New satellite images show increased activity among Russian units close to Ukraine’s northeastern border, with units in garrisons appearing to be occupying field positions.
The satellite images were collected by Maxar on Sunday.
Maxar estimates that “several new field deployments of armored equipment and troops have been observed northwest of Belgorod and near Soloti and Valuyki, Russia.”
These cities are within 35 kilometers (about 21 miles) of the Russian border with Ukraine.
Maxar notes, “This new activity represents a change in the pattern of previously observed battle group deployments (tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery and support equipment). Until recently, most deployments have been primarily positioned at or near existing military garrisons and training grounds. “
“Today (Sunday) most of the combat units and support equipment in Soloti have left and extensive vehicle tracks and some convoys of armored equipment can be seen throughout the area.”
The images show that encampments or assembly points where large troops were present last Sunday, February 13, are now relatively empty.
“Some equipment has also been deployed east of nearby Valuyki, Russia, in a field about 15 kilometers north of the border with Ukraine,” Maxar noted.
Separately, DailyExpertNews geolocated several videos from the region over the weekend showing long columns, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and howitzers moving through rural areas in the Belgorod Oblast (district).
“A number of new field deployments have also been seen northwest of Belgorod (about 30 kilometers from the border with Ukraine) with much of the equipment and troops deployed in or near forested areas,” Maxar noted.
The images show extensive tracks where armor has moved across the countryside.
“Other business units are deployed on agricultural and/or industrial sites.”
DailyExpertNews has noted that some tanks and other vehicles in the area appear to be marked with a large “Z,” suggesting they are being formed into a combat unit.
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