Russia has continued to strengthen its military presence around Ukraine, with new deployments of troops and military equipment in multiple locations, including Crimea, Belarus and near Eastern Ukraine, furthering fears of an imminent invasion.
Russian military positions as of Sunday
Circles are sized by the number of troops where estimates were available.
Approximate line
separating Ukrainian and
Russian-backed forces.
Approximate line
separating Ukrainian and
Russian-backed forces.
Approximate line
separating Ukrainian and
Russian-backed forces.
Source: Rochan Consulting
The New York Times
This map uses data compiled as of Sunday and shows troops, tanks and heavy artillery moving into positions that threaten to widen the conflict in Ukraine’s east and potentially open a new front on Ukraine’s northern border, closer to the capital, Kyiv.
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has said repeatedly that 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 that an attack could now be launched at any time. The past week has seen a flurry of diplomatic talks but so far Western and Russian leaders have been unable to agree on steps that could ease the tensions.
The map represents a snapshot of current Russian positions, as well as broad estimates of the number of troops and the kinds of equipment deployed within striking 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 into Belarus, its closest international ally, for weeks, insisting that the deployment was for joint military drills. The exercises began on Thursday and are expected to continue for 10 days. Western officials fear the drills are an excuse to build up forces that could then be used to invade Ukraine from the North. Russian fighter jets have launched air patrols, and Russia’s potent S-400 air defense systems were deployed near the Belarus-Ukrainian border.
Ukraine is also warning of upcoming Russian naval drills, in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, that would block shipping routes, and thus hurt Ukraine’s economy. Moscow has said the drills are legal under international law but Western officials worry that they are a cover to position even more Russian forces around Ukraine.
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