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A deep groove runs through the Zaporizhia region. Once through the landscape. 70 kilometers long. The Russians have dug a mega trench that can even be seen from space. The Ukrainian Center for Journalistic Research has published corresponding satellite images.
The westernmost point of the Russian fortifications seen on the Sentinel-2 satellite images is on the outskirts of the village of Semenivka. It is about ten kilometers from the center of Melitopol.
There has been speculation for weeks about a possible Ukrainian counter-offensive towards Melitopol. A breakthrough in the region would cut off the Russian-conquered land corridor connecting mainland Russia to the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. According to the Ukrainian armed forces, missiles with a range of up to 150 kilometers, which the United States has promised, are still missing for a successful counteroffensive.
“At least the Russians created something”
Nevertheless, the Russians are preparing. Under no circumstances should they lose territory again. In the fall of last year, Ukraine pushed back Putin’s troops. She must leave already conquered territories. According to its own statements, Ukraine was able to recapture more than 400 square kilometers of territory in the Kherson region within days.
Therefore, the Russians have now not only dug a long trench, but also built shelters and anti-tank emplacements. Everything to face the counter-offensive.
According to reports, digging of the trench from two directions started as early as September last year. But not only by soldiers. Workers from Kyrgyzstan, among others, are said to have been hired to dig the trench. Ukraine laughs at the kilometre-long ditch. “At least the Russians did something,” said Natalia Gumenyuk, spokeswoman for the Ukrainian armed forces in the south of the country.
Western military experts fear Ukraine’s attempts to seize Crimea could lead to a significant escalation of the war and may even prompt Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons, as Moscow views the strategically important peninsula as its own. The nuclear power had always insisted that it would defend Crimea with all the means at its disposal. (jmh/SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
