Russian forces 'embarrassed' by inability to take Kharkiv, former marine reports

Russian forces have been left "embarrassed" by their inability to take the city of Kharkiv, in the north-east of Ukraine, according to a former Royal Marine Commando.

Speaking from Kharkiv, filmmaker Emile Ghessen said: "Kharkiv is a predominantly Russian-speaking city and they [Russia] expected there would be a lot of support within Kharkiv.

"There hasn't been because people here have been very much supportive of Ukrainian forces."

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Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine and is near the border with Russia.

Mr Ghessen added: "Russia has struggled in Kyiv region, so they've really been embarrassed they can't take Kharkiv."

Despite this, Mr Ghessen said the Ukrainian fighters still needed more help.

He said: "The Ukrainians clearly want more weapons. 

"They want more heavier weapons. They want .50-cals, GMGs, artillery and more tanks."

He said: "Because Russia is a large country, it's a superpower, and has replenished its system very quickly, whereas Ukraine relies on NATO to support them."

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