Ukrainian forces have responded to Russian efforts to expel them from one part of Russian territory by launching a large number of attacks on another border area, using drones, artillery and troops.

At the height of the campaign, Ukrainian forces controlled some 500 square miles of Russian territory. Now they hold just a small sliver of land along the border.

Russian forces are stepping up attacks along Ukraine's northeastern border in a bid to break into the Sumy region, Kyiv's top general said on Thursday.

Ukrainian troops have been progressing in the Belgorod region with the aim of diverting Moscow's troops from Kursk, it has been reported.

Putin suggested Ukraine be placed under a form of temporary administration to reach a settlement in the war, Russian news agencies reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his nation will soon overwhelm and destroy the Ukrainian military, and suggested the United Nations take control of the country if the war ends. Putin made the bellicose comments,