RUSSIA GEARS UP FOR KYIV ASSAULT

PUTIN PREPARES HIS FORCES TO UNLEASH FIERCE ONSLAUGHT ON CAPITAL IN DAYS

- Nicholas Cecil and Will Stewart

40- mile column of Russian tanks splits to encircle capital

RUSSIAN forces were clawing their way towards Kyiv as fears grew today that Vladimir Putin will unleash an onslaught against Ukraine’s capital within days.

Artillery units were reported to be moving into possible firing positions to shell the historic city.

Satellite images from Maxar Technologies also showed that a 40-mile column of tanks and other military vehicles, which had been around 18 miles to the north-east of the city centre, had now dispersed into local towns and forests, including close to Hostomel Airport, which has been the scene of fierce fighting.

A separate Russian military convoy to the northwest of Kyiv has moved around three miles forward to within about 10 miles of the city centre, according to a US official.

British defence chiefs said early this morning: “Russia is likely seeking to reset and re-posture its forces for renewed offensive activity in the coming days. This will probably include operations against the capital Kyiv.”

However, the latest intelligence briefing from the Ministry of Defence also stated that the progress of Russian ground forces remained “limited” as they were being hit by “strong” Ukrainian resistance and bogged down by “logistical issues”.

It added: “It remains highly unlikely that Russia has successfully achieved the objectives outlined in its pre-invasion plan.” As the Russian president appeared to be trying to expand his war in Ukraine, concerns were also growing that attacks by his troops may become even more “barbaric”, possibly even resorting to using chemical weapons which could send the civilian death toll soaring.