WSJ: Ukraine undertakes largest defensive construction since Russian invasion

Ukraine is undertaking the largest construction effort of defensive fortifications since the start of the Russian invasion. The defensive line is being built to halt Russia’s summer offensive.

According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Ukrainian army is currently focusing on the rapid construction of anti-tank ditches and barbed wire barriers in the east.

"The army that digs deeper is the army that survives," said a military engineer named Col. Oleh Rezunenko, who is responsible for nearly 300 kilometres of defensive lines as part of the large-scale project.

The media outlet reports that the front-line reinforcement programme has been ongoing for two years but has faced constant delays, attacks, and even arrests on corruption charges.

Over the past year and a half, Russian forces have breached several weak spots in Ukraine's defences and exploited unfinished fortifications in the north to launch a new offensive with around 50,000 troops.

"Ukraine is now hoping that installing a triple row of fortifications will prevent similar breakthroughs in the east, where Russia is pushing to capture the key cities of Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka," the article says.

By Vugar Khalilov