WP journalists reveal how Russia is building a network of trenches and barriers in Crimea
In a short period of time, the occupiers built a whole network of trenches and barriers on the peninsula.
This was reported by The Washington Post journalists, citing satellite photos by Maxar.
US journalists report that Russia is preparing annexed Crimea for a Ukrainian counteroffensive. In a short period of time, the occupiers have erected a whole network of trenches and barriers on the peninsula.
Fortifications have been built in the Medvedevka, Vitino and other parts of Crimea.
The Russian army is using a Soviet-era BTM-3 military trencher capable of digging trenches at a speed of 80 metres per hour, even when the ground is frozen. In addition, the peninsula's occupation leadership has engaged local workers to dig trenches on the coast at a cost of $90 a day.
According to Steve Danner, a former US Army engineer who fought in the Gulf War, the Iraq war and Afghanistan, it would take a lot of time, effort and equipment to directly breach the northern fortifications of Crimea.
Michael Coffman, a CNA military analyst in Virginia, said Ukraine is unlikely to seize Crimea in the "classic sense," but that Kiev could pursue a strategy of attrition by establishing fire control over access to Crimea.
The publication believes that Ukraine is already testing this strategy. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, there have been more than 70 attacks by Ukrainian forces on Crimea since August. There have been many airstrikes, including drone strikes. Some appear to have been the work of saboteurs. While Russia intercepted some strikes, others succeeded - sometimes with devastating results.