Putin placed on back foot as Ukraine launches SECOND incursion into Russian territory

Volodymyr Zelensky’s soldiers have been attacking border checkpoints as Russia desperately attempts to halt a Ukrainian breakthrough.

In an attempt to quell concern, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said: "According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the situation on the border remains difficult but under control.

"Our military is carrying out planned work. Please remain calm and trust only official sources of information."

However, rumours of Ukrainian attacks have been circulating on Telegram.

It is being speculated that as many as 300 Ukrainians have launched towards the Shebekino border crossing.

A further 200 men have also been targeting Nekhoteyevka to the west.

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Belgorod is just 23 miles from the Nekhoteyevka checkpoint and has a population of almost 350,000.

Shot, a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, claimed Ukrainian troops were met by heavy Russian fire.

However, Ukraine's military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said his troops had reached the 100-town milestone in their Kursk offensive.

He told Ukrainian TV that Kyiv now controls 500 square miles of Russian soil.

Putin appears increasingly frustrated by Ukraine, opting to launch deadly strikes in a bid to crush the spirits of those hoping to loosen Russia’s grip.

Condemning the barrage of attacks from Russia, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "The UK utterly condemns Russia’s cowardly missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine today.

"These assaults are in flagrant violation of international law and those responsible must be brought to justice."

Zelensky has also defended his decision to send troops into Russia.

The Ukrainian President said: “The main point … is forcing Russia to end the war.”

He added: “We really want justice for Ukraine. And if this plan is accepted — and second, if it is executed — we believe that the main goal will be reached.”