More "pictures are worth a thousand words"

[Mark Kohut]

ukraine is essentially ringed on three sides, because of a large Russian
build-up in Belarus. “Allied Resolve”, a hastily-announced Russia-Belarus
exercise—more likely cover for troop movements—began on February 10th and
is due to end on February 20th. As many as 30,000 Russian troops may be
involved, according to nato. Some are alarmingly close to Ukrainian soil.
Zyabrovka, around 25km from the border, is another disused airfield which
has become a swarm of activity.
13th March 2020
10th February 2022
Maxar
Maxar
Helicopters at Zyabrovka. The airfield appears to be host to a battalion
tactical group of the vdv, Russia’s airborne forces, suggests Mr Boyd. The
vdv’s paratroopers would probably be at the vanguard of any offensive.
The double-cross shape here, larger than the one at Novoozernoye, is
probably another field hospital. The shape is almost identical to those set
up by the Russian armed forces elsewhere. Alongside it is more housing for
troops.
Little more than 50km to the east, even closer to Ukraine, is Rechitsa.
Videos and photos on social media have shown sprawling fields of Russian
tanks, formidable air defences and even a karaoke party for soldiers under
falling snow. Satellite images from February 9th show how Russian vehicles
have been training in the snow, leaving spidery trails.