The Russians probably hoped that the images of the nearly two-kilometer-long defense line, which stretches along the Russian-occupied city of Hirske in Luhansk, eastern Ukraine, would act as a deterrent.
The video images show that the defense line consists of what appear to be small concrete pyramids, which should be able to stop any Ukrainian vehicles and tanks heading east. Right behind it, the Russians dug what looks like a moat.
However, the blockade caused laughter on social media, where many refer to them as “garden ornaments”.
– Every
The cone-shaped concrete blocks are also slaughtered by Finnish Major General Pekka Tover, who believes most of the defense line looks hopeless.
– Armored barriers must be constructed in such a way that they cannot be moved, overturned or crushed, explains the major general to the Finnish newspaper Evening newspaper.
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He says that Russian “concrete cones” do not meet any of these requirements, because they are simply too small and too weak in strength.
Tover believes they can be easily pushed away and believes the enemy will take a few minutes to get past the blockade.
– The value of these is non-existent, the major general tells the newspaper.
Built by Wagner
The defense line will be built by the infamous Wagner mercenary group, which is fighting in Ukraine for Putin’s Russia. The group is founded and led by the infamous oligarch known as “Putin’s cook”, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The new “Wagner line” was first announced CNN Saturday. Satellite images later revealed the defenses and that Wagner engineers began construction on 25 September.
Russian tabloid RIA / FAN said last week that the Wagner group wanted to build the 217-kilometer-long defense line, while now it will be about two kilometers.
Recently built
British intelligence also reported on Sunday about the construction of the “Wagner Line”.
According to British intelligence, there are images showing the scale of the project. Among other things, there will be a newly built anti-tank defense.
If the plans are as broad as Prigozhin claims, Russia likely aims to integrate the Siverskyi Donet River into the defensive zone, British intelligence writes.
The project suggests that Russia is making significant efforts to improve the defenses behind the current front line.
Pulls out
At the same time, Russia has begun to withdraw its forces from the western parts of Kherson County further south of the country. In addition, the Russian occupation authorities began to move out of the city of Kherson and residents of the city were asked to evacuate immediately.
Retired Lieutenant General Arne Bård Dalhaug interprets this as Ukraine’s progress with its offensive and that the Russians appear to be counting on the loss of the city of Kherson. Tom Røseth of Forsvarets høgskole (FHS) believes it is very likely that Ukraine will be able to vacate the city of Kherson before winter.
