Apparent new satellite imagery has revealed the true scale of Russia's next attack in east Ukraine.
In images released by Maxar Technologies on 8 April, what is thought to be a Russian convoy was spotted outside the eastern city of Kharkiv, with the company saying it was 'at least eight miles long'.
The images show the column - believed to be compromised of trucks carrying artillery equipment - is currently passing through Velykyi Burluk, an urban settlement in the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv.
Advert
The armoured vehicles indicate a ramping up of Putin's intent to annex the Donbas region. This area, to the far east of Ukraine, has long been seen as most vulnerable to Russian occupation.
The Donbas has significant strategic importance to the industrial output of Ukraine, with 57 percent of the country's coal produced in the region. The two largest cities in the region are Donetsk and Luhansk, both of which are thought to be controlled by the Russian army.
The convoy will likely be slowed as it gets closer to the Donbas and is forced to enter the heavily contested areas to the north-west of Luhansk.
Today, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) tweeted: "The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing", accompanying the announcement with a map of Ukraine, outlining the location of Russian forces.
But Ukrainian politicians say they are ready to weather this next phase of the conflict. Mykhaylo Podolyak, presidential advisor, commented on Saturday that 'Ukraine is ready for big battles. Ukraine must win them, including the Donbas. And once that happens, Ukraine will have a more powerful negotiating positions.'
A map, provided by the MoD, further suggests that Russia has shifted its focus away from Kyiv in a bid to take east Ukraine.
Other pictures released by Maxar appear to show the remnants of destroyed Russian military vehicles.
The growth of this convoy comes amid reports that Finland and Sweden could join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) by summer.
Opinion polls show Fins are particularly keen to join the military alliance, with 60 percent of the population being pro NATO in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, as opposed to just 30 percent in October.
Putin's troubles within Ukraine seem to be mounting, with Russians who want to fight against Putin’s forces in Ukraine having been given their own battalion.
The unit - named the Freedom for Russia - is made up entirely of Russian citizens, including some who had previously been prisoners of war during the conflict.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, World News
Alex Fleming-Brown