Share
News

Russian Crewmen Run Out of Fuel, Their Next Move Puts Them in Ukrainian Custody: Report

Share

As the Russian juggernaut that was supposed to crush Ukraine in an effortless march of triumph sputters amid fierce resistance, anecdotal and sometimes unverified reports are emerging that Russia’s invaders are not living up to their billing.

The Land Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said Friday that Russian troops stopped in Konotop, a city on their route to Kyiv, due to fuel and supply issues, Reuters reported.

That led to one video, which could be verified, of a Ukrainian citizen offering to tow a tank back to Russia and a tweet that showed what happened to Russian soldiers making a similar request near the city of Kharkiv.

Trending:
Prince Harry Named in Major Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Rapper

“These two Russian idiots in Shevchenkove, Kharkiv oblast, had their vehicle sputtered out. Guess what they did? They came to a local Ukrainian police station. And asked if they could have some fuel,” the tweet showing an image of the soldiers read.

Estonia’s former chief of defense, Riho Terras, noted that the images contrast with preconceptions about Russia’s military might, according to the Independent.

Do these Ukrainian heroes deserve more U.S. support?

“Does this look like a force that is prepared to fight an extended conflict?” he asked.

“They have no fuel, no motivation, they do not even know where they are supposed to go. A surreal exchange to be honest, but it shows how unprepared these first waves of Russian invasion have been,” he said.

Scott Gehlbach, a University of Chicago political economist, said there was “lots of evidence that Russia botched the logistics of its military operation.”

He said the video of the tank running out of gas “illustrates another problem for Putin: a failure to prepare Russia’s population, including its soldiers, for war.”

“Russia may be able to compensate for an absence of fighting spirit through sheer numbers. But the lack of preparation — logistical and ideological — will imply greater casualties, military and civilian,” he said.

Related:
Confrontation Near Disputed Shoal in South China Sea, Chinese Coast Guard Ship Engages Supply Boat

The Russian invasion has brought Ukrainian citizens out to repel the invaders or die trying, according to The New York Times.

“When I heard the explosions I decided that I am ready,” said Olena Sokolan, a business manager who now totes a rifle as she tried to protect her piece of Kyiv.

“I am adult woman, I am healthy and it’s my responsibility.”

“Everybody in our country needs to defend — women, girls, everybody,” said Denis Matash, a nightclub manager.

Ihor Zhaloba, a professor of history at Kyiv University, came out to enlist in the units protecting Kyiv.

“My wife worried; I worried; everybody is worried,” he said. “But nobody told me not to do this, not my wife, not my daughters. They all think I should be here.”

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , , , ,
Share
Jack Davis is a freelance writer who joined The Western Journal in July 2015 and chronicled the campaign that saw President Donald Trump elected. Since then, he has written extensively for The Western Journal on the Trump administration as well as foreign policy and military issues.
Jack Davis is a freelance writer who joined The Western Journal in July 2015 and chronicled the campaign that saw President Donald Trump elected. Since then, he has written extensively for The Western Journal on the Trump administration as well as foreign policy and military issues.
Jack can be reached at jackwritings1@gmail.com.
Location
New York City
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Foreign Policy, Military & Defense Issues




Conversation