As temporary cease-fires break down, Russia remains intent on encircling Kyiv, Ukraine says
Source: Washington Post
The main threat to the capital appears to be the massive Russian convoy, about 20 miles from the city.
MUKACHEVO, Ukraine — Cease-fire deals intended to let civilians leave besieged Ukrainian cities broke down early Saturday within hours of being reached, while in Kyiv, mass evacuations continued and air raid sirens sounded repeatedly as Ukraine’s defense minister warned of a gathering threat to the capital city from approaching columns of Russian troops.
Ukrainian officials accused Russia of violating temporary truce agreements in the southern cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha. In Mariupol, where the mayor yesterday warned that the port city was facing a “humanitarian catastrophe,” the city council on Saturday advised citizens to evacuate, before reversing course and urging people to hunker down because, they said, Russian forces continued to shell the city.
Volnovakha, a city of roughly 21,000, also endured “heavy artillery” assaults during the cease-fire, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister said. Russia denied breaking the truce, accusing Ukraine of using civilians as “human shields.”
Also Saturday, a powerful explosion struck a residential area in Bila Tserkva, 50 miles south of Kyiv. Local officials said they suspected a Russian rocket attack. Several people were injured, but there were no immediate reports of fatalities.
Read more: https://wapo.st/3tEsIum
I'm worried that the siege of Kiev may end up like that of the siege of Leningrad. Encirclement and mass starvation may be Putin's plan; reportedly his family had to endure that during WWII. That may be the way to force a surrender.
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