Mass media reveals satellite images of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border

New commercial satellite photos taken on November 1 confirm recent reports that Russia is once again concentrating troops and military equipment on its border with Ukraine.

This was reported by the publication, POLITICO.

The photo was taken by Maxar Technologies.

The photos show clusters of armored units, tanks, and self-propelled artillery, along with ground forces near the Russian city of Yelnia near the border with Belarus. Units that began moving in late September from other parts of Russia, where they are usually based, include the elite 1st Guards Tank Army.

POLITICO, citing data from the British publication Jane's, which specializes in military issues, writes that the equipment of the 4th Tank Division of Russia was moved to the areas around Bryansk and Kursk, near the northern border of Ukraine. The units are equipped with the main battle tanks, T-80U, and self-propelled artillery.

"Part of the 1st Guards Tank Army was also spotted in the area," the publication said.

Elements of the 1st Guards Tank Army were also spotted in the area. According to the publication's analysis, the army is "designed to conduct operations at all levels of hostilities, from fighting insurgents to mechanized combat."

"Usually it is the first to receive the latest equipment and is also considered the main formation for testing new equipment and tactics," the publication said.

Satellite images show a self-propelled artillery installation and other equipment.

This deployment "marks a clear departure from the standard training scheme of the 1st Guards Tank Army," which is usually carried out near Moscow.

The Central Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense didn't record Russia's withdrawal of military units to the Ukrainian borders, the Defense Ministry said. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the information disseminated in the media was probably an element of special informational and psychological actions.