The Ukrainian invasion of Russia is already in its second week, and there are still some uncertainties about the events in Kursk.

Vitaliy Shevchenko, BBC Monitoring’s Russia editor, answers some of the key questions, including when the incursion might end and whether Ukraine or Russia will prevail.

Take us to this border region – what does the border look like now?

It is a predominantly rural area, with agriculture as the main activity. So far, not much has happened there. The Russians say that 180,000 people are being evacuated and that it is a huge operation to get them food.

Will Russia use nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons are designed to deter people, not necessarily to use them. One thing I’ve learned after observing Putin for more than two decades is that he doesn’t like to act under pressure.

Who has the upper hand, who wins?

Thinking back to how it started, Ukrainians would be happy to still be fighting, but they are tired – can you imagine living under constant air raids, without electricity, without running water and in darkness for over two years?

Why is Zelensky doing this and when will he stop?

The longer the Ukrainians stay in Kursk, the more difficult it will be. Russia is a huge country and the Ukrainians are operating in a hostile country where logistics are difficult. This is a big risk. It is far from over, but it can still go wrong.