Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops have crossed into Russia’s Belgorod region, a move likely to anger President Putin.

The Ukarinian President said: “We are preparing appropriate steps to reduce the accumulation of their troops...and the fact that it geographically falls into the Bryansk region, we don’t care what regions they have there.”

Analysts believe he misspoke, as Bryansk does not border Belgorod - Kyiv’s incursion took place in Belgorod, south of Kursk.

The operation appears to be a limited effort to tie down Russian forces rather than a large-scale offensive.

Mr Zelensky also addressed the situation in Kursk, stating: “In the Kursk direction, the guys are doing everything possible and impossible. We have our presence there, our physical presence without any encirclement.”