On Tuesday, a senior Western intelligence official briefed by multiple intelligence agencies estimated that more than 5000 Russian soldiers have been captured or killed, and that Ukrainian forces estimate significant numbers of aircraft and tanks and some air defense systems have been captured or destroyed.
The official said that Russian forces have used artillery more frequently north of Kyiv and in the eastern city of Kharkiv and in the northern city of Chernihiv over the last 48 hours, and heavy weapons, too.
Additionally, the official stated that the Russian army has become bogged down in the Donbas region in the east, where most Ukrainian forces have been positioned after eight years of battling Russian-backed separatists there. The official on the condition of anonymity to discuss the intelligence assessment.
