Post by pieter on Feb 27, 2022 12:12:53 GMT -7
Source: The Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (English: Dutch Broadcasting Foundation)[1] is one of the broadcasting organisations making up the Netherlands Public Broadcasting system. It has a special statutory obligation to make news and sports programmes for the three Dutch public television channels and the Dutch public radio services. Translated by Pieter with Google translate. nos.nl/artikel/2419026-russische-opmars-vertraagd-door-fel-oekraiens-verzet-en-logistieke-problemen
'Russian advance slowed by fierce Ukrainian resistance and logistical problems'
'Ukrainian soldiers in Kiev AFP
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 is not true 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.
Another reason that the Russians are moving less quickly than they had announced is because they are reluctant, says defense expert Peter Wijninga of the Hague Center for Strategic Studies. "We know the images of Russian bombing over Syria, and that hasn't happened here yet. If they want to, they can."
According to Wijninga, the Russians mainly try to target military targets and to inflict as few civilian casualties as possible. "That also means it takes longer to achieve certain military objectives."
According to Wijninga, the reticence may have to do with the opinion of the Ukrainian people about Russia. Putin would not want to antagonize the people too much. In doing so, the president makes an error of judgment. "I don't think the Ukrainians think more favorably of the Russians if they see that they don't completely bomb their cities."
The Russians attack from three areas: Donbas, Crimea and Belarus. The main attack takes place from the latter country, because the Ukrainian capital Kiev is not far from the border.
The map below shows the current situation in Ukraine, as far as we know:
Russia's main goal is to take Kiev, the Ministry of Defense says. According to Wijninga, if all parliament buildings in the city are occupied, there will be no government anymore.
The aim is to ensure that Ukraine is no longer able to make political decisions and that the armed forces are no longer controlled. Should that happen, the defense expert expects the fierce battle against Russia to continue. "Then you're going to have a long period of guerrilla fighting."
In any case, an attempt to take the capital is not without a struggle. "It will be a house-to-house fight. There can be an ambush on every corner of the street and shots can be fired from every window," says Wijninga. "The Russians are far from finished here."
Meanwhile, President Zelensky is handing out weapons to anyone who wants to fight against Russia:
Despite everything, former Commander of the Armed Forces Tom Middendorp does not think that Russia has underestimated the situation in advance. He tells the NOS that Russia is waging the war in a "sort of logical order".
They have started shelling vital infrastructure. Then came units that occupied, for example, airfields. "After that you get the 'link' up with ground troops. And that's actually the phase we're in now. Ground troops steaming up from all sides, all aimed at the capital."
Middendorp does say that the operation seems difficult for Russia. According to him, this has to do with all Ukrainians who are willing to fight for their country.
He also believes that the size of Ukraine plays a role. Military vehicles therefore have to bridge long distances and that costs a lot of fuel. Supplying them is a challenge for the Russians.
25 februari 2022
