Russia’s total number of BTGs in eastern and southern Ukraine rises to 76 – Pentagon

The Pentagon has confirmed that Russia’s forces in eastern and southern Ukraine have increased to 76 battalion tactical groups (BTGs) over the past several days.

The relevant statement was made by the senior US defense official on a press call, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to CNN.

“Russia has added 11 BTGs to their forces in the east and south of Ukraine since late last week, bringing the total number of BTGs to 76,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the US is unable to pinpoint exactly how the new BTGs are spread out at the moment.

The US continues to provide defense support for Ukraine, the official noted.

As of April 18, 2022, four flights of security assistance for Ukraine were sent into the region from the newest round of assistance authorized by US President Joe Biden worth $800 million. Another should be arriving “over the next 24 hours,” according to the official, but no details were provided around what equipment was on the flights.

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