For several days the people of Kyiv have been preparing for the arrival of the convoy Russia along 60 kilometers. This convoy contains tanks, armored vehicles and artillery that will attack the capital Ukraine the.
On Thursday (3/2), United States (US) intelligence said the convoy was still stuck some distance from Kyiv.
“We are still assessing that the convoy that everyone is focusing on is stalled. We have no reason to doubt the Ukrainian claims they have that they contributed to stopping it by attacking it,” a senior US official said.
Earlier in the day, Britain’s defense ministry said the convoy appeared to have stalled some 30 kilometers (19 miles) outside Kyiv and had made little progress over the past three days.
“The main part of the large Russian group advancing in Kyiv remains more than 30 km from the city center. They have been delayed by persistent Ukrainian resistance, mechanical breakdowns and traffic jams.
The group has made little visible progress in more than three days,” the UK defense ministry said in a statement.
Additionally, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said late Wednesday that while Russian convoys and strikes had stalled, there were concerns the door could be closed to providing aid to besieged cities.
A senior US defense official said that although the convoy experienced a shortage of fuel and food, the US assessed Russia would learn from its mistakes and would try to address it.
Furthermore, the stalled movement of the convoy could create a lot of problems for Russia.
First, as Russia’s main supply line for any major offensive in Kyiv. It was a very easy silent target for Ukrainian forces.
Second, staying in a 60-kilometer convoy jam for days can demoralize and discipline Russian troops ahead of a large-scale military operation.
Martti Kari, who previously served as assistant to Finland’s chief of defense intelligence, said stranded like this was bad for morale for two reasons.
“Firstly, Ukraine has drones and planes that can attack convoys. Second, when you are sitting in the same place, rumors circulate that affect your mindset. So you get nervous and tired, it’s not a good combination,” he said, as quoted CNN.
A long Russian convoy is thought to have entered Ukraine via Belarus. Belarus is a key ally of Putin where Russia has moved large numbers of troops in recent weeks in what they call “joint exercises”.
But by the time the exercises ended, the troops did not leave and the satellite images did show that Russia was increasing their military presence in the country.
(lom/bac)
–
