Russia's combat power in Ukraine has fallen below 90 percent of its pre-invasion level for the first time since the start of the war.
This was stated by a senior U.S. Defense Department official, The Guardian reported.
The United States estimates that Russia amassed more than 150,000 troops around Ukraine before the Feb. 24 invasion, along with enough airpower, artillery, tanks and other firepower for a full-scale attack.
"We estimate Russian combat power to be just under 90 percent," the U.S. official said.
"They're spending a lot, but they've also accumulated an awful lot since the early fall. For the first time, they may be at just below 90 percent," he said.
The Defense Department spokesman also was critical of Russia's ability to take over Ukraine, describing morale problems, command problems, dependence on the military and a halted advance into Kyiv.
As reported, the British Armed Forces Intelligence Directorate believes that Ukraine has managed to defend its airspace advantage over Russia, thus disrupting one of Russia's key objectives.
