Voice of America (VOA) reporter Jeff Seldin talked to a senior US Department of Defense (Pentagon) official about the latest situation in the Ukraine war. The official said that Russia has not yet made the expected progress on the ground, but has a large number of combat forces.
Noting that there was not much change in the situation compared to the day before, the official stated that Russia’s progress stopped outside the Kyiv city center and that there was no significant progress towards the center yet.
‘Russian forces stopped outside the city center of Kyiv’
Stating that the convoy on its way to Kiev could be stopped, partly due to logistical problems, and partly because of the resistance of the Ukrainian forces targeting the Russian convoy, the official said that Russia was acting more aggressively towards the infrastructure, especially when targeting Kiev.
The official also stated that they thought that the effective and highly creative Ukrainian resistance had an effect on stopping Russia’s advance on Kiev.
Stating that the convoy advancing to Kiev carried both combat power and logistical support, the official said that one of the reasons why the convoy stopped was the failure of all other elements in front of them to make progress. .
However, the official said that Russia can take lessons from them and noted that it is necessary to be vigilant.
“We have to think that they want to enter Kiev and overthrow the government,” said the official, adding that this was one of the reasons they placed the city under siege.
The official, who warned that Russian soldiers may increase the artillery fire as they approach the settlements, stated that Russia openly hit civilian targets in Ukraine and continues to inflict civilian casualties.
Noting that the Russian forces also stopped their advance outside the cities of Chernihiv and Kharkiv, the official noted that clashes continue in the southern city of Kherson.
Emphasizing that the resistance was particularly strong in Chernihiv and Kharkiv, the official said that the Russian forces advancing to these two cities had difficulties in continuing the process.
Noting that Russian forces are approaching the city of Mariupol from various directions, the official said the city could be surrounded by Russian soldiers on Wednesday.
The official noted that there has not been an operation by land or sea to the Ukrainian city of Odessa, but the situation may change.
Explaining that Russia is advancing to Mariupol in the north using the Azaz Sea coastline, the official noted that Mariupol is an important center that Russia wants to seize. He added that there is no indication that Russia has any intention of holding the coastline.
‘The fight for airspace continues’
Stating that the struggle for the Ukrainian airspace continues, the official stated that Russia has not yet achieved full control over the Ukrainian airspace, and that the Ukrainian air defense forces are still resisting.
The official said that which side controls the airspace can change every hour of the day.
Stating that the USA thinks that Russia has launched more than 450 missiles so far, the official said that they could not confirm the allegations that Russia used cluster munitions in Ukraine.
Regarding the situation of Russia’s nuclear powers, the official said, “We have not seen a disturbing situation that would change our strategic deterrence position.”
Stating that all of the combat forces that Russia intends to use are in Ukraine and they do not see any signs of further troop dispatch, the Pentagon official added that there is no sign that Russia is tired when it comes to combat power.
Noting that the integration of Russia’s armed forces is weaker than expected, the official said that Russia will continue to adapt to the situation by trying to alleviate the food and fuel shortage, and said, “The Russians could not make the progress we thought they could make, but it is useful to remember that they have too many combat forces at their disposal.”
Noting that there is no indication that Russia deployed reserve soldiers or national guards in the war, the official stated that Belarus did not deploy soldiers and was not involved in the war.
‘Putin can still step back’
Stating that Putin can still step back from the attack if a meaningful ceasefire is agreed, the official said, “We are concerned that the more severe the Russian attacks, the more indiscriminate they will be.”
When asked about casualties in Ukraine, the official said, “We do not have confidence in the death toll from different sources. We do not want to contribute to the confusion by explaining the number without being sure,” he said.
Noting that the US has directly delivered its aid to the Ukrainian armed forces, the official said, “This includes the shipments made in the last 24 hours.”
Noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is still at the head of the troops, the official noted that Ukraine is using its assets quite well, and that the will of the civilian population to fight is as strong as the armed forces.