The New York Times Tries To Analyze How The Russian Military Encircles Ukraine, Prepares Elite Troops And Assault Helicopters

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech seemed to be a sign. After officially giving permission for military operations in eastern Ukraine, an explosion was heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. There was also a barrage of gunfire near the capital's main airport.

Explosions rocked the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. An area that is the focus of the Russian military base.

The New York Times, Wednesday, February 24, tried to analyze how the Russian military tried to approach Ukraine. It all started in October 2021.

Russia has built up a huge military force along Ukraine's borders, with as many as 190,000 troops in or near Ukraine. In fact, the presence of Russian troops has doubled in recent weeks, from military bases and training grounds to combat-ready units arranged in tactical formations.

This media said, Russia was already preparing to attack Ukraine from three directions, according to military analysts: north, east and south.

In recent weeks, Russia even seems to have completed all available military forces to carry out large-scale military operations against Ukraine. The troops included fighter planes and attack helicopters, along with elite paratrooper units and special forces troops who would usually spearhead invasion plans.

The New York Times even provides an infographic on how Russia's military forces are moving around Ukraine.

Troops deployed north in Belarus were able to quickly reach the capital, Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian naval forces in the Black Sea could threaten the southern coast of Ukraine.

Most analysts and military officials believe that any attack will begin with a major offensive into eastern Ukraine, around two breakaway territories that Russia has long supplied with troops and weapons.