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Ukraine accuses Google Maps of revealing military positions

04.11.2024 11:11
Google Maps recently published updated satellite images that inadvertently revealed the locations of some Ukrainian military systems.
A recent update on Google Maps exposed sensitive locations of Ukraines defense systems.
A recent update on Google Maps exposed sensitive locations of Ukraine's defense systems.Rubaitul Azad, Suzy Brooks/Unsplash.com/CC0

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s disinformation response center, confirmed that Russia is actively circulating these images.

Kovalenko posted on Telegram that Google is “working to rectify the visibility of our military systems” and is in communication with Ukrainian authorities to address the issue, though weekend timing may have slowed initial actions.

Andrii Ziuz, a former Ukrainian national security official, suggested in comments to the American Newsweek that these images are unlikely to impact Ukraine's military significantly, as they mostly show stationary facilities like manufacturing plants.

Ivan Stupak, a former security officer in Kyiv, also noted that rapidly shifting front lines make Google Maps imagery less useful for military operations.

Satellite images, while often used to assess damage post-strike, are generally limited in helping locate mobile or actively deployed units.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to face one of Russia's most aggressive offensives since the full-scale invasion began, especially in contested areas near Pokrovsk and Bakhmut, as the winter season approaches.

Source: Newsweek/IAR/PAP/X/@United24media

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