The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

In a surprising turn of events, Russia has seemingly executed a ‘magic trick’ by making its valuable S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft defense systems disappear from the Kaliningrad region. Satellite images have revealed that the equipment was, in fact, relocated to be used by Putin in the invasion of Ukraine.

According to an investigation by the Bellingcat portal, it has been confirmed that two cargo planes, An-124 and Il-76, left Kaliningrad in early November. Since the planes’ takeoffs, satellite images have shown changes in at least two locations where anti-aircraft defense systems are installed, indicating that the S-400 systems were relocated.

“Where exactly is still uncertain,” a source told the same media outlet.

The investigation followed comments from several analysts and experts in war-related matters, noting a peak in activity of the two military cargo aircraft, with one being the country’s largest for transporting strategic military equipment.

Kaliningrad, an important Russian port city in the Baltic region, is territorially separated from the rest of Russia and borders NATO members Lithuania and Poland.

Some sources suggest that Russia may be transporting the S-400 anti-aircraft defense systems to Rostov-on-Don, a city in the south near the border with Ukraine. This move could be a response to the destruction of three of these systems by Kyiv forces using ATACMS systems.

The investigation was prompted by considerations from the UK Ministry of Defense, which, in an analysis note on November 9, suggested that Russia, to maintain coverage of Ukrainian territory, may need to relocate its long-range surface-to-air missile systems, “which routinely protect distant parts of Russia.”

“The relocation of strategic anti-aircraft defense elements would further demonstrate how the conflict in Ukraine continues to strain the Russian armed forces and hinder their ability to maintain basic defenses across their vast territory,” said the English Defense on November 9, anticipating what has now been confirmed.