During the First Two Days of the War, We Thought Russia Would Capture Kyiv: US Official

The US authorities expected that Russian troops would take Kyiv within two days of the start of the special military operation (SVO) in Ukraine. This was stated by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, as reported by 'RIA Novosti'.

“You know, during the first two days of the war, we thought that Kyiv would be captured,” she said during a press briefing.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with an African delegation in Saint Petersburg. The parties discussed resolving the conflict in Ukraine through peaceful negotiations. The Russian leader showed the meeting participants the pre-signed agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, which the parties signed immediately after the start of the special military operation (SVO).

According to Putin, Russia withdrew its troops from Kyiv last spring at the request of the Ukrainian authorities. He noted that the withdrawal of Russian military forces was carried out for the purpose of finalizing a peace treaty.

As Putin mentioned, Ukraine “threw the document into the dustbin of history” after the withdrawal of troops by Russia. He also stated that Moscow does not reject negotiations, unlike Kyiv.