As Ukraine advances across Russia's Kursk region, fleeing residents report frantic escapes from their homes, angry frustration about how local authorities are handling the wave of displaced people, and a wide gap between state propaganda and reality.

Ukraine has claimed fresh advances in its offensive into Russia, saying it seized over 1,100 square kilometres in the biggest attack by a foreign army on Russian soil since World War II.

Ukraine is firing artillery and launching drone strikes on Russia's Belgorod region, according the the Russian governor of the territory, who has declared a state of emergency.