Russian troops are moving against Kyiv from a new front, according to US defence officials, as Vladimir Putin seeks to “grind down” Ukraine’s military and prepares for a new onslaught on the country’s capital.
The Pentagon on Tuesday warned Russia was stepping up efforts to encircle and move on Kyiv and was advancing on the city from the north-east of the country. The development came as the Russian military also significantly accelerated missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
A senior US defence official said Russian soldiers were skirting Kharkiv and Chernihiv and heading towards Kyiv, proceeding on an approach that had not been identified until recently. Russia’s troops were about 60km from the centre of the capital, the official added.