Journalists identify locations of Russian military bases and training grounds in occupied Donbas
All the objects were marked on a special map, accompanied by descriptions and satellite images, in an article published by RFE/RL on Dec. 28.
The map shows nine objects, including a base of Russian proxy forces in the non-government-controlled part of Luhansk Oblast, near a road junction on the P22 road to Novosvitlivka.
The map also shows a graining ground near Miusynsk, an artillery base near Marusino, a military equipment base in the village of Myrne, a large base for military equipment with a training ground near Buhaivka, a base near the village of Kommuna village (near Debaltseve), a training ground near Sofiivka, a training ground and storage base for equipment near the village of Ternove, and a training ground near Pokrovka.
Russian military equipment was spotted at all of the bases and training grounds.
There have been widespread reports of Russia massing troops near Ukraine’s borders since the beginning of November. According to Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, Russia has concentrated about 122,000 troops and offensive weapons near the borders of Ukraine and in the parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts that are not controlled by the Ukrainian government.
According to satellite images, the Russian troop buildup on the Ukrainian borders is continuing. The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense has said that the buildup of Russian troops is likely to reach a peak at the end of January 2022.
Western media have reported that a further Russian invasion of Ukraine could be carried out at the beginning of 2022, with the Kremlin using a force of up to 175,000 Russian troops.
The Russian government has not commented on claims that it is preparing an invasion, stating that the redeployment of troops is an internal affair of Russia. At the same time, the Kremlin has repeatedly accused Ukraine of preparing “provocations,” and alleged that Kyiv plans to regain control of the occupied territories by military means.
Officials in the U.S. and Europe have said they remain concerned about the tensions on the eastern border of Ukraine.
While the Kremlin denies that it is preparing a fresh invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has simultaneously put forward demands that the United States give it security guarantees.
Other Kremlin demands include that Ukraine should not enter NATO and the expansion of the alliance to the east should halt.
It has also demanded that Ukraine’s allies cease supplying weapons to Ukraine, withdraw military advisers and instructors, and not participate in military exercises in Ukraine.
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