Russia has continued to strengthen its military presence around Ukraine, with New deployments of troops and military equipment to multiple locationsincluding Crimea, Belarus and nearby eastern Ukraine, raising fears of an imminent invasion.
Russian military sites as of Sunday
The size of the circles is determined by the number of troops where estimates are available.
Approximated line
Ukrainian chapter and
Russian-backed forces.
Approximated line
Ukrainian chapter and
Russian-backed forces.
Approximated line
Ukrainian chapter and
Russian-backed forces.
Source: Roshan Consulting
New York times
This map uses data collected as of Sunday and shows troops, tanks and heavy artillery moving into positions that threaten to expand the conflict in eastern Ukraine and potentially open a new front on Ukraine’s northern border, closer to the capital, Kiev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said he has no plans for an invasion, but with an estimated 130,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s northern, southern and eastern borders, Western officials have warned of an attack. It can be launched now at any time. Last week saw a flurry of diplomatic talks, but Western and Russian leaders have so far been unable to agree on steps that would ease tensions.
The map is a snapshot of current Russian positions, as well as extensive estimates of the number of troops and types of equipment deployed within walking distance of Ukraine. It is based on information obtained by Ukrainian and Western officials as well as independent military analysts and satellite imagery.
Russia has been sending military forces to Belarus, its closest international ally, for weeks, insisting the deployment was for joint military exercises. The exercises began on Thursday and are expected to last 10 days. Western officials fear the exercises could be a pretext to mobilize forces that could then be used to invade Ukraine from the north. Russian warplanes launched air patrolsRussian S-400 air defense systems near the Belarus-Ukrainian border.
Ukraine is also warning of upcoming Russian naval exercises, in the Black and Azov seas, which would close shipping routes, thus harming the Ukrainian economy. Moscow has said the exercises are legal under international law, but Western officials fear they are a cover for placing more Russian forces around Ukraine.
“Internet practitioner. Social media maven. Certified zombieaholic. Lifelong communicator.”