US: "50% of Russian Troops Gathered Have Entered Ukraine"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] More than 50% of the Russian troops gathered near the Ukraine border have entered inside Ukraine, and it is reported that they have currently advanced to within 30 km of the capital city Kyiv.

A senior U.S. Department of Defense official said in a briefing on the 26th (local time), "It is estimated that more than 50% of the Russian forces that surrounded Ukraine have been deployed for the invasion of Ukraine," adding that although the battlefield situation is fluid, Russian troops have advanced to a point 30 km outside Kyiv.

The official also added that an unspecified number of Russian military reconnaissance units have already infiltrated Kyiv.

The official emphasized, "Ukraine's resistance has been successful, and Russia has not made a decisive breakthrough in the past 24 hours, especially struggling in the northern region of Ukraine," adding, "The Russian military has encountered very determined resistance, resulting in a hesitant atmosphere."

He continued, "Based on our observations, Ukraine's resistance is much greater than Russia had anticipated."

He explained, "Russia has launched more than 250 missiles at Ukraine, most of which are short-range ballistic missiles," and "Russia is targeting residential areas and public infrastructure."

He added, "So far, we have not detected any signs that Russian forces have taken control of any city," and "Although intermittent blackouts are occurring in Ukraine, internet usage is still largely available."

Meanwhile, John Kirby, spokesperson for the Department of Defense, denied in a tweet on the same day Russia's claim that the U.S. was involved in the Ukrainian Navy's operations, stating, "We have provided no support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.