In the Russian region of Belgorod, fortifications are being built on the border with Ukraine. The reason for the construction of the line of trenches and anti-tank obstacles was the “tense situation” in the area, regional governor Viatscheslav Gladkow said on Monday. He would not give details of the construction because the enemy could eavesdrop. Is Russia actually preparing for an attack by Ukrainian troops? Expert Alexander Dubowy has a different explanation.
Gladkow posted photos of the construction on Telegram on Tuesday. He wrote that he inspected the “Big Zasetschnaya Cherta”. The name, which roughly translates to “Great Barrier Line” in German, refers to a historic chain of fortification lines from the 16th and 17th centuries that were designed to protect the Grand Duchy of Moscow and later the Tsarist Empire from nomadic attacks from Crimea.
Prepare for “pessimistic scenarios”
They are preparing for different scenarios, including “pessimistic ones,” Gladkov said Monday when asked if he thought an attack from Ukraine was possible. Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia’s Belgorod region has repeatedly been the target of attacks blamed on Kiev. Ukraine has never officially commented on this.
Could the neighboring country actually launch an offensive on Russian territory, against which the new fortifications are supposed to protect? “Of course not,” explains political analyst and Russia expert Alexander Dubowy in an interview with krone.at. According to Dubowy, senior officials have repeatedly stressed that Russian territory recognized under international law will not be attacked. Of course, this does not apply to the annexed Crimea and the Donbass region, where Russian troops have also built defense systems.
“Swear the people to fight”
The construction of the fortifications on the Russian-Ukrainian border should serve more to “persuade the population to fight”, the Russia expert explains. The works would also aim to justify possible future mobilizations. “The war has only arrived in Russia’s living rooms with mobilization,” emphasizes Dubowy. Such an unpopular measure requires a threat scenario.
The construction of the fortress is a propaganda campaign – which also involves a crane belonging to the Austrian company, as can be seen in the photos published by Gladkow. Although the company has reduced its production, it continues to operate in Russia.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
