the town of Stroitel in the Belgorod region, Russia August 12, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer

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

Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers smashed through the Russian border a week ago in a surprise attack that Russian President Vladimir Putin said was aimed at improving Kyiv's negotiating position ahead of possible talks and slowing the advance of Russian forces along the front.