Russian authorities say the suspect in the killing of a Russian general in a car bomb explosion claimed he was paid by the Ukrainian Security Service as he pleaded guilty to terrorism charges

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his country has recaptured Kursk, the border region where Ukraine launched a surprise offensive last year, though Kyiv insists its troops are fiercely battling to preserve its foothold in the territory.

Ukraine has denied Russian claims that it has been forced out of Russia's Kursk region. Valery Gerasimov, chief of staff of Russia's military, said his forces had regained full control of the region,