Huge convoy of Russian vehicles approaching Kyiv
Russia appears to be advancing in its invasion of Ukraine with satellite imagery indicating that a huge convoy — some 40 miles (65 kilometers) long — of Russian military vehicles is heading toward Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv.
The following satellite image was taken by U.S firm Maxar Technologies on Monday and appears to show a convoy of Russian armored tanks and trucks that stretches from Pybirsk, further north of Kyiv, to the Antonov airport (also known as the Hostomel airport — the site of fighting last week between Russian and Ukrainian forces) on the northeast outskirts of the Ukrainian capital.
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies taken on Feb. 28 appear to show a convoy of Russian vehicles advancing on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. The firm says these images show the northern end of the convoy, with logistics and resupply vehicles. Satellite image (c) 2022 Maxar Technologies.
Maxar Technologies | Getty Images
In some parts of the convoy the vehicles are traveling three or four abreast on the road, although in other images the vehicles are seen further apart, in single file. The distance along the road is approximately 40 miles.
It should be noted that the situation in Ukraine is fast moving and may now may be different to what is seen in these images, which show the convoy on Sunday and Monday.
The following two images were taken by Maxar Technologies on Sunday. At this point, the convoy does not appear to cover as large an area and cloud cover precludes a complete view of the area.
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies taken on Feb. 27 appear to show a convoy of Russian vehicles advancing on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. The large deployment of Russian ground forces is seen in convoy northeast of Ivankiv, Ukraine. Satellite image (c) 2022 Maxar Technologies
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies taken on Feb. 27 appear to show a convoy of Russian vehicles advancing on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. The large deployment of Russian ground forces is seen in convoy northeast of Ivankiv, Ukraine. Satellite image (c) 2022 Maxar Technologies
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Fears of the ‘fall of Kyiv’
Official sources have not confirmed the existence of the convoy, but there are growing and widespread fears it suggests that Russia is preparing to launch a full-scale assault on Kyiv, a city it has not yet occupied although there have been skirmishes on the outskirts.
U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said Tuesday that Britain would do “everything is can to delay the fall of Kyiv.” The BBC reported Tuesday morning that the convoy is 17 miles from Kyiv, although it’s hard to gauge how quickly the military column could reach the city.
Russia began its invasion of Ukraine last Thursday and its forces have attacked various cities and areas in the north, east and south of the country. However, analysts have suggested that Russia has made slower progress in its advance into the country and has met more resistance than it expected.
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