19,000 Russian troops positioned near Ukrainian northern borders – Ukraine’s armed forces

Russia is still carrying out armed aggression against Ukraine from the regions of Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod. To achieve its objectives, Russia has deployed a group of approximately 19,000 troops. As of June 2022, over 500,000 anti-tank mines have been placed along the main potential attack routes of the enemy in northern Ukraine, which is 16 times more than in June of the previous year.

The commander of the "Pivnich" Operational and strategic grouping of troops, Lieutenant General Serhiy Nyaev, reported in an interview with Ukrinform.

"Russia continues open armed aggression against Ukraine from the territories of Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions. Enemy units are conducting reconnaissance, shelling border areas, using aviation and kamikaze UAVs, and launching missile strikes with ballistic and cruise missiles. In addition to military facilities, Russia is trying to destroy the energy, transport, and industrial infrastructure, inflicting cynical attacks on residential areas, medical and educational institutions, shopping centers, and warehouses with humanitarian goods. To carry out these tasks, Russia has deployed a group of troops totaling about 19 thousand people. The units are armed with tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery and jet systems, air defense equipment, and operational-tactical missile systems," Nayev said.

He noted that the forces and means of the military groups of the Northern operational zone continue to conduct the stabilization operation in the designated areas; the situation here remains stable and controlled. But there is still a threat of the enemy using sabotage and intelligence groups from Russia on the state border of Chernihiv and Sumy regions.

Nayev assured that the command constantly analyzes the situation and takes appropriate measures.

Therefore, through collaboration with the Ukrainian armed forces' Air Forces, troops and critical infrastructure facilities are defended from enemy air and missile attacks.

The rearmament of the troops with more modern models of foreign production is also underway; in particular, this applies to air defense equipment. In the border areas, fortifications have been prepared and are constantly being improved.

The expansion of the system of mine-explosive and non-explosive barriers continues.

"As part of the stabilization operation, the defense lines' engineering equipment, including fortification equipment and a system of engineering barriers, was carried out. Today, measures are being taken to improve the fortification equipment of the defense lines and the maintenance and expansion of engineering barriers. On the main lines of the enemy's probable offensive from June 2022, more than 500,000 anti-tank mines have been installed. In particular, anti-tank minefields, anti-tank mine groups, sets of anti-personnel explosive devices, landmines, minefields, etc. The density of mine-explosive barriers in our zone of responsibility has been increased 16 times," said Nayev.

Also, according to him, non-explosive barriers and objects of transport infrastructure have been installed, particularly bridges, roads, etc. Work continues on the fortification equipment of the positions by the forces of local authorities.

"Together, we are creating conditions so that the state border of Ukraine in the Northern Operational Zone is completely impenetrable to enemy forces. In close cooperation with the heads of military administrations, we are building military engineering, technical, and fortification facilities. We are installing additional surveillance cameras. Work in this direction continues around the clock," the commander said.

Nayev also noted that permanent interaction with military administrations has been organized to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure facilities as a result of the installation of additional fortification equipment, as well as an increase in the number of mobile anti-aircraft fire groups.

"No signs of the formation of strike groups of the enemy's troops have been noticed. We are constantly monitoring and following up on the situation," Nayev stressed.

For reference:

As reported by Rubryka, on October 14, in the Chernihiv region, territorial defense units of the Northern Operational Zone trained in a simulated atmosphere of a real battle.

Earlier, Nayev said that in the northern part of Ukraine, measures were being taken to improve the effectiveness of the air defense system.

In addition, the lieutenant general checked the training of one of the units of the National Guard, which will soon go to the front.