Washington DC March 2 2022: A senior US defence official has disclosed the latest assessment of the Russian invasion, as seen by the Pentagon.
The official reports low morale among some Russians, who have yet to establish air superiority after six days and have not yet taken the port city of Mariupol. Some units have surrendered, the official said.
However, Russian troops have taken the nearby port city of Berdyansk, and Melitopol further to the west.
The Pentagon adds that:
Russia has launched some 400 missiles, but the Ukrainian anti-missile defence system remains viable
Launchers that could be used for thermobaric weapons have been seen inside Ukraine, but US intelligence cannot confirm if any thermobaric weapons are in the country
Some 80% of Russian troops that had surrounded Ukraine are now inside the country
There is indication that some Russian units are running out of food and fuel
Aid is flowing into the country, but establishing a no-fly zone remains outside the possibility of options, the official said.
