4th March, 2022
With just one Ukrainian city under Russian control since the 24 February invasion, the American defence establishment, the Pentagon believes the invaders are not finding it easy.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby commended the effort Ukrainian forces are putting forth as the Russian invasion continues.
“They are fighting bravely in the streets, and outside their cities, and they are fighting very creatively,” Kirby said while speaking live with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.
As for the Russian convoy that has seemingly stalled outside of Kyiv, Kirby said he felt that Russia remains focused on completing a siege of the capital city.
“As of this morning, we still assessed that the advance of the Russian forces was still about 25 kilometers from the city center, but they are trying to close in,” he said.
“They are still outside the city, but we still believe that their intent is to try to encircle Kyiv, and ultimately occupy it.”
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the invasion is “going according to plan,” Kirby offered a different assessment.
“The Russians have been flummoxed, they’ve been frustrated, they have been set back, they have been slowed by a stiff and determined Ukrainian resistance.
“We also believe that they have stumbled themselves,” he said. “They’re having logistic and sustainment problems. They’re running out of fuel, they’re running out of food for some of their soldiers.
“They have been surprised by the manner in which, and the effectiveness, with which the Ukrainians have been defending their cities, and their people.”