The Russian army is eyeing the capture of Odessa, a key strategic point in southern Ukraine, and the capital city is steadily being sieged

[Washington = Hiroo Watanabe] Regarding Russian forces, ten days after the invasion of Ukraine, the US Department of Defense prepares for a siege operation while troops waiting north of the capital, Kiev, face counterattacks from Ukrainian forces. On the other hand, it is analyzed that in the south, the offensive along the Black Sea is being strengthened with a view to capturing Odessa, the largest strategic point. Western countries, which deny the establishment of a no-fly zone requested by Ukraine, are moving forward with the supply of weapons to the area at a rapid pace, but the reality is that they lack the means to prevent civilian casualties from indiscriminate artillery fire. [Pictured] A town southwest of Kiev hit by an airstrike. According to a high-ranking official of the ministry who explained the situation, the Russian army deployed more than 90% of the forces gathered along the border. Troops heading for the capital were on standby about 25 kilometers north of Kiev. Long lines of combat and transport vehicles have been hampered by attacks, including from drones, and bridges have been blown up. A high-ranking official pointed out that the Russian military "has a tendency to avoid risks." While refraining from advancing, it seems that they are steadily preparing for the siege of the capital while working to resolve food and fuel shortages. On the other hand, more than 500 missiles have been launched since the start of the invasion, and about 50% of them were launched from within Ukraine. It supports the current situation of indiscriminate bombardment from around major cities using self-propelled launchers. The ministry declined to confirm reports that cluster munitions had been used, but NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed the use on Thursday. On the southern front, with the support of troops stationed in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, "the pace is faster than in the north," according to a senior official. It shows the possibility that the goal of the Russian army, which took Kherzon, a major city in the south, is to continue northwest and capture Odessa, the largest port city. East Mariupol was also encircled by a force that landed from the Black Sea. The Ukrainian Air Force continues to defend air superiority with fighter planes and surface-to-air missiles, but the airspace under Russian control is expanding. The U.S. and NATO have rejected the Zelensky administration's demands for a no-fly zone to avoid becoming parties to the conflict. The Biden administration will focus on speeding up arms delivery and sharing military intelligence to sustain the Ukrainian military's ability to defend itself. A total of 14 nations, including NATO members, have begun distributing arms, and $240 million of the $350 million in additional aid approved by the United States late last month has arrived, another senior official said. . According to the Washington Post on the 5th, the Stinger anti-aircraft missile was delivered for the first time in addition to the Javelin anti-tank missile. Transport is believed to have originated from Poland, which borders on the west. The Ukrainian army receives ample support, but delaying the Russian advance would not be enough to restore lost ground and prevent civilian casualties. “The worst is still ahead,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, even Western leaders admit. “The problem is that Mr Putin alone is in control of how long the tragic destruction will continue.” A former U.S. military officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan expressed his frustration to the newspaper.