Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russian forces have faced "irreparable losses" since their invasion began 48 days ago.

"Do you remember how Russia boasted that they would capture Kyiv in 48 hours? In 48 hours, which stretched for 48 days, the Russian army reached a level of irreparable losses higher than the Soviet Union during the ten years of war in Afghanistan," Zelensky said in a video address.

Russia's initial plan of storming the Ukrainian capital Kyiv when the war first started on 24 February, was stalled after its troops suffered heavy losses. Analysts say Moscow underestimated the strength of resistance and the capabilities of Ukraine's own smaller armed forces.

Russia has also struggled with the basics. Armoured columns have run out of fuel, food, and ammunition. Vehicles have broken down and been left abandoned, then towed away by Ukrainian tractors.

Russian forces have now fully withdrawn from around the capital Kyiv and are building up their military forces in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

BBC