Satellite images taken over the past two days have shown the construction of new roads and a tactical bridge across a major river in Belarus, less than four miles from the Ukrainian border, amid a continuing build-up of Russian military forces encircling the city. Ukraine from three sides.
Three sources familiar with the matter told CNN that intelligence and military officials are closely tracking construction as part of the supporting infrastructure that Russia is putting in place ahead of a potential invasion.
Both the new road and bridge construction, across the Pripyat River in southern Belarus, are less than four miles from the border and could be used by Russian forces currently in Belarus as a route to Kiev, the Ukrainian capital.
As satellite images, from Maxar and Planet show the pontoon bridge has been completed.
An informed source said that Russia is building “bridges, field hospitals and all kinds of supporting infrastructure”. That is why we do not take seriously their claims of de-escalation.”
It is unclear whether Russian or Belarusian forces were building the bridge.
Belarus is Russia’s closest international ally in the confrontation and is currently hosting Russian troops and equipment as part of what Russia insists are “exercises”.
Western officials estimate that these forces could be used to invade Ukraine from the north in particular, if Russia chooses to go the route of the capital, Kiev.
According to Western intelligence estimates, Russian President Vladimir Putin is in a position to launch a large-scale invasion of Ukraine at any time although the United States still does not believe he has made a decision yet.
Yesterday, Russia issued a number of conflicting signals, including announcing the withdrawal of some of its forces from the Ukrainian border. But officials said there was no sign of a de-escalation at the border, and multiple sources familiar with recent intelligence told CNN that Russia was still actively moving its forces near the border on Wednesday and some long-range artillery was also placed in firing positions, according to an official. Senior Western intelligence and another source familiar with the matter.