Frontline fighting: Russia advancing in shockoffensive north of Kharkiv | BBC News

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

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

It follows months of largely static fighting overdefensive 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 bysurprise by the opening of the new front north ofKharkiv. Thousands of civilians are fleeing the area.The Russian advance could directly threaten Kharkiv ifits forces reach artillery range of the city.

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