This was stated by the American ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey R.Pyatt:
“The separatists now have larger fighting force with more tanks, armored vehicles, heavy artillery
and rocket systems than some NATO and European countries,” wrote Pyatt on his official Twitter.
On Saturday, February 14, 2015 the US Ambassador to Ukraine has posted U.S. satellite images released by The United States government. These photos are showing Russian air defense systems and other military systems deployed in the area of Debaltseve, Donetsk region.
2/3 Russian military also has air defense systems deployed near Debaltseve. pic.twitter.com/ZV0qGqOEqM
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) 14 Лютий 2015
“We are confident these are Russian military, not separatists’,” said Geoffrey R.Pyatt .
Debaltseve. We are confident these are Russian military, not separatist, systems pic.twitter.com/3xzdvAddWJ
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) 14 Лютий 2015
“The Russian military also deployed air defense systems near Debaltseve”, he added.
3/3 Russian units along the border are preparing a large shipment of supplies to “seps” fighting in eastern Ukraine pic.twitter.com/h5jnP5EARF
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) 14 Лютий 2015
On Friday the spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, Jen Psaki also reported that Russia of continue to deploy a “large amount” of heavy weapons and air defense systems around Debaltseve.
“The Russian military has deployed a large amount of artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems around Debaltseve, where it is shelling Ukrainian positions,” Psaki said.
“Russian units along the border with Ukraine are preparing a large shipment of supplies to pro-Russian forces fighting in eastern Ukraine,” he noted.