Russia attacks western Ukraine to prevent arms transfers

According to Kirby, Washington is still uncertain about the accuracy of the attacks and whether they were successful in damaging Ukrainian infrastructure.

Mr. Kirby said: “I want to remind everyone that Russia’s targeting ability is not very good. They are not very good at attacks that need precision.”

Officials said the aim of the airstrikes was likely to disrupt Western arms transfers to Ukraine.

“We think this is an attempt to disrupt the flow of arms and military equipment to Ukraine,” Kirby said. He also added that the delivery of aid to Ukraine is continuing at a rapid pace.

On May 4, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted by Russian state media outlet TASS as saying: “The US and its NATO allies continue to send weapons throughout Ukraine. I want to make it clear that Moscow considers all All weapons and equipment supplied by NATO to the Armed Forces of Ukraine are legitimate military targets.”

Russia is concentrating its military forces around Lyman, southeast of Izyum and starting to move north from Mariupol, but overall, the pace of hostilities has changed little, said a senior Russian defense official. The US said in a press conference on May 5.

The Pentagon says that Russia’s advance in the Donbass and southern Ukraine appears to be happening more slowly than the Kremlin had anticipated. Part of the reason for the slow military progress is logistics and supply problems, which have plagued the Russian military since the beginning of the conflict.

“Overall, it seems that Russia has not solved its logistics and maintenance problems, so it is safe to say that this distance is becoming too far for Moscow forces,” Mr. Kirby said. Besides, Mr. Kirby argued that Russia is having problems with leadership and cohesion among military members.

Mr. Kirby also praised Kiev’s courage. He explained that familiarity with the area’s topography gave Ukrainian forces a great advantage.

“Ukraine has completely stopped Russia and defended many towns and villages. Even in the event that Moscow controls these areas, when the Russian troops withdraw, Ukraine will immediately retake them,” he said. Kirby said.

He added that unfavorable weather conditions were also a factor slowing down the Russian campaign.