Russian Forces Look To 'Encircle' Kyiv, Ukraine's Fortified Capital

Amid the din of air-raid sirens, Kyiv waits.

Russian forces are manoeuvring to encircle the Ukrainian capital, Western intelligence suggest, while fighting escalates outside the fortified city of nearly 3 million people.

British officials believe a Russian military convoy, once 40-miles long, that has been stuck outside the north of the city has dispersed, "likely" hoping to surround it.

Two oil depots to the south of Kyiv are ablaze following Russian missiles attacks on Saturday morning, according to local media.

U.S. officials previously told Newsweek they expect Ukraine's resistance to all but end if Kyiv falls.

Here's the latest on the situation:

Russian Military Convoy Maneuvers Outside Kyiv

On Friday, satellite images from U.S.-based based company Maxar Technologies showed that a previously 40-mile long Russian convoy of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery had largely dispersed into towns and forests near the capital after being stalled to the north of the city for about a week.

U.K. intelligence suggests the convoy could be looking to encircle the city.

"Elements of the large Russian column north of Kyiv have dispersed. This is likely to support a Russian attempt to encircle the city," the British defense ministry said on Saturday.

Russia could also be attempting to "reduce its vulnerability to Ukrainian counter attacks, which have taken a significant toll on Russian forces," the U.K.'s defence ministry added.

Other Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy and Mariupol "remain encircled and continue to suffer heavy Russian shelling," it noted.

U.S. officials were wary on Friday of concluding that Russian forces are about to launch an offensive.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby warned against drawing any firm conclusions about the apparent disbursement, while suggesting that it could be a defensive movement due to relentless Ukrainian attacks on the convoy.

Fighting Intensifies Outside Capital

Ongoing fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces north-west of Kyiv appears to have intensified on Saturday morning.

Satellite images showed Russian artillery battalions appearing to fire on towns, as well as showing homes and buildings apparently on fire.

British officials noted on Saturday: "Fighting north-west of Kyiv continues with the bulk of Russian ground forces now around 25 kilometres from the centre of the city."

There are now concerns that Russian forces will launch a major attack on the capital city. Russia has massed artillery, rocket launchers, drones and missiles outside major cities including Kyiv.

Oil Depots Set Ablaze by Russian Missile Attack

Two oil depots to the south of Kyiv had also been hit, social media pictures show.

One of those depots is in the Vasylkiv, 36 kilometers (22.3 miles) from Kyiv, while the other is in the village of Kryachky, around 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) away.

There is a large Ukrainian airbase in Vasylkiv which has previously been the focus of fighting.

The Kyiv Independent reported that there were several fires in the Kyiv Oblast after Russian attacks overnight. The Ukrainian newspaper also said on Twitter that a storehouse for frozen food had been hit and set on fire in the village of Kvitneve.

Kyiv Turns Into a Fortress Awaiting Offensive

Inside Kyiv's borders, Ukraine's cultural center increasingly resembles a garrison.

Barricades have been erected to block streets, while men across Kyiv have been filling and placing sandbags above Metro station entrances.

Anti-tank obstacles made of steel have also been put in place at strategic locations and on the dual carriageways leading into the city.

There is also the possibility of street fighting in the city that could involve civilian resistance as well as Ukrainian forces. Kyiv has many narrow streets and basements, which could intensify any street or house-to-house fighting.

Two weeks ago, Ukrainians rushed to purchase firearms such as rifles and shotguns in the wake of the Russian invasion.

A journalist with The Kyiv Independent reported on Thursday that President Volodymyr Zelensky had authorized a bill allowing civilians to take up arms against Russian forces. Newsweek has not been able to confirm the veracity of that legislation, however.

Ukrainians have also reportedly been making Molotov cocktails—improvised incendiary weapons that can be used against troops and vehicles.

Kyiv Is 'Ready to Fight,' Ukraine leaders say

Ukraine's leaders have expressed a determination to resist the Russian invasion since it began on February 24, including in Kyiv.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential adviser, said on Saturday that Kyiv was a "city under siege" but it was "ready to fight." He said that supply lines and checkpoints had been prepared.

"Kyiv will stand until the end," Podolyak said.

President Zelensky delivered a video address to the nation on Saturday where he claimed that 31 Russian battalion tactical groups had been put beyond use.

"The Russian troops are suffering great losses. We could even now talk about the greatest blow to the Russian troops in tens of years," Zelensky said.