Satellite images show more Russian troops, equipment near Ukraine

New satellite images released Wednesday show additional Russian troops and equipment near the country’s border with Ukraine.

The images, released by satellite imagery company Maxar Technologies, show equipment and troops as close as eight miles to Ukraine in Klimovo and about 18 miles from the border in Klintsy.

Maxar says the images show key locations where additional troops and forces have recently been deployed. The Pogonovo training area, located near Voronezh, is about 102 miles near the Ukraine border.

Image 0 of 13

Russian military activity has been increasing in recent weeks, with officials announcing Tuesday that it would send troops to Belarus for war games.

The head of Ukraine’s defense intelligence agency told Military Times in November that Russia could launch an attack through Belarus.

A more recent Ukrainian government assessment concluded Russia has the capability now to strike Kyiv with medium-range ballistic missiles.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki underscored the urgency for de-escalation, as well, ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Ukraine. Blinken is expected to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavros in Geneva on Friday.

Russia has requested guarantees that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries, as well as roll back military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe.

In a press conference Wednesday, President Joe Biden said the U.S. would not withdraw troops in order to de-escalate tensions. Biden also promised to send additional troops to eastern European NATO member countries if Russia moves forward with an invasion of Ukraine.

In Other News

Senator vows to hold all VA nominees over planned staff cuts

Plans to cut more than 80,000 staffers from VA offices would severely hurt benefits delivery, said Arizona Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps vet.

VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout

VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.

Hegseth orders review of physical standards for military combat roles

Women already must pass gender-neutral physical fitness requirements for combat posts, but Hegseth contends the standards for women are lower.

Confirmation hearing set on Trump’s pick for Joint Chiefs chairman

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of March 31, 2025.

Lawmaker warns government ‘savings’ could cost vets critical services

Democrats must highlight the dangers of planned VA cuts to both veterans and the public, House Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano said.

Load More