Ukrainian president says push into Russian Kursk region is to create buffer zone

The destruction of a key bridge in Russia’s Kursk region (Ukrainian Armed Force via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border.

It was the first time Mr Zelensky clearly stated the aim of the operation that began on August 6. Previously, he had said the operation aimed to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling.