Forces loyal to Moscow in eastern Ukraine are apparently preparing for another Ukrainian advance. Satellite photos show that a fortress was built outside the Russian-occupied city of Hirske in the Luhansk region. The defense line was apparently built by mercenaries from the Wagner group. It is designed to stop Ukrainian tanks, but has glaring weaknesses.
The four rows of concrete pyramids are designed to prevent Ukrainian troops from advancing further east. The front line is getting closer and closer. Recently, both the Ukrainian and Russian sides reported fighting west of Lyssychansk – only about 25 kilometers as the crow flies from Hirske.
Tank traps and trenches
A large trench has been dug behind the anti-tank positions, according to CNN based on satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies. Additional satellite images from the European Space Agency (ESA) show that the trenching was carried out in two parts: the first part of the trench was excavated from September 25 and the second between September 30 and October 5.
The Russian media called the defense line the “Wagner Line” in reference to the Russian mercenary group. According to Zvedza TV, the media arm of the Russian army, it is a “second line of defense” in case the Ukrainians try to break through in the area.
Plant is barely two kilometers long
The fortress can certainly help repel a frontal attack, but it has only one shortcoming: it is only 1 mile long. So nothing prevents the Ukrainian armed forces from simply bypassing the fortifications.
According to Russian media reports, the Wagner Group plans to significantly expand its defense line. It would then have to stretch from Kreminna in the north to Svitlodarsk in the south. Such a long fortress would stretch for 200 kilometers. However, further CNN-controlled satellite images showed no corresponding construction work along the course the “Wagner Line” is supposed to follow.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
