Hello. Ukraine’s offensive inside Russia has been going on for more than a week. From Moscow, Steve Rosenberg assesses how much damage the incursion can do to the authority of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In the US, the Trump campaign has focused its first attack ad against Kamala Harris on immigration. Will Grant examines how much of the border policy fell under Ms Harris's remit. We're also looking at how rising sea levels threaten a Kenyan coastal town, and at an unusual example of inter-species maternal solidarity.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Why Trump targets Harris's border record

At a press event in Guatemala in 2021, VP Harris told those seeking to cross the US southern border: 'Do not come'. Credit: Reuters

Americans say in polls that immigration is a top problem facing their country. It's little wonder the Trump campaign seeks to portray Vice-President Kamala Harris as a “failed border tsar”, blaming her for the high numbers of undocumented immigrants at the US southern border.

Where does the "border tsar" label come from?

“Border tsar” is a contested term. Allies and former officials who worked with the vice-president say she was not given responsibility for policing the border. While the ultimate aim of the Harris role was to reduce the numbers of people arriving, President Joe Biden never used the words “border tsar” in announcing her appointment. Still, many people came to see the assignment as all-encompassing. Several media organisations, including the BBC, described Ms Harris as a “tsar” in news reports.

How has the Harris campaign responded to the Trump attack line?

The Harris campaign focused on Trump’s opposition to the immigration deal, and accused him of trying to stop her from fixing the "broken" immigration system. They also highlighted her work before the Biden administration, insisting that, as California’s attorney general, Ms Harris prosecuted cartels and drug-trafficking gangs - and as president would crack down on fentanyl and human trafficking.

What is the current situation at the US border?

In recent months, the overall number of undocumented migrants has plummeted. This is partly due to an executive order issued by President Biden allowing migrants in the US illegally to be deported without processing their asylum requests. There are also more legal pathways into the United States for prospective migrants.

• North Carolina rally: Trump is set to present his economic proposals at the campaign event, as he faces scrutiny from union workers.

• Listen: The Global Story podcast takes the temperature of the White House race ahead of the Democratic National Convention next week. 

THE BIG PICTURE

Sea slowly swallows a Kenyan beauty spot

Kipini is built at the mouth of Kenya’s longest waterway, the Tana River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. Credit: BBC

When Roberto Macri built his luxury hotel in the Kenyan coastal village of Kipini, it was about 100m (330ft) away from the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean. For nearly two decades, the business thrived. But by 2019, the hotel's nine guest cottages had been swallowed by the sea - one after the other.

And finally... in Ireland

In July, 19-year-old orangutan Mujur gave birth to her third baby at Dublin zoo. As the primate had exhibited little interest in her previous offspring, the zoo recruited a group of breastfeeding women to inspire her to feed and care for the newcomer. The initiative has achieved partial success.