In anticipation of a potential new offensive from Russia as the war in Ukraine continues, Ukrainian forces have constructed front-line trenches inspired by Russia’s own trench designs, aimed at implementing an “active defense” strategy.
Known as Ukraine’s “Surovikin line,” this defensive structure is a complex three-level trench system equipped with tank deterrents and a network of minefields, drawing inspiration from Russia’s trench fortifications that have enabled it to seize territory in the southern regions earlier in the conflict, according to a report by The Telegraph.
Spanning a length of 621 miles, this concrete trench runs from the south to the border with Belarus. It serves as a crucial element in Ukraine’s strategy to hold the line against Russian advances while simultaneously working towards reclaiming the areas in Donetsk and Kharkiv currently occupied by Russian forces.
Edward Arnold of the Royal United Services Institute emphasized the importance of avoiding a purely static defense strategy. He explained that static defenses can hinder maneuverability, which is a crucial aspect of military strategy. To address this concern, Ukraine’s trench system incorporates features that allow for some flexibility in moving the front line while maintaining the integrity of the second and third levels, including provisions for housing and training troops to be deployed to the front lines.
The trench system consists of layers positioned approximately one mile apart, providing both strength and structure to the defense. Each individual fortification is designed to defend itself effectively from attacks originating from any direction. This layered approach ensures that any advance on the front lines would require the capture of all fortified positions.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy had previously hinted at significant enhancements to the multi-layered front lines in late 2023. He emphasized the comprehensive nature of the fortification efforts, with clear tasks assigned to various authorities and a focus on speed and efficiency in the construction process. This fortified defense strategy is seen as a critical element in Ukraine’s efforts to safeguard its territory and eventually reclaim occupied areas.
