The intensity of Russian attacks on the Ukrainian front is increasing. Ukrainians now fear that the troops will not be able to dig enough trenches in time to effectively counter the expected Russian offensive in the east of the country.
“Since last summer, we have been pointing out that it is necessary to build defense facilities, connect relevant ministers and local military authorities, and build a sufficiently strong defense line,” opposition politician Rostyslav Pavlenko told the European website Politico, which highlighted Kiev’s concerns on Thursday.
The country’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal have also recognized the shortcomings of the Ukrainian defense line, saying that it is necessary to significantly strengthen these structures. Especially after last year’s unsuccessful summer counter-offensive, which brought minimal territorial gains to Ukraine.
The counter-offensive failed to fulfill its objectives, among other reasons, due to the fact that the Russians created a quality defensive line. A number of military analysts pointed out that one of the main strengths of the Russian army is its high-quality defense, and breaking it will be the key challenge of the Ukrainian counter-offensive even before the start of the operation.
But now the tables are turning and Ukraine is going on the defensive, which draws attention to the quality of the Ukrainian defensive line. And most importantly, if there is enough time to reconstruct it so that the soldiers can face Russian aggression. Many fear that it is unfortunately too late.
Politico also pointed out that President Zelensky discussed the need to strengthen the defense with the commanders of the military units already in November of last year. However, the exact budget for its expansion was only announced in February, and specific steps were taken a month later. “They (the trenches) have finally started to be built, but it is too late. They started last month,” said opposition politician and former member of ex-president Petro Poroshenko’s administration Ivanna Klympušová-Cincadzeová.
Oleh Syněhubov, the head of the Kharkiv region, also confirmed the beginning of the construction of the trenches. “We didn’t start the overall construction and renovation of the defensive fortifications until March 1,” he told Politico, adding that he could not say when the construction might be finished.
