Damage at the military training base at Yavoriv, Ukraine after Russian missile strikes, March 13, 2022

UPDATE, MARCH 16:

I spoke with BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Elliot Webb on Wednesday about the latest military and political developments in Ukraine, noting the expansion of Russian airstrikes to cover up its difficulties with invasion on the ground — and of the status of Ukraine-Russia negotiations.

Listen from 1:42.51

The original Russian plan was to get inside Kyiv in the first 48 hours and seize, possibly kill, leaders like President Zelenskiy.

When that failed, Moscow hasn’t really had a Plan B. They have convoys that are stuck, not moving, including 25 km (15 miles) from Kyiv. They cannot get adequate supplies and logistical support.

The expansion of air attacks is to cover up the fact that Russia cannot lay siege to, let alone invade, big cities outside the south of Ukraine.

ORIGINAL ENTRY, MARCH 14: I joined India’s WION News on Sunday to explain why Russia’s expanding airstrikes across Ukraine are a sign of weakness, even as they kill scores of civilians and military personnel.

The interview begins at 3:07, following the comments of Ukraine MP Lesia Vasylenko:

See also EA on Radio FM4: A No-Fly Zone Over Western Ukraine?

The first weakness is that #Russia has not been able to occupy #Ukraine after 18 days of #UkraineInvasion and detain or kill leaders.

So Russia is facing increase of sanctions by int’l community and it is facing increase of economic and military aid to #Kyiv.

Vladimir Putin is in a race against time.