Russia fortifies occupied territories of Zaporizhzhya and Donetsk oblasts
Russia has prepared tens of kilometers of new trenches and defensive structures in the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhya and Donetsk oblasts in recent months, according to a Jan. 9 Telegram post by the Ukrainian mayor of Russian-occupied Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov.
The purpose of the new defensive lines, which were detected by the European Space Agency, is to complicate the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces towards the occupied cities of Zaporizhzhya Oblast and to close off routes to Berdyansk and Mariupol.
"Despite the triumphant statements of Russian propaganda about their successes at the front, the enemy continues to constantly reinforce cities and routes in the ‘deep rear,’” wrote Fedorov, noting that Russian forces continue to fortify temporarily occupied settlements around Zaporizhzhya.
“Once again, military realities and propaganda have not found a common language."
Previously, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov noted that Ukrainian troops had already crossed two of the three Russian defensives lines, adding that Ukraine had a plan for 2024.
Read also: Russians use civilian trucks to transport military equipment and personnel through Mariupol
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