Russia Moves Troops Toward Ukraine Border: Ukrainian Intelligence Has Not Confirmed Information, US Consults Allies

Politico published satellite photos taken on November 1.

Russian troops are once again concentrating on the border with Ukraine. The movement of troops amid tensions between Moscow and NATO has caused concern in the US and EU. We explain what is known about this as of today. 

Troop buildup

The Washington Post citing unnamed sources among American and European officials, reported that another redeployment of Russian troops to regions bordering Ukraine has caused concern among officials in the US and Europe, who are monitoring irregular movements of equipment and personnel on Russia's western flank. 

Videos have appeared on social media in recent days showing Russian military trains and convoys moving large amounts of military equipment, including tanks and missiles, in southern and western Russia. 

The resumption of Russian troop movements comes amid Kremlin discontent over Kyiv's rapprochement with NATO and its own disagreements with the alliance. Russia suspended its mission to NATO in Brussels on October 18, after the alliance expelled eight members of the Russian mission over espionage accusations. 

Michael Kofman, director of the Russia studies program at the CNA non-profit analysis group in Virginia, said the new movements of the Russian army are not for military exercises: "The point is, this is not an exercise. It does not look like military training." 

According to him, satellite images show that the 1st Guards Tank Army of Russia, an elite unit based outside Moscow, is likely moving personnel and equipment toward Ukraine. 

He noted that forces of Russia's 41st Combined Arms Army, which is normally based in Novosibirsk, did not return to Siberia but joined other Russian forces at the border with Ukraine. 

Ukrainian intelligence has not confirmed the information

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense have not confirmed information about the buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine's state borders. 

The agency said: "As of November 1, 2021, no additional transfer of Russian units, weapons and military equipment toward Ukraine's state border has been recorded." 

The press service of the Defense Ministry said that the facts of the buildup of Russian armed forces groupings in the Ukrainian direction, published by the media and online, may be an element of special information and psychological operations and are planned activities within the framework of troop redeployment after the completion of exercises. 

US consults with allies

The US presidential administration consulted with allied countries on the security situation on Ukraine's borders. 

Jake Sullivan
US presidential adviser for national security

Last weekend we had the opportunity to consult with key allies and partners on Ukraine and to make sure that we are defending or supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will continue to closely monitor the situation. And I have nothing more to add at this time. 

Satellite photos

Politico published satellite photos taken on November 1. They confirm reports that Russia is again concentrating troops and military equipment on the border with Ukraine. 

The photos show clusters of armored units, tanks and self-propelled artillery along with ground forces in the area of the Russian city of Yelnya near the border with Belarus. 

Equipment of Russia's 4th Tank Division has been moved closer to Ukraine's northern border, to the areas around Bryansk and Kursk. The units are equipped with T-80U main battle tanks and self-propelled artillery systems. 

Elements of the 1st Guards Tank Army have also been spotted in this area. The units began moving in late September from other parts of Russia where they are normally based.