The Economist explains

Tracking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Troops have advanced in parts of the north, east and south of the country

IN THE EARLY hours of February 24th Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine. An initial wave of missiles struck several of Ukraine’s airports and other targets across the country, all of which Russia claimed were military. Armoured forces then began rolling in not just from Russia but also from Belarus. They were the vanguard of a force of over 150,000 troops, organised in over 110 of the battalion tactical groups which are Russia’s basic fighting formation.

By February 28th the bulk of Russian forces were 25km from the centre of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. They may try to encircle it in the coming days. Kharkiv, the second-largest city, also endured heavy shelling, having earlier repulsed a Russian attack. But it has not all gone Mr Putin’s way. Russian tanks and other vehicles have been seen abandoned on the roadside, either broken down or out of fuel. And Russia has been unable to secure the skies, meaning that troops on the ground lack proper fixed-wing air support.

The map above shows the areas of reported Russian control. Hundreds of casualties have been reported following missile strikes, some in large cities such as Kharkiv and Mariupol, in the south-east. Viral images showed explosions and heavy fire elsewhere around the country. Ukraine’s armed forces claim to have inflicted thousands of Russian casualties.

The most immediate question is how much further Russia is prepared to go to subdue its neighbour. On February 28th Ukrainian and Russian negotiators sat down for talks in Gomel, a city in Belarus near both of their countries’ borders. Ukraine said it wanted an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops. But the talks ended without an agreement, according to Russian state media. Few expect the bloodshed to end soon.

Our recent coverage of the Ukraine crisis can be found here

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