Ukraine says it has no interest in occupying Russian territory

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has insisted that Kyiv has no interest in occupying Russian territory – and said its cross border incursion was aimed at frustrating Moscow’s military logistics and their ability to launch attacks, protecting Ukrainian lives.

Russia again insisted it had put a stop to the Ukrainian advance – although President Zelenskyy said 74 communities were currently under Ukrainian control – despite what he called “difficult and intense battles”.