Russia’s second line of defenses may have ‘mazes’ and underground tunnels, Ukrainian military says
Ukrainian military in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, September 4, 2023 (Photo:REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak)
Ukrainian forces, having breached the first line of Russian defenses in the south of Ukraine, now face “mazes” of defensive fortifications and perhaps underground tunnels connecting firing positions, a Ukrainian military spokesperson has said.
Oleksandr Shtupun, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Tavriisk Group of Forces, which is fighting on the front in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, was speaking on Ukrainian national television on Sept. 4.
Asked whether the second line Russia’s defense has a network of tunnels, "underground cities where Russians can go in one place and come out ten kilometers away", Shtupun replied: "I don't know, I don't have that information. But they've had over a year to dig in, so I think there are mazes (of trenches and defensive fortifications) there."
Shtupun said the second line of Russian defenses in the south of Ukraine was “quite strong,” but that the density of the minefields there was lower.
He also said the trench systems, firing positions and ditches the Ukrainian forces now faced were not as strong as in the first Russian line of defense.
Commander of the Tavria operational group General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi confirmed on Sept. 2 that Ukrainian forces had breached the first Russian defense line in the southern section of the front line.
Tarnavskyi said he estimated that Russia had devoted 60% of its time and resources to building the first line of defenses, and only 20% each to the second and third lines, as Moscow had not expected Ukrainian troops would reach them.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
