According to a senior US defense official, logistics issues are impeding the progress of a big Russian convoy toward Kyiv. The convoy, which is 40 kilometers in length, is reportedly being harmed by fuel and food shortages.

As night set over Ukraine on Tuesday, Russia’s massive convoy remained around 18 miles north of Kyiv, the official added, indicating little or no change from Monday. According to the official, certain parts within the military column are “literally out of gas” and struggling to feed their troops.

“The US estimates that almost 80% of the estimated 190,000 Russian forces that surrounded Ukraine are now inside,” NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman writes. “The Russians have launched approximately 400 missiles since the assault began last week.”

According to the official, the Russians may be regrouping and their superiors rethinking their invasion approach. Since the conflict began last week, Ukraine’s military — and its civilians — have consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage the Russian force.

Despite Russia’s substantially superior military capabilities, Ukraine’s airspace remains contested, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s country now mounting a plausible defense, a senior defense official stated.

As was the case in the early stages of the war, Russia’s military appears to be achieving greater success in southern Ukraine, the official added.