WSJ: Ukraine Has Deployed A Record Construction Of Defensive Structures
- 1.08.2025, 7:35
The bet is on the rapid construction of anti-tank ditches.
Ukraine is carrying out the most extensive construction work on defenses since the Russian invasion. The defense line is being built to stop the Russian Federation's summer offensive.
This is reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The publication says the Ukrainian army is now betting on quickly building anti-tank ditches and barbed wire in the east.
"An army that digs deeper is an army that survives," military engineer Oleg, who is responsible for nearly 300 kilometers of defensive lines as part of the massive project, told reporters.
The program to reinforce the front lines has been underway for two years but has faced constant delays, strikes and even arrests on corruption charges, according to media reports.
In particular, over the past year and a half, Russian forces have broken through several weak sections of Ukrainian defenses and exploited unfinished lines in the north, launching a new offensive with a force of some 50,000 men.
"Ukraine hopes the triple belt of fortifications can stop similar breakthroughs in the east, where Russia is fighting for Pokrovsk and Konstantinovka," the article said.
Lines of Defense
The Wall Street Journal writes that the first line of defense is being erected by infantrymen and the second by engineering units. The third line is the responsibility of civilian administrations - it is to surround key cities and reinforce the borders of the regions. The goal of these defense lines is to stop Russian troops before they break through deep.
In 2024, more than 46 billion hryvnias - almost 2% of the total military budget - have been allocated for fortification. Officials claim that the real amount is even higher, but they do not disclose the exact figures.
Because of rapid changes on the battlefield, some elements of the defenses may become obsolete before the enemy gets there. While in 2022 the Ukrainian military relied on long trenches for protection from artillery, now the main threat is drones.
Modern trenches are dug deeper, equipped with shelters for small groups and command posts for drone operators. At the same time, traditional structures such as observation posts have already lost their effectiveness.
With armored vehicles dwindling, Russia is increasingly throwing small mobile groups - on motorcycles or buggies - into battle. In response, Ukrainian units are installing a dense network of inconspicuous metal spirals that can confuse fighters and vehicles and make them easy targets for drones.