This is how Ukrainians can overcome Russian fortifications

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Volodimir Selenski (45) has been talking about a counter-offensive for a long time. It is unclear when this will start. Originally it was about spring. However, this will soon come to an end. Ukraine’s president told the BBC on Thursday that equipment is still being awaited. In particular, there is a lack of tanks to protect the armed forces.

Meanwhile, Russia is preparing for the counter-offensive. The front line, strategically important cities and important arteries are reinforced by the soldiers.

Satellite images show how diligently the Russians have prepared for this. To defend the occupied territories, the soldiers of Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) rely on a layered defense consisting of several defensive elements.

The easiest way for Ukrainian troops would be to bypass these fortifications. Where that is not possible, according to Spiegel, smooth cooperation between artillery, deminers and armored vehicles is required. Fighter jets can also make a decisive difference.

The first line of defense of the Russians are so-called dragon’s teeth. These are massive concrete pyramids about a meter high. Arranged in three rows, they should slow down the Ukrainians. However, according to “Spiegel”, Selenski’s troops were able to overcome them with relative ease – for example, being sidelined by special tanks such as the “Badger”. They can also be filled with sand or earth or destroyed with explosives.

Behind the dragon’s teeth, Ukrainian forces can expect minefields. Clearance tanks like the UR-77 are urgently needed here. You shoot a string of explosives into the minefield and detonate the mines to clear the way. In addition, mine clearance tanks such as the Wisent 1 can clear a safe path through the minefield, the “Spiegel” reports.

Trenches can also be seen on several satellite images. Lurking inside are Russian soldiers who will try to stop the counter-offensive with massive firepower. Tanks are needed to overcome them. Usually you can just drive over the ditches. Drones are equally important, as they can spy on the trenches, detect troop movements and even drop bombs.

Another line of defense is the ground forces. They nest in natural barriers such as forests and attack from an ambush. According to the Spiegel, ground troops are particularly dangerous if they use anti-tank missiles. These are flexible, can do a lot of damage and are easy to hide. What the Ukrainians might do in this case is unclear.

It is also quite possible that deeper ditches will be dug in the landscape, reports “Spiegel”. Because these are too big to be run over, Ukrainian troops have to fill them first. The fastest way to do this is with steel pipes. Another option is to fill them with sand or soil, but this takes precious time.

While Ukrainian soldiers have to brave dragon’s teeth, minefields and the like, they will come under heavy fire. Possibly a reason why Selenski is still waiting for tanks. He told the BBC: “I think we can move on from what we have and be successful. But we’re going to lose a lot of people and that’s unacceptable. We have to wait.” (Mrs)

Source: Blick

Amelia

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.