NATO releases satellite imagery showing Russian combat troops inside Ukraine (28 AUG 2014)

NATO released new satellite images on Thursday, 28 August 2014, that show Russian combat forces engaged in military operations inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine. The images, captured in late August, depict Russian self-propelled artillery units moving in a convoy through the Ukrainian countryside and then preparing for action by establishing firing positions in the area of Krasnodon, Ukraine.

This video consists of excerpts from a briefing by Dutch Brigadier General Nico Tak, director of the Comprehensive Crisis and Operations Management Centre (CCOMC), Allied Command Operations.

Dutch Brigadier General Nico Tak, director of the Comprehensive Crisis and Operations Management Centre (CCOMC), Allied Command Operations said the images confirmed what NATO and its Allies had been seeing for weeks from other sources.

"Over the past two weeks we have noted a significant escalation in both the level and sophistication of Russia’s military interference in Ukraine,” said Brigadier General Tak. "The satellite images released today provide additional evidence that Russian combat soldiers, equipped with sophisticated heavy weaponry, are operating inside Ukraine’s sovereign territory,” he said.

These latest images provide concrete examples of Russian activity inside Ukraine, but are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the overall scope of Russian troop and weapons movements.

"We have also detected large quantities of advanced weapons, including air defence systems, artillery, tanks, and armoured personnel carriers being transferred to separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine,” said Brigadier General Tak. "The presence of these weapons along with substantial numbers of Russian combat troops inside Ukraine make the situation increasingly grave,” he said.

Also released were images showing substantial activity inside Russia in areas adjacent to the border with Ukraine. NATO believes this activity is being conducted in direct support to forces operating inside Ukraine, and is part of a highly coordinated and destabilising strategy.

"Russia is reinforcing and resupplying separatist forces in a blatant attempt to change the momentum of the fighting, which is currently favouring the Ukrainian military," Brigadier General Tak said. "Russia's ultimate aim is to alleviate pressure on separatist fighters in order to prolong this conflict indefinitely, which would result in further tragedy for the people of Eastern Ukraine," he added.

The source of the images is an independent firm named Digital Globe. The images have not been altered or changed by NATO.

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[WeWereTheStorm]

But Russia is trying to say these troops just happened to wander onto Ukrainian soil.

[ITZOUTTHERE]

Just imagine if the build up to WW2 had been televised back in the day, i am positive it would have looked and sounded very much like it does a thought !

[pceh]

We can see number plate from the sky and thats the best you can come up with comon

[thinkersmith]

I don't get it. The video is entitled "NATO releases satellite imagery...." but there is no imagery at all. The entire video is of this NATO spokesman. Why not post the actual satellite video?

[pspboy]

So.... let's see the images then?

[josedourado]

NATO have to help Ukraine fast, because if the situation escalates more, it is going to be more difficult to normalize Ukraine without more costs to the allies.

[DopeFiend]

These images show nothing. Keep failing.

[TheRadrussian]

you'd think we would get these images by now. 

[Principe]

huge proof ... WMDs in Iraq, anyone? :)

[_j.v.st._]

"For me to believe you there are ´´no´´ troops in ukraine, i would need to fire the entire us goverment and agencies, and you would need to be a democratic nation".

Lindsey Olin Graham

[StrukMd]

An y'all said u would protect Ukraine so it's time to fight Russia

[kflashcarr]

Is that not a Russian flag on his arm?