New satellite images show that Russian forces have withdrawn from Antonov Airport in Hostomel, 18 miles (about 29 kilometers) northwest of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
Images taken Thursday by Maxar Technologies confirm earlier information from a US Defense Department official, who told CNN he believed the Russian military had left the airport.
Previous satellite images showed the Russians built protective earthen berms around military vehicles and artillery positions after weeks of digging at the airport. Now only ashes are left.
First Russian victory: The capture of Antonov airfield was the first major victory by the Russians on the first day of the war – February 24. Several transport and attack helicopters ambushed the base, and Ukrainian troops stationed there; CNN saw some fierce shelling at the base.
Since then, the Ukrainian army has remained strong against the Russian advance; He never made it close to West Kyiv. There was heavy shelling along the Irpin River and the cities of Irpin and Buka, as well as south of the airport and Hostomel.
Russia’s Defense Ministry released several videos claiming the airport was easily captured. Russian state media echoed those claims, even traveling with troops around the airport as proof of how safe the area was.
Now, the abandonment is another example of Russia’s declining military success around the Ukrainian capital.
Russian Restoration: At the moment it is not clear where the military and artillery vehicles went. Russia has previously claimed that it will reduce its military activity around Kyiv. All military forces and vehicles stationed west of Kyiv came from Belarus.
The Russians are not saying whether they have returned to Belarus, and thick clouds are currently preventing any satellite imagery from tracking Russian military movements in the area.