Ukrainian troops launched a series of counter-attacks which forced back over-stretched and under-supplied Russian troops, just outside the capital of Kyiv.
The Ministry of Defence announced the successful manoeuvres in an intelligence update this morning.
Kyiv’s troops had managed to not only push back the Russian invaders, but reoccupy towns and defensive positions up to 21 miles east of the city that has long been Russia ’s main target.
Since the invasion began over a month ago, it was reported that the Kremlin initially thought they could achieve a ‘lightning invasion’ that would see them sweep the city, and Ukrainian capital, in a matter of days.
However, instead of deposing Volodymyr Zelensky ’s government, Moscow now finds itself negotiating with it.
In the latest intelligence update, posted on Twitter, the MoD highlighted specific Russian failings - a common theme of this invasion.
The Russian troops had overextended their supply lines it said, which left it vulnerable.
This has reportedly been an issue previously as Russia expected fighting to last days, and was unprepared for the prolonged conflict it now finds itself in.
From here, the MoD said it was likely that Ukraine ’s troops would continue to push onwards, including towards the strategically significant Hosomel Airfield - where there was fierce fighting at the beginning of the invasion.
The MoD said: "Ukrainian counter-attacks, and Russian forces falling back on overextended supply lines, has allowed Ukraine to reoccupy towns and defensive positions up to 35 kilometres (21 miles) east of Kyiv.
"Ukrainian forces are likely to continue to attempt to push Russian forces back along the north-western axis from Kyiv towards Hostomel Airfield.”
However, in the south of the country, Mykolaiv is still under heavy Russian siege and Moscow’s troops continue their efforts to surround the city.
The MoD added: "In the south of Ukraine, Russian forces are still attempting to circumvent Mykolaiv as they look to drive west towards Odesa, with their progress being slowed by logistic issues and Ukrainian resistance."
This all comes as fighting continues into its second month, after the invasion began on February 24.
Despite many thinking Kyiv and their troops would fall in days, fierce Ukrainian resistance has prolonged the war.
Only last night, Kyiv counter-attacks saw success targeting a landing ship and ammunition depots in the southern city of Berdyansk.
This was a part of a reported shift in tactics from Ukraine to target Russian supply chains and leave their frontline troops under-resourced.
As fighting continues there have been reports emerging of cracks appearing between Russian president Vladimir Putin and other top Kremlin officials.
His once close ally and defence minister Sergei Shoigu has not been seen in public in two weeks.
Close allies reportedly told one investigative news outlet Agentstvo that he had heart problems, and the Kremlin said yesterday he simply had a lot on his plate.
On top of that, one of Putin’s other allies, Anatoly Chubais, who gave him his first job in the Kremlin, quit his job and fled Russia in opposition to the war.
