Amid reports of more wins for Zelensky's forces in Belgorod, Putin may yet regret invading his neighbour's land. The change in fortunes shows how Kyiv kept its elite combat troops ready to strike.

The actor-turned-president's term ends on 20 May and new elections will not take place, prompting questions—especially in Russia—about the legitimacy of Zelensky continuing in office

Both Moscow and Kyiv have several moves left to alter the war's outcome. The ability to do so largely depends on the commitment of resources and the will to fight.

The willingness of the Ukrainians to strike targets inside Russia represents a significant challenge for Putin, who claimed the war on Ukraine was to 'secure Russia's borders'