NATO Satellite Images Show Russian Troops Still on Ukraine Border

The US released satellite images that prove Russia did not remove its troops from Ukraine’s border. On May 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to move back Russian troops, but within hours NATO said there were no signs of departure. The satellite images confirm NATO’s observations. 

The US Mission to NATO’s Twitter account posted the pictures:

1 OF 2: US releases new imagery – Russian troops still near Ukrainian border on May 9. #UnitedForUkraine @UkrProgress pic.twitter.com/kEURMiFj4s

— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) May 12, 2014

2 OF 2: US releases new imagery – Russian troops still near Ukrainian border on May 12 #UnitedForUkraine @UkrProgress pic.twitter.com/AHgjUvIGyB

— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) May 12, 2014

One picture is from May 9, and NATO placed it next to pictures from March 26 and March 22. The second photograph was taken on May 12 and compared with a picture from March 23. 

Colonel Martin Downie, a NATO spokesman, said the pictures show Russia is lying:

“The reality is that Russia continues to have 40,000 high readiness troops massed on Ukraine’s border and another 25,000 troops in Crimea. The units on the latest satellite pictures show mechanized infantry, armored vehicles and combat helicopters,” he said in a statement.

“These units are there to intimidate Ukraine’s government and they could be used for an invasion of Ukraine, if ordered by Moscow. We will continue to keep a close eye on Russia’s actions near our borders,” he said.