2023-05-02 13:39:32
For months, the Ukrainian army has been preparing for a large-scale counteroffensive that might change the course of the war. During this time, Russian forces observed and, according to some reports, built one of the most extensive fortifications in the world in the hope that it would stop the attacking Ukrainian forces.
Starting in the summer of 2022, Russian forces a “they built one of the most extensive systems of military defense works seen anywhere in the world for decades” British military intelligence assessed.
“The defenses highlight the deep concern of Russian leaders that Ukraine might achieve a major breakthrough” – he added.
If the Ukrainian military manages to achieve an operational breakthrough during the upcoming counteroffensive, the Kremlin will be in a very difficult position. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government presented the annexation of the southern and eastern Ukrainian territories as a great victory for Russian arms. A successful Ukrainian counterattack would destroy this narrative.
The purpose of Russian fortifications is to stop or contain a large-scale mechanized attack. As such, they consist mainly of anti-tank barriers, minefields, trenches and fortified emplacements. The Kremlin has been working on the fortifications with contract labor for months, avoiding the use of valuable combat troops for the task.
Although Russian defenses are extensive, Moscow will need more to stop a large-scale combined arms counterattack. Anti-tank barriers and trenches can be taken if they are not protected by well-trained and properly equipped troops.
Southern Ukraine, the Crimea and the East
Russian forces have concentrated their fortifications in the south and east, which the Russian military leadership sees as the most likely targets for a large-scale Ukrainian counteroffensive.
In the south, Russian forces were particularly focused on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River in Kherson Province and the northern parts of Zaporizhzhya Oblast. They also strengthened the northern parts of the Crimean peninsula, especially near the village of Medvedevka, where British military intelligence said “multi-layered protection zone” Were created.
In the east, Russian forces built fortifications mainly near the Svatove-Kreminna contact line in Kharkiv province. At the same time, extensive defensive positions were also established within the borders of Russia.
The Russian army also built fortifications in the provinces of Belgorod and Kursk, which border Ukraine. This measure shows the paranoia within Russia.
“Some of the works were likely ordered by local commanders and civilian leaders to try to promote the official narrative that Russia is ‘threatened’ by Ukraine and NATO – believed the British military intelligence.
Cover image: The New York Times
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