Satellite Pictures Show 40-Mile Long Convoy Of Russian Military Vehicles Closing In On Kyiv
Satellite images show a 40-mile convoy of Russian vehicles that appear to be closing in on Ukraine's capital Kyiv on its sixth day of war.
The photos, captured by US satellite company Maxar Technologies, show a bigger military force than initially anticipated.
On Monday (28 February), a military convoy consisting of hundreds of armoured vehicles, tanks, artillery and support vehicles was no more than 17 miles from the city centre, according to satellite imagery from Maxar.
It was earlier believed to be 17 miles long, but additional satellite imagery has shown how it stretched for 40 miles.
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Maxar said the newer images cover a wider area and were less obscured by clouds. Several homes and other buildings were also seen burning near roads where the convoy was traveling.
These images come as more than 70 Ukrainian soldiers were killed after Russian artillery hit a military base in Okhtyrka, a city between Kharkiv and Kyiv, according to a post by the head of the region Dmytro Zhyvytsky on Telegram.
Explosions and gunfire were reportedly heard in embattled cities in eastern Ukraine as Russia’s invasion met unexpectedly stiff resistance.
Western sanctions triggered by the invasion have been an ongoing threat to Russia's economy.
Russian teams have also been suspended from all international football matches, including qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.
US officials say they believe the invasion has been more difficult than the Kremlin envisioned, though that could change as Moscow adapts.
On the border with Belarus, a Ukrainian delegation held talks with Russian officials, though they ended with no agreements except to keep talking.
As the talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations wrapped up near the Belarusian border, several blasts could be heard in Kyiv itself.
Russian troops have been advancing slowly on the capital city of nearly three million people.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said her office had confirmed that 102 civilians, including seven children, have been killed in the Russian invasion.
304 others have been wounded.
She cautioned the tally was likely a vast undercount.
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.
Anish Vij