Photo: BGNES/ERA
President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for faster construction of fortifications in key sectors under pressure from Russian forces, particularly in eastern Ukraine, which is at the center of Moscow’s offensive 21 months after its invasion.
Zelensky made the call after touring Ukrainian positions in the country’s northeast – one of several areas where Russian forces have been trying to make recent advances – and retake areas recaptured from Ukrainian troops a year ago. He stated that one of the meetings he held with the commanders was about fortifications.
“In all the main sectors where strengthening is needed, a boost should be given and the construction of structures should be accelerated,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
“This, of course, means that the greatest attention should be paid to Avdiyska, Mariinska and other sectors in Donetsk region. In Kharkiv region, this means the Kupyansk sector and the Kupyansk-Liman line.”
Russia is making slow progress in its efforts to secure all of eastern Donetsk and Luhansk, but has stepped up attacks in several areas. Among them is Kupyansk near Kharkiv, which was recaptured from Ukraine during a campaign through the northeastern part of the country a year ago.
Russian forces have built solid fortifications and their own minefields in the areas they hold.
These defenses are a key factor in containing the Ukrainian counteroffensive that has been underway since June. Ukrainian troops have achieved only partial success in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Since mid-October, Russian forces have turned their attention to the devastated city of Avdeevka, known for its huge coke plant and its location as a gateway to the Russian-controlled regional center of Donetsk, 20 km to the east.
Military spokesman Oleksandr Stupun said Ukrainian forces had repelled Russian attacks on the coke plant.
“The plant is under our control. The enemy is suffering significant losses there,” Stupun told Espresso TV, noting the Russian artillery and air attacks in and around the city.
“The Russians actively emphasize ground attacks, sometimes using armored vehicles.”
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2023-12-01 05:50:00
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