russia deployed 470,000 troops to occupied territories, – the GUR
21 February 21:17
The ground component of Russian troops on the territory of Ukraine is about 470,000 people. This was stated by Deputy Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Major General Vadym Skibitskyi in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, according to the
“During this period, the number of the group deployed in our country has increased significantly. Now the ground component of this group is about 470,000 soldiers. This is only the ground component, not including the air force and navy, which are also involved in operations and strikes,”
– he said.
In addition, according to the major general, a new component has emerged – a grouping of Russian Guard troops, which was previously represented only partially by battalions.
“A group of Russian Guard troops, numbering almost 33,000 servicemen, is now deployed in the occupied territories. These are the people who ensure the activities of the occupation authorities, protect strategic facilities and, if necessary, can carry out defence tasks in the temporarily occupied territories,”
– said Skibitskyi.
He also pointed to another change over the past two years – the emergence of an additional group to cover the state border of the Russian Federation. These troops are deployed in three Russian regions directly adjacent to Ukraine: Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk. The Major General stressed that this is due to the Russians’ fear of “more active actions and corresponding operations on the territory of the Russian Federation”.
The New York Times has named five places where Russia is fighting to break through Ukraine’s borders.
The newspaper notes that Ukrainian ground forces are in the most dangerous position since the first months of the war.