Ukrainian military spokesperson explains why fortifications were not built in 2023

He said this on Espreso TV.

"This process has been going on since December last year, and the answer to why it did not take place earlier along the front line, closer to the line of contact, is simple: because last year Ukraine conducted an offensive operation and the same sappers and engineers were involved in overcoming enemy engineering and fortification structures," the military explained.

According to him, the specialists are now involved in the construction of new systems in strongholds, rear trenches, equipping them with firing slots, armor capsules, concrete bunkers and other elements of mine and mine protection, which make up a single set of structures in case of Russia's attack.

"Some of the complexes have already been built, some are already occupied by infantry units, because these systems of defenses are built in close contact with the infantry, with representatives of mechanized brigades, who actually give orders - what they would like to see, in what place, of what quality. It should also be understood that these are the second and third lines of defense, which are being built with the use of machinery because such work is possible at least 5 km from the line of contact," says Lykhoviy. - "In the conditions in which not only artillery and aviation but also FPV drones are being actively used, the builders are at great risk and under attack. The lines that used to be at such a distance are now much closer to the front line, according to the dynamics of the front line, but mostly still in reserve, waiting for their time to be useful to our defenders."

In addition to Zaporizhzhia region, the more rearward Dnipropetrovs'k region has started building fortifications, which already has its own "dragon's teeth" and is already approaching the construction of trenches and other fortifications, added the spokesman for the Tavria group.

• Ukraine has almost certainly accelerated the construction of defensive positions in several parts of the front line. This will reduce Russia's ability to advance and use previous tactics, according to British military intelligence.