Ukraine: How prepared is Russia for attack?

Author: Editors Desk Source: BBC News:
Monday - 14/02/2022 16:56
Ukraine: How prepared is Russia for attack?

Russia has positioned about 130,000 troops - equipped with everything from tanks and artillery to medical facilities and logistical support - close to Ukraine's border.

They include about 30,000 troops taking part in military exercises in Belarus.

US officials say Russia has the troops in place to invade Ukraine "at any time". 

But Russia denies it is planning an attack.
 

Multiple rocket launchers being fire during the Allied Resolve 2022 joint military drills by Belarusian and Russian troops
RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY
Rocket launchers being fired in joint military drills in Belarus
 


Troops on the move

Reports suggest that key support units necessary for an invasion have been moving into position alongside combat troops in recent days.

They are thought to include tank repair workshops, mud clearance equipment and field hospitals with blood supplies in some areas.

Some analysts say the presence of manned field hospitals, in particular, could be a key indicator of readiness to attack.

 

Satellite image showing troop housing and field hospital in Belarus



It is unclear whether all the support necessary for an invasion is present in every area. 

Units arriving from across Russia have been added to about 35,000 military personnel who are permanently stationed close to Ukraine's border.
 

A serviceman of motorized rifle unit of the Russian Southern Military District takes part in a cross country driving exercise
GETTY IMAGES


Some newly arrived units have travelled almost 4,000 miles from the Russian Far East.

Much of the heavy armour has been brought in by rail, some passing through Kursk, approximately 80 miles (130km) from the Ukraine border.

Other vehicles have arrived by road, via Karachev in the Bryansk region.


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