Russian shift to Donbas away from Kyiv could be tactic to save face; Ukrainian Forces Could Stall Russian Troops in East; Ukraine appears to strike back for first time with missile hit on Russian military camp; In villages near Kyiv, how Ukraine has kept Russia's army at bay, LIVE UPDATES and MORE

Russian shift to Donbas away from Kyiv could be tactic to save face, experts say:

Russian troops have ostensibly refocused their efforts in Ukraine to the Donbas region away from toppling Kyiv, and it could be a move to save face, according to experts.

The Russians invaded Ukraine four-and-a-half weeks ago, and the results have been disastrous thus far for them. They have suffered from food and fuel shortages, poor preparation for harsh weather conditions, and Ukrainian resistance forces that have been a much fiercer opponent than the Russians were expecting.

A senior U.S. defense official told reporters Monday that Russian forces "remain certainly around Kyiv very much in a defensive posture,” whereas the “Ukrainians are continuing to take back ground.”

Days earlier, the official said the Russians were “putting their priorities and their efforts in the east of Ukraine,” adding, "That's where still there remains a lot of heavy fighting, and we think they are trying to not only secure some sort of more substantial gains there as a potential negotiating tactic at the table, but also to cut off Ukrainian forces in the eastern part of the country." --->READ MORE HERE

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Ukrainian Forces Could Stall Russian Troops in East, NATO’s Top Commander Says:

With Russia saying it will refocus its attack in Ukraine on the country’s east to secure territory there after heavy losses, NATO’s top general tells Congress Ukrainian troops should be able to slow the attack there.

Asked at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing whether Ukrainian forces might be able to hold off or even push back Russian troops in the east as they have around Kyiv, U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander of U.S. forces in Europe and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said: “I certainly believe they can succeed in stalling the Russians.”

Gen. Wolters added that Ukrainian forces’ fighting capacity has improved as the war has lasted. “The Ukrainian armed forces show a very positive learning curve. Hence I’m optimistic about being able to force additional stalling on behalf of the Russians,” he said at the Senate hearing. --->READ MORE HERE

Follow links below to +++++relevant+++++ and related stories:

+++++Russia-Ukraine News LATEST UPDATES: (REUTERS) (AP) and (WSJ)+++++

+++++Ukraine appears to strike back for first time with missile hit on Russian military camp+++++

+++++In villages near Kyiv, how Ukraine has kept Russia's army at bay+++++

Ukraine's Zelenskiy says Russia talks could be called positive, won't slacken defences

Ukraine offers neutrality in exchange for NATO-style security guarantees at Russia talks

After Russian forces pull back, a shattered town breathes

Taiwan Looks to Ukraine War for Ideas to Defend Against China

Ukraine awards medal to sailor who told Russian ship ‘Go f–k yourself’

Russia To Let Ukraine Join EU If It Stays Out Of NATO, But Cautions "Still Long Way To Go" Toward Final Ceasefire

Russian commander kills himself after most of unit’s tanks dismantled, Ukraine claims

President Biden appears to reveal US troops training Ukrainian forces in Poland

More Health Care Infrastructure Hit in Ukraine, WHO Says

Orthodox patriarch denounces ‘atrocious invasion’ of Ukraine

Ukrainian mom ‘repeatedly raped’ by drunken Russian troops as son sobbed nearby

Pentagon: 'Small numbers' of Russian troops leaving Kyiv, 'not a real withdrawal'

If you like what you see, please "Like" and/or Follow us on FACEBOOK here, GETTR here, and TWITTER here.