A massive Russian military convoy of men and tanks spanning 64 kilometres is moving towards Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. The convoy was first estimated to be only 25 kilometres long. However, recent photographs show that it runs for 64 kilometres and contains support vehicles, armoured vehicles, artillery and tanks. Russia’s goal is to surround Kyiv in the days ahead before seizing control of two important cities in Ukraine’s east, according to the US Defense Department. Ukraine held ceasefire discussions on the Belarussian border yesterday, but no agreement was reached.
It’s 3:30am in Ukraine and I find myself saying prayers for what this immense Russian military convoy means for Kyiv and its people. pic.twitter.com/BwOnqHXdTi
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) March 1, 2022
It is the sixth day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There are also fears that the slow pace of progress is putting further strain on adjacent communities, depriving them of food, water, and necessary supplies. The White House said it was following the convoy and was worried not just about its size but also about the recent increase in violence and civilian casualties. However, with this massive convoy steadily making its way into Kyiv and approaching the city’s outskirts, there is a very genuine worry that large-scale urban conflict is on the way.
