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Latest Satellite Photos Show New Russian Military Activity Near Ukraine

Recent satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies shows multiple new field deployments of armored equipment and troops northwest of Belgorod and near Soloti and Valuyki, Russia.

This new activity represents a change in the pattern of the previously observed deployments of battle groups (tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery and support equipment). Until recently, most of the deployments had been seen primarily positioned at or near existing military garrisons and training areas.

This satellite image shows troops departing and the deployment of a battle group in Soloti, Russia, on February 20, 2022, according to Maxar Technologies.  
1 This satellite image shows troops departing and the deployment of a battle group in Soloti, Russia, on February 20, 2022, according to Maxar Technologies.

 
An armored battalion heading south, in Soloti, Russia. Maxar reported that on February 20, most of the combat units and support equipment at Soloti departed, with convoys of armored equipment seen throughout the area.
2 An armored battalion heading south, in Soloti, Russia. Maxar reported that on February 20, most of the combat units and support equipment at Soloti departed, with convoys of armored equipment seen throughout the area.
An area in Soloti, Russia, after the departure of a battle group. Extensive vehicle tracks can be seen.
3 An area in Soloti, Russia, after the departure of a battle group. Extensive vehicle tracks can be seen.
This satellite image taken on February 20 shows a helicopter deployment, a battle group, and troops in Valuyki, Russia, according to Maxar. Some equipment has been deployed in a field approximately 15 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border. 
4 This satellite image taken on February 20 shows a helicopter deployment, a battle group, and troops in Valuyki, Russia, according to Maxar. Some equipment has been deployed in a field approximately 15 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border. 
A closer view of a helicopter deployment in Valuyki, Russia.
5 A closer view of a helicopter deployment in Valuyki, Russia.
A close up of armor and equipment along a tree line near Valuyki, Russia. 
6 A close up of armor and equipment along a tree line near Valuyki, Russia. 
A new deployment east of the town Valuyki, Russia, on February 19, approximately 27 kilometers east of the border with Ukraine.
7 A new deployment east of the town Valuyki, Russia, on February 19, approximately 27 kilometers east of the border with Ukraine.
A battle group deployment near Belgorod, Russia, February 20. Maxar said that a number of new field deployments were also seen northwest of Belgorod, approximately 30 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, with much of the equipment and troops positioned in or near forested areas. Other company-sized units were deployed within farm and industrial areas.
8 A battle group deployment near Belgorod, Russia, February 20. Maxar said that a number of new field deployments were also seen northwest of Belgorod, approximately 30 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, with much of the equipment and troops positioned in or near forested areas. Other company-sized units were deployed within farm and industrial areas.
A military deployment in an industrial area near Belgorod, Russia.  
9 A military deployment in an industrial area near Belgorod, Russia.



 
A deployment along a tree line near Belgorod.
10 A deployment along a tree line near Belgorod.
Helicopters and troops near Lake Donuzlav, in Russian-occupied Crimea, February 18. 
11 Helicopters and troops near Lake Donuzlav, in Russian-occupied Crimea, February 18. 
A  closer view shows the helicopter deployments near Lake Donuzlav. 
12 A  closer view shows the helicopter deployments near Lake Donuzlav. 
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