Recent Maxar satellite images from Crimea capture Russian defensive fortifications and trenches that experts warn would be difficult to surmount. Kyiv has promised to take back Russia-occupied Crimea, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014.
Satellite Images Capture Russian Forces Preparing For War In Crimea
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A satellite image of military fortifications at Medvedivka, in Russian-occupied Crimea, on January 3.
An analysis of satellite images by RFE/RL has revealed that Moscow has fortified the Crimean Peninsula in anticipation of a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the spring.
An analysis of satellite images by RFE/RL has revealed that Moscow has fortified the Crimean Peninsula in anticipation of a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the spring.
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Fortifications and dragon's teeth (wedge-shaped concrete anti-tank barriers laid in multiple rows) are visible in Maslove, northern Crimea.
The Russian military has reinforced several areas of Crimea, as can be seen in satellite photographs taken between January and March.
The Russian military has reinforced several areas of Crimea, as can be seen in satellite photographs taken between January and March.
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Fortifications and dragon's teeth at Medvedivka, northeastern Crimea, on February 11.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met on April 7 with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers and repeated his vow to win back control of Crimea, the historic homeland of the Crimean Tatars, a Muslim ethnic minority.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met on April 7 with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers and repeated his vow to win back control of Crimea, the historic homeland of the Crimean Tatars, a Muslim ethnic minority.
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Trenches and revetments near Medvedivka.
Zelenskiy noted that Russia began its campaign against Ukraine with the 2014 annexation of Crimea and vowed: “Where the path of evil began, victory awaits us there, I am sure. Victory over this evil. The liberation of Crimea has no alternative."
Zelenskiy noted that Russia began its campaign against Ukraine with the 2014 annexation of Crimea and vowed: “Where the path of evil began, victory awaits us there, I am sure. Victory over this evil. The liberation of Crimea has no alternative."
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Russian tanks and artillery at a military base in Medvedivka.
The Moscow-appointed leader of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov told reporters on April 11 that Russian forces on the peninsula had built “modern, in-depth defenses” and had “more than enough” troops and equipment to repel a possible Ukrainian assault."
The Moscow-appointed leader of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov told reporters on April 11 that Russian forces on the peninsula had built “modern, in-depth defenses” and had “more than enough” troops and equipment to repel a possible Ukrainian assault."
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Another view of the Russian military base at Medvedivka.
Aksyonov first announced that fortification works in Crimea would begin in November without providing details. In February, at a security meeting chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said that the work was set to finish by April.
Aksyonov first announced that fortification works in Crimea would begin in November without providing details. In February, at a security meeting chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said that the work was set to finish by April.
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Trenches and deployed Russian vehicles north of Armyansk, northern Crimea, on February 16.
Ukrainian military commanders have said that their own counteroffensive, backed by newly delivered Western tanks and fresh troops trained in the West, is not far off.
Ukrainian military commanders have said that their own counteroffensive, backed by newly delivered Western tanks and fresh troops trained in the West, is not far off.
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Dragon's teeth and Russian trenches along the beach west of Yevpatoria, southwest Crimea, on March 12.
Ukraine would face a formidable challenge to dislodge Russian forces as its troops would likely encounter minefields, anti-tank ditches, and other obstacles.
Ukraine would face a formidable challenge to dislodge Russian forces as its troops would likely encounter minefields, anti-tank ditches, and other obstacles.
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Russian artillery deployed along the coast, such as those here in Vitino on March 31, would also be difficult to overcome.
