This is stated in the publication The New York Times.

It is noted that the strengthening of Russia's military presence on the occupied peninsula is confirmed by recently published satellite images. They show the deployment of numerous tent camps near the clusters of military equipment, which indicates the arrival of troops.

In addition to the tens of thousands of troops already stationed in Crimea, Russia has recently sent two battalion tactical groups to the peninsula - about 1,000 troops, as well as tanks, armored vehicles and artillery. In particular, two groups of airborne troops arrived in ten echelons along with armored vehicles.

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According to the NYT, several units have been put on high alert, including Marines stationed near the Kerch Strait and at the Russian Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol. Troops in other areas have been transferred to a lower level of combat readiness.

In addition to the concentration of troops in the occupied Crimea, the American publication adds, Russian naval forces have been deployed in the Black and Azov Seas. In April last year, Russia sent a Caspian flotilla to the region for training and left several large landing ships there.

What is known

• Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov said that the Russian Federation continues to militarize the temporarily occupied Crimea, but the formation of strike groups ready for the offensive is not observed there.
• The Sun reported a possible "almost imminent war" and published the latest map of Russia's attack, in which Russia could "strike a limited blow at Ukraine over the next ten days".
• The Pentagon is preparing measures in response to possible Russian aggression against Ukraine.
• Russia has begun transferring military helicopters to the border with Ukraine. The move could indicate that planning for the attack is still ongoing, as the number of Russian troops at the border has remained stable in recent weeks.
• On January 9, the occupiers conducted exercises in the Crimea with the regular forces of naval aviation and air defense of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation.
• On January 8, the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation conducted training with base rescue forces in stormy weather at bases, in Novorossiysk and the occupied Crimea.
• Tank units of the Russian Army Corps are conducting training shootings at the Angarsky range in the occupied Crimea.

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