The latest satellite images provided by the US space technology company Maxar show that wide-scale Russian military activity persists close to Ukraine's borders, despite recent Russian claims of de-escalation and withdrawal.

Taken in mid-February, they illustrate that Ukraine remains surrounded on three sides - on its borders with both Russia and Belarus - by Russian military hardware and troop concentrations.

Of particular concern is the presence of a new field hospital, at some distance to the rear at the Osipovichi training area in north-western Belarus.

While this could be a legitimate part of any large scale field exercise it could also be an indication of expected battle casualties from an imminent conflict.