The high-speed destruction unleashed by Russian rockets and artillery in their brutal bombardment of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Kharkiv this week contrasts with the slow progress of a The convoy is 60 km long to the capital Kyiv.
The stalled convoy, which Western intelligence officials say has made no tangible progress over the past two days, illustrates what analysts say is Russia’s Faith that it could achieve a lightning victory in Ukraine without reinforcements and vital supply lines.
Western intelligence officials said it was unclear whether Russia had not properly planned the invasion in terms of logistical support or whether it had difficulty carrying out its plan, in part. This was because Ukrainian forces resisted stronger than expected.
“It’s a must do [large-scale] Ben Hodges, former commander of US armed forces in Europe, said. “Russia also brings together forces from all over the country that have never worked together before.”
He added: “The ammo and fuel consumption rates are always higher than you would expect, and the further the Russians go, the more ammo and fuel they will use. Military vehicles are not designed to save fuel.”
On Thursday evening, in a video address of the security council’s video conference broadcast on state television, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that “special military operations” in Ukraine were “progressing”. Strictly follow the timetable. According to the plan.”
“All the tasks that have been laid out are being successfully solved, in terms that the Kremlin has used to deny that war is an invasion,” he said.
The stationary convoy – the front reached the airport 25 km from the center of Kyiv while the rear was 60 km back down the road – delayed the removal large scale attack on the capital that Russia caused Mariupol. In besieged southern ports, civilians under constant shelling are living without electricity, water, internet access or heating in sub-zero winter temperatures.
Ukraine’s military said the Russian army was trying to “weak the resistance” of the besieged cities.
Witnesses told the Financial Times that the Russian military was witnessed raiding gas stations and supermarkets across Ukraine, while unverified videos on social media showed what appeared to be dozens of vehicles. abandoned Russian military, many have punctured tires or other mechanical failures.
“The morale is low, the equipment is poor and in bad condition, they lack food,” a senior Western defense official said, citing a senior Western defense official. reports of Russian troops looting stores.
A US defense official said the Pentagon had seen images of Russian vehicles stuck in the mud, but added that it was difficult to assess the extent of the problem. The official said Russian forces to the south appear to have fewer logistical constraints, in part because they can rely on infrastructure in nearby Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
“In the South, the soldiers are more professional: fewer conscripts, better runners, better reserves,” said the senior Western defense official.
On Thursday, negotiations between the representatives of Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement on the establishment of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians trapped in the conflict and a “temporary ceasefire”. possible times in areas where evacuations are taking place,” Moscow said.
Emma Beals, senior adviser at the European Institute for Peace, note that Russia has “strategically” used ceasefires in the war in Syria, with “resupply .” [and] regroup”.
“If they’re bogged down and struggling with supplies, that could explain willingness,” she added. “Use windows, but watch for supply lines and movement.”
