‘Stiff Ukrainian resistance’ thwarts Russian advances, inflicts casualties

Ukrainian volunteers weave camouflage nets while helping to set up a defense position for Ukrainian soldiers in Lviv on Feb. 26.

There is no indication that the invading forces have been able to take any big Ukrainian cities, according to U.S. and U.K. officials.

Russian forces aren't making the progress they planned. The U.K.'s Ministry of Defence said on its verified account that they are suffering from logistical challenges and strong Ukrainian resistance.

Volunteers from the Territorial Defense Units make Molotov cocktails to use against the invading Russian troops in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.

Russian units attempted to attack Ukrainian troops in the early morning hours of Saturday, but were repelled by the Ukrainian troops. There have been reports of fighting in several Ukrainian cities.

“This is very dynamic and will change hour by hour.”U.S. Defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity

The Pentagon has no indication that the Russian military has taken control of any Ukrainian cities, according to a Pentagon official.

Individual military accounts are difficult to verify in the current situation in Ukraine.

The official said that half of the Russian forces amassed along the borders are now inside the country. The official gave an estimate of one-third on Friday.

Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian troops on the side of a road in Lugansk region on February 26, 2022.

There are believed to be 190,000 troops in the vicinity of Ukraine. The U.S. Defense official wouldn't say what the rest of Russia's force posture was, but he did say that the Russians'momentum continues to be slowed by a stiff Ukrainian resistance.

According to a January report from the U.S. Congressional Research Service, the army of Ukraine has 145,000-150,000 troops.

The US official said that the Russians are meeting stiff resistance against the northern advance toward Kyiv, as well as the heavy fighting around the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

The official cautioned that the estimate is a snapshot in time and will change hour by hour.

The Secretary of State announced on Saturday that the U.S. will provide more military aid to Ukraine.

The Javelin is a portable, shoulder-fired missile designed to blow up tanks.

A fragment of a destroyed Russian tank is seen on the roadside on the outskirts of Kharkiv on February 26, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Chancellor of Germany surprised observers by saying that his country will supply Ukraine with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 stinger missiles.

The missiles can be carried by one person. They are designed to shoot down aircraft.