in Ukraine, a huge network of trenches was created behind the front

Ukraine is digging deep to defend itself at the moment. For nearly 2,000 km, throughout the west of the country, civilians are digging trenches to prepare the country for a new offensive from Moscow.

An immense network of trenches is emerging, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers throughout eastern Ukraine, behind the front and along the Russian border. These are fortifications to prepare the country for a possible new offensive by Russia in the coming months. On site, the franceinfo special correspondent was able to observe construction equipment everywhere in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions.

In the middle of fields, or along country roads, for weeks they have been digging an immense labyrinth of trenches, less than 30 km from the front or the border. Workers come after the excavator to reinforce the welded mesh walls and lay a wooden floor on the ground 1.60 meters deep. This is a rear line of defense against the Russian invader, explains a civilian worker. The construction of the fortifications is actually managed by different private companies and no Ukrainian official agrees to talk about it because the site is too strategic.

Ukraine is entering a very difficult period

The project is especially necessary, explains international risks consultant Stéphane Audrand, in view of Russian superiority in terms of munitions. “When we lose the initiative and we are dominated by fire, one of the only ways we have to hold out without sacrificing too many men and too much material is to bury ourselveshe explains. That remains true in the 21st century: enhancing a position with trenches, with bunkers, with fortifications, that remains a way to survive and the Ukrainians have no choice.”

Dig, therefore, to be less visible and protect yourself. Franceinfo was able to see on site that bunkers were also installed. To slow down the adversary, Ukraine is currently dispersing “dragon’s teeth” across its fields, these anti-tank obstacles in the shape of a pyramid and lined up for kilometers. And it is not too late to do it, maintains Stéphane Audrand. “No, it’s not too late, and yes, it’s the right thing to do to keep going.”he assures.

“The coming months, until the end of the summer, are going to be tough. Ukraine is really entering a very difficult period, very constrained in terms of its munitions and its room for military maneuver.”

Stéphane Audrand, international risk consultant

at franceinfo

A network of trenches was visited twice in 15 days by President Zelensky, to clearly show that the country is ready. And that the Kharkiv region is strengthening, despite incessant bombardments for weeks.