Build-up of Russian troops and military equipment increases despite Russian claims that forces would return to their bases

CIR observed Russian forces arriving in Southern Belarus and moving closer to the border of Ukraine. Newly set up bases were identified along the border in Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts. Russian proxies in the Russian-occupied parts of Luhansk and Donetsk evacuated women and children due to the alleged threat of a Ukrainian offensive.

Reports suggested that the Russian Federation and its proxies were attempting to create the pretext for military action in Ukraine based on the narrative of 'Ukrainian aggression'. This is a trend CIR observed in Russian-language media during this period.