Russia has told people in Kyiv to leave their homes ahead of strikes on key intelligence targets – as the US said Moscow’s advance on the Ukrainian capital had “stalled”, with some units surrendering to President Zelenskyy’s troops “without a fight”.
Russia’s defence ministry said on Tuesday its forces will target the Security Service of Ukraine and the 72nd Center for Information and Psychological Operations (PSO) with strikes.
The defence ministry added the attacks will be designed to “thwart informational attacks against Russia”.
“We urge Ukrainian citizens involved by Ukrainian nationalists in provocations against Russia, as well as Kyiv residents living near relay stations, to leave their homes.”
The warning comes as a senior US official reportedly said Russia’s attack on Kyiv has “stalled“, with some units “surrendering without a fight” to Ukrainian troops.
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The official anonymously told US media on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s forces have come up against several logistical issues as they continue to struggle to take control of Kyiv.
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Some units are even running out of food and fuel, the official told CNN.
They added that Russia’s advance on Kyiv remains stuck “where it was yesterday”.
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“There has been in the last six days evidence of a certain risk averse behaviour by the Russian military.
“And they’ve got, a lot of these soldiers are conscripts, never been in combat before, some of whom we believe weren’t even told they were going to be in combat.”
In other developments:
• Boris Johnson says more than 200,000 Ukrainians could be allowed to join family in UK
• PM put on spot by tearful Ukrainian reporter who says people in fear over “bombs and missiles”
• Prince Charles calls Russian invasion an act of “brutal aggression”
• Mariupol said to be under “constant shelling” – as separatists say they have set up corridors to evacuate civilians
• More than 520,000 refugees have already fled Ukraine to European neighbours, says UN
The official said Mr Putin is likely “regrouping, rethinking, re-evaluating” and warned Moscow may “change their tactics” before continuing its attempt to take control of the city.
“One reason why things appear to be stalled north of Kyiv is that the Russians themselves are regrouping and rethinking and trying to adjust to the challenges that they’ve had,” the official said.
“They will regroup, they will adjust, they will change their tactics.”
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It comes as five people were killed in an attack on Kyiv’s TV tower on Tuesday afternoon.
The attack took place near a memorial site commemorating the victims of Babyn Yar, one of the biggest single massacres of Jews during the Holocaust.
Meanwhile, talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials took place on the Belarusian border on Monday.
Russian news agency TASS, citing a Russian source, has said a second round of talks is planned for Wednesday.
Ukraine has said the talks are aimed at establishing a ceasefire and Russia’s withdrawal, but Western officials are wary of Russia’s motives.
