Cross-border attack in Belgorod raises tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Cross-border raids from Ukraine into Russia were launched to draw away Moscow’s troops ahead of a planned counteroffensive by Kyiv, and to let Russians know the fight has now entered their territory, analysts say. The biggest cross-border raid from Ukraine since Russia invaded 15 months ago was almost certainly coordinated with Ukraine’s armed forces as it prepares to attempt to recapture territory. The incursion likely had three main objectives: to tie down as many Russian forces in the area as possible, to show Russians across their media that the war has actually come to Russia on their territory, and to embarrass Putin.