Moscow on Monday said it retook two villages from Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, as Russian troops mount a counter-offensive in the border area where Kyiv launched its surprise incursion in August. Russia’s defence ministry said army units “continuing offensive actions, liberated the settlements of Uspenovka and Borki.” Ukraine said on Monday it had asked the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to join humanitarian efforts in Russia’s Kursk region following a cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces.