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Feb 17, 2022 - World

Satellite images show new military bridge near Ukraine amid Russian buildup

Axios
A satellite image of a new pontoon bridge crossing the Pripyat River build by Russia and Belarus captured on Feb. 16.

A Feb. 16 satellite image of a new pontoon bridge crossing the Pripyat River in Belarus. Satellite image: Maxar Technologies

A new military pontoon bridge has been established over the Pripyat River in Belarus, less than four miles from the Ukraine border, Maxar Technologies found, as satellite images this week continue to show heightened military activity in Belarus, Crimea and western Russia.

Why it matters: The Biden administration told reporters last evening that it now believes Russia's claims of withdrawing troops from near Ukraine are "false," Axios' Zachary Basu reports.

  • Moscow has in fact increased its presence on the border "by as many as 7,000 troops" in recent days, a senior administration official said.
In photos:
An image of a field hospital built in Belarus captured on Feb. 16.
A Feb. 16 satellite image of a field hospital built in Belarus. Source: Maxar Technologies
An image of tents and artillery pieces stationed in Crimea captured on Feb. 16.
A Feb. 16 image of Russian tents and artillery pieces stationed in Crimea. Source: Maxar Technologies
An image of troops and military equipment positioned near Kursk, Russia, captured on Feb. 16.
A Feb. 16 satellite image of troops and military equipment positioned near Kursk, Russia. Source: Maxar Technologies
An image of troops and military equipment in Crimea captured on Feb. 16.
A Feb. 16 satellite image image of troops and military equipment in Crimea. Source: Maxar Technologies

Go deeper: U.S. says Russia's claims of troop withdrawal were "false"

Go deeper