Ukraine

NBC News - Ukraine said it was holding 1,000 square kilometers, or 386 square miles, of Russian territory a week after a surprise cross-border assault in the Kursk border region that left the Kremlin scrambling. The declaration from Ukrainian Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to "squeeze out" Ukrainian troops from the country. Ukraine's incursion in Kursk has embarrassed the Kremlin and bolstered morale, but many observers have wondered what Kyiv is hoping to achieve. Putin suggested the assault is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's hand in future peace talks.