Kursk incursion aimed at creating buffer zone to protect Ukraine, Zelenskiy says

President states he wants to stop cross-border attacks by Russian forces and that counteroffensive was much needed

Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Ukraine's military incursion into Russia's Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border.

It marked the first time the Ukrainian president had clearly stated the aim of the operation, which was launched on 6 August. Previously, he had suggested it aimed to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling.