MOSCOW, April 26 (RIA Novosti) — RIA Novosti obtained the satellite photos which clearly show heavy buildup of Ukraine's military weapons and equipment on the border with Russia, as well as in Ukraine’s Slaviansk suburbs, in the North of the Donetsk region, where clashes between pro-federalization protesters and Ukrainian interim government continue.
A source in the Russian Defense Ministry said, commenting on these photos, that they clearly illustrate that the force military grouping is being formed in the Slaviansk suburbs «in order to wipe out the city and its residents». According to his data, the grouping is comprised of more than 15,000 Ukrainian military servicemen and the home reserve, there are around 160 tanks, 230 infantry combat vehicles and armored personnel carriers, as well as no less than 150 rifles, mine throwers and RMs (multiple-launch rocket systems of Grad and Smerch types).
«Such concentration of troops in one district and the potential of the self-defense units' forces are disparate, the latter being armed only with small amount of pistols and shotguns," he added.
Kiev authorities are conducting a special operation against pro-federalization protesters in eastern Ukraine. Casualties and wounded were reported. The city of Slaviansk faces the fiercest clashes. The blocking of the city was the goal of second stage of the special operation which began Friday.
