Russia has constructed “in depth methods of navy defensive works” in southern areas bordering with Ukraine, indicating the Kremlin’s “deep concern” Kyiv’s spring counter offensive might mark a “main breakthrough” within the battle.
The newest intelligence replace from Britain’s protection intelligence company mentioned Moscow has constructed a few of the most sprawling and complicated defensive trenches “seen wherever on the earth for a lot of a long time,” alongside the northern border of annexed Crimea, and “effectively inside” Russia’s southern Belgorod and Kursk areas.
“These defences should not simply close to the present entrance strains however have additionally been dug deep inside areas Russia presently controls,” the company mentioned in an evaluation shared on Twitter Monday. It added that building began in summer season 2022, a number of months after Russia launched its brutal navy marketing campaign.
The defences spotlight Russian leaders’ deep concern that Ukraine might obtain a serious breakthrough,” the ministry mentioned.
“Nevertheless, some works have doubtless been ordered by native commanders and civil leaders in makes an attempt to advertise the official narrative that Russia is ‘threatened’ by Ukraine and NATO.”
Some background: Satellite tv for pc imagery reviewed by CNN and different information organizations exhibits the extent of Russian defenses which were constructed up in elements of southern Ukraine – layers of anti-tank ditches, obstacles, minefields and trenches.
The defenses proceed for lots of of miles throughout the meandering southern entrance – the place Ukrainian forces are anticipated to pay attention their counter-offensive within the coming weeks.
Such defenses, nonetheless, are solely pretty much as good because the forces assigned to every sector. On their very own they’re a restricted obstacle. Which is why the Russians have pushed extra items into southern Ukraine. These defensive strains have change into crucial to their total targets.
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