- Pronouns
- He/Him
British Ministry of Defence also confirming this morning that Ukrainian resistance is far greater than Russia anticipated. They are fighting bravely and one reason the night attack on Kyiv hasn't yet worked is because Russian armour and mechanised units are being held up in the approaches to the capital, well outside of it, by Ukrainian defenders. Last night's incursion into Kyiv was by Russian special forces and paratroopers without armoured support, due to that Ukrainian resistance at the initial points of Russia's advance. The MoD assessment is that Russia has largely failed in securing any initial objectives - no control over major population centres and yet to establish air superiority. Russia struck at some outdated positions in their barrages, suggesting an intelligence failure on their part - they didn't realise Ukraine had moved some of its air defence systems, nor how much of Ukraine's air defence relies on mobile kit now. Russia hasn't managed to nullify Ukrainian command and control, either; cyber attacks may now intensify in an attempt to prevent Kyiv from communicating with commanders across the country.
Ukraine bought themselves time, and are fighting bravely, and have prevented Russia from forcing a quick surrender by removing the existing government. But Russia still has yet to commit two thirds of the forces surrounding the country. Of course, the Russians can't commit all of those forces at once, and the movement of forces is stalled due to greater than expected resistance.
French sources, including President Macron, also believe something significant has changed with Putin, based on Macron's recent meetings with him.
Ukraine bought themselves time, and are fighting bravely, and have prevented Russia from forcing a quick surrender by removing the existing government. But Russia still has yet to commit two thirds of the forces surrounding the country. Of course, the Russians can't commit all of those forces at once, and the movement of forces is stalled due to greater than expected resistance.
According to Marco Rubio, there's something about Putin we don't know that might have influenced his decision.
French sources, including President Macron, also believe something significant has changed with Putin, based on Macron's recent meetings with him.