Ukraine says it has seized 1,000 sq km of Russia as Putin vows ‘worthy response’ | First Thing

Russian official says Ukraine has taken 28 settlements during attack on Kursk region. Plus, the comedians telling traumatic stories after Baby Reindeer

• Don't already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here

Good morning.

Ukraine's top commander says the army has seized 1,000 sq km (386 sq miles) of Russia's bordering Kursk region a week into its surprise incursion, while the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has promised a worthy response" to the attack.

How did Ukraine explain the incursion? As defensive. Zelenskiy said on Monday that Russia had used the Kursk region to launch many strikes.

What weapons is it using in Kursk - and why does this matter? It's unclear what weapons Ukraine is using, but some western countries are concerned that using their arms within Russia could drag Nato into war with Moscow.

What do the polls say now? It looks like Harris is starting to edge ahead. The Decision Desk HQ and the Hill's national polling average gives Harris a 0.3% lead over Trump, who had a 3.3% advantage over Joe Biden before Biden dropped out.