Attacking Ukrainian forces have been confronted by a formidable network of Russian defences that have been constructed over hundreds of miles in anticipation of Kyiv’s offensive. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies have revealed the full scope of the challenges Ukrainian troops would face as they advance south.
Pictures, published by the Telegraph, show that there are anti-tank ditches, minefields, and trenches strategically placed along the Russian defence lines.
These defences, according to a Ukrainian intelligence officer, are set up in a three-line system with various fortification levels.
The depth of these defences might reach up to 19 miles in some locations.
A commander in Ukraine’s National Guards told The Telegraph: “They have unbelievable trenches and unbelievable fortifications, it will be hard to break their lines of defence.”
He added: “There are also minefields and they have good artillery – more than us unfortunately.”
These sophisticated fortifications have been built throughout the 600-mile-long front lines to serve as a barrier between Ukrainian soldiers and the Russian occupiers.
In order to be ready for the upcoming operation, Ukraine has meticulously created 12 new offensive brigades, nine of which have received arms and training from NATO nations.
As spring transitions into a second summer of conflict, Ukrainian forces are conducting probing operations against Russian defences.
Kyiv’s troops are confronting an adversary that has made mistakes and experienced setbacks during the 15-month-long war.
However, analysts point out that Moscow has also learned from these blunders and enhanced its weapons and skills.
Russia has refined its electronic warfare capabilities to diminish Ukraine‘s advantage in combat drones.
