Russian forces have been gaining ground in their most significant advance in Ukraine for many months.

Troops crossed the border from Russia, north of Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv, seizing territory in a surprise new offensive.

It follows months of largely static fighting over defensive positions in the east and south of Ukraine, where Russia has held territory occupied since its invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian forces appear to have been caught by surprise by the opening of the new front north of Kharkiv. Thousands of civilians are fleeing the area. The Russian advance could directly threaten Kharkiv if its forces reach artillery range of the city.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by James Waterhouse and Jeremy Bowen.

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