Russia's combat capability likely below 90%: US official
For the first time since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia's combat capability has likely fallen below 90%, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters. The official said there are no tangible indications of reinforcements being brought in from elsewhere in the country.
"[This is] combat power that they assembled in Belarus and in the western part of their country prior to the invasion. It is not an assessment of all Russian military power," the official said.
The official said there are "indications" that Ukrainian resistance is trying to retake some territory seized by Russian troops, such as the town of Izyum.
"What we're starting to see are indications that they are now able and willing to take back territory that the Russians have taken," said the official. "Whether this is a part of some sort of larger operational plan, we can't say for sure."

In Mykolaiv, northeast of Odessa, the Russians have been forced to reposition themselves to the area south of the city because Ukrainian resistance was so strong north of the city, the official said.
The logistical and resupply issues continue to plague Russian troops with the official noting that Russia now has concerns about fueling its ships in the Black Sea. Frostbite has also become an issue for Russian troops who continue to be inadequately supplied.
Ukrainian forces have mounted a strong resistance inside of Mariupol against the "significant number" of Russian forces that have made their way into the city, according to the official.
“The Ukrainians are fighting very, very hard to keep Mariupol from falling,” said the official.
Russia has fired more than 1,100 missiles in Ukraine, according to the official.
-ABC News' Luis Martinez





