The story

The Ukrainian military says its troops now hold 74 towns and villages in Russia after a military operation.

It’s a big moment in the war as it’s the first time Ukraine have completed a significant attack across the Russian border.

Thousands of people have been asked to evacuate Kursk – a region of Western Russia where the fighting is happening.

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin has said Russia will retaliate.

News headlines

Ukraine pummels Russia in bid to carve out bigger slice of territory
Reuters

Ukraine Was Biding Its Time
The Atlantic, USA

Kyiv’s offensive gets a greenish light from its allies
Politico, Europe

Key words and phrases

carve out a bigger slice
take something from a larger whole using lots of effort

  • The company wants to carve out a bigger slice of the market and make record profits this year.

biding its time
waiting patiently for an opportunity

  • My friend waited ages to sell his car. He was biding his time until the right offer came along.

gets a greenish light
gets approval, but not completely

  • My plans for my mum’s birthday party got the greenish light, but she’s not sure about the crocodile theme.