What Russian units are in Ukraine? The question has a definite implication: the country has a large military that is ready to use force if need be. There are reports of armoured vehicles in the streets, buildings burning, and small-arms fire. Russia is well positioned to act if the situation calls for it. Fortunately, the situation in Ukraine does not look like the one in Russia’s movies.
The US and UK governments have recently released an updated intelligence on the situation in Ukraine. According to the latest information, the Russian military has made little progress in the last 24 hours. Heavy Russian air strikes and artillery continue to target cities and built-up areas. The next phase of the conflict in Ukraine is going to be very brutal. There is no doubt that Russia will use bigger weapons and use a much more intensive approach.
Many countries have deployed their best forces to the crisis in Ukraine. The British have confirmed that 83 Battalion Tactical Groups are in Kyiv, with 14 more in transit. Moreover, many analysts consider Russia’s recent military buildup to be the largest in recent memory, including strategic air defense systems and electronic warfare. This has led to fears of a possible invasion. But in reality, the Russians have been hitting schools, residential neighborhoods, and bridges.
The Russian military has expanded its forces in Ukraine. During the last conflict, the Russian Federation had only two ground combat units legally stationed on Ukrainian soil. At the time, the only Russian ground troops stationed on Ukrainian territory were navy ships and support staff. Then, after the Crimea crisis, Russia decided to set up two Army Corps, and now has a large number of troops, some of them with advanced technology.
In addition to the dozens of Battalion Tactical Groups already in the Ukraine, there are more than 80 more. The numbers of Ukrainian forces are growing by the minute. And they aren’t alone. The Russians have sent in the 84th Battalion Tactical Groups and two more. In the case of a full-scale invasion, Russia would need more than half a million soldiers.
The Russian military is bringing its best units to Ukraine. The U.S. Defense Department says that two-thirds of its combat power is already inside the country. The other third has yet to cross the border. The most impressive part is that most of the Russian military units have been trained to fight in war zones before they were in the Russian army. This means they are highly skilled and experienced in putting up resistance.
Some of these units have travelled 4,000 miles from the Russian Far East to the Ukraine. Others have travelled by road through the Bryansk region, and the Ukrainian government has sent the best-trained armed forces to Moscow. This is a clear indication that Russia is putting its military on the front line. If the government is in the country, they are on the front line. But what can they do in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian military is also in the west. In the past, they were only in Crimea. However, in 2014, they have been deploying large numbers of pro-Moscow Chechen units in the area. These forces have no regard for civilian casualties and have committed atrocities, especially against the Ukrainian soldiers. This has made safe surrenders impossible and the unmotivated soldiers have had to fight harder to avoid dying.
The Ukrainian armed forces have also sent their best-trained units to the Ukraine. While most of these units are manned by Russian armed forces, some are not. But they have all stepped forward. What is more, they are already sending a lot of troops to the Ukraine. The U.S. has not seen any signs of Russian army personnel. These troops are in a position to fight the rebels.
In January, armed Ukrainian forces fought against Russian helicopters at Hostomel airport. They were able to shoot down three of the aircraft. The captured Russians were shot down. The Ukrainians paraded their captured troops. The captured soldiers were allegedly members of the 1st Guards Tank Army, one of Russia’s most respected offensive units. The reconnaissance platoon near Chernihiv was not surrendered, but the armed forces claimed to have taken it.