The war in Ukraine has been going on for three days and according to the British and Americans, Russian soldiers are now 30 kilometers away from the capital Kiev. However, according to several experts, the Russian advance seems to be delayed due to problems with the supply of goods and fuel. In addition, the Russians encountered fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army.
The Kremlin said this afternoon that the offensive by Russian troops was paused yesterday at the behest of President Putin. Russia is said to be awaiting peace talks with Ukraine, but that country would refuse to sit at the negotiating table. That is why, according to a Russian government spokesman, it was decided to resume the advance “again according to plan”.
An adviser to Ukrainian President Zelensky says it not right that the country has rejected the peace restrictions. Also, according to the adviser, it is “absolutely false” that Russia has paused the offensive, as the Kremlin says. The Ukrainian troops meanwhile continue to offer unabated resistance.
Difficult terrain
The Dutch Commander of the Armed Forces, General Onno Eichelsheim, is not surprised that Russia is struggling to beat the Ukrainian army. The Russians have to deal with difficult terrain in parts of Ukraine. That works to their disadvantage, he says.
In addition, the morale of the Ukrainian troops is high. “They are ready to fight for the country,” said the Chief of the Armed Forces. The resistance they are currently offering is strong and that is why, according to him, the battle is far from over. The longer the Ukrainians hold out, the smaller the chance that Russia will win this war, Eichelsheim thinks. Extra time brings more challenges, such as supplying troops and vehicles.
The British Ministry of Defense also says that the Russian advance has probably slowed down due to problems with logistics and strong resistance.
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