Fortifications built near Zaporizhzhia in anticipation of Russian offensive – The Economist
www.pravda.com.ua
Sun, 24 Nov 2024 21:33:46 +0200
Fortifications are being meticulously constructed near the city of Zaporizhzhia in preparation for a potential Russian offensive, though some Ukrainian commanders believe that Russia is not yet ready for a largescale attack in this area.
Source The Economist Quote Ukrainian intelligence believes that Russia is gearing up for a bold assault on Zaporizhia city, 30km from the front.
When exactly no one is clear, but it makes some sense.
As one of three remaining centres of heavy industry in the country, the provincial capital remains crucial to Ukraines survival as a functioning state.
Details The report states that new defences are being built in rings radiating outward from the oblast centre.
The work is thorough minefields, engineering obstacles, and structures made of concrete and iron unlike the more chaotic picture in neighbouring Donetsk province, still the site of the heaviest fighting, the article says.
At the same time, not all Ukrainian military personnel consider an attack on Zaporizhzhia inevitable.
Colonel Oleksii Khilchenko, the commander of Spartan, a rapid response brigade, recently deployed to Zaporizhzhia, says Russia is tied up elsewhere.
He stated that the Russians had planned to send two divisions 20,00030,000 troops for an initial assault, but half of them have been redeployed to Russias Kursk Oblast.
A fighter with nom de guerre Lemberg, a battalion commander in the 118th Briigade defending southwestern part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, shares this assessment.
They the Russians arent ready to hit yet, but when they are, the first blow will be the hardest, he believes.
The Economist also highlights that Ukraines challenges on the frontline are worsening, primarily due to personnel issues.
The article notes a longstanding shortage of volunteers for military service, with the mobilisation campaign managing to recruit barely twothirds of its goal.
A senior Ukrainian official says he is worried the situation may become irretrievable by the spring, the article states.
The publication further emphasises concerns over the quality of recruits.
Many of them are over 45 years old and face health issues, which complicates the situation.
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