Maybe the Ukranians don’t want to fight them on open ground, i.e. ground favorable to tanks.
In another day or so, Ukraine just might have sufficient time to get the Javelins,and time, and cover and concealment to set up the mother of all ambushs.
If they get into the city, expect snipers and Javelins to de deployed in depth; along with lots of mines and molotov cocktails being thrown from buildings. Urban warfare always favorS the defense.
Taking out air defenses in a large city is not so easy, not with larger ground-based fi,re against helicopters. Snipers with .50 cal sniper rifles and machine guns can do a lot of damage to a low flying helicopter.
Even a RPG can take out a low flying helicoper..
Not saying it it is going to happen, but it will not be easy for thr Russians in Kiev.
“Urban warfare always favorS the defense.”
It really depends on how much damage the offense is willing to inflict.
Artillery has a sobering effect. And it can be continuous for days.
I had the same thought.