New satellite images show that Russian forces have withdrawn from Antonov Airport in Hostomel, 18 miles (about 29 kilometers) northwest of the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. The images, taken by Maxar Technologies on Thursday, confirm previous information from a US Department of Defense official who told CNN that they believed the Russian army had left the airport. A satellite overview shows the abandoned Antonov Airport. (Maxar Technologies) Earlier satellite images showed the Russians had built protective earthen barrels around military vehicles and artillery positions after weeks of digging at the airport. Now, only the bermads remain. First Russian victory: The capture of Antonov Airport was the first major victory of the Russians on the first day of the war – February 24. Many transport and attack helicopters ambushed the base and the Ukrainian soldiers stationed there. CNN saw some of the intense gunfire at the base. Since then, Ukrainian forces have faced Russian advance. never got closer to western Kyiv. Heavy fires broke out along the Irpin River and the towns of Irpin and Bucha, just south of the air base and Hostomel. A satellite image shows an area where artillery batteries were previously seen. (Maxar Technologies) Russia’s Defense Ministry has released a series of videos praising the ease with which they claimed to have captured the air base. Russian state media repeated the allegations and even traveled 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. More empty covers are seen near the airport. (Maxar Technologies) Russian repositioning: At present it is not clear where the military vehicles and artillery went. Russia has previously said it would reduce its military activity around Kyiv. All military forces and vehicles stationed west of Kiev came from Belarus. The Russians did not say whether they had returned to Belarus, and the dense cloud cover at the moment prevented any satellite image from following the movements of Russian troops in the area.
