Zelensky calls for more frontline fortifications
KYIV, UKRAINE • President Volodymyr Zelensky called for faster construction of fortifications in key sectors under pressure from Russian forces, particularly in eastern Ukraine, the focal point of Moscow’s advances 21 months into its invasion.
Zelensky issued his appeal after touring Ukrainian positions in the northeast, one of several areas where Russian forces have been trying to make recent headway — and recapture areas taken back by Ukrainian troops a year ago. He said one of the meetings he held with commanders dealt with fortifications.
“In all major sectors where reinforcement is needed, there should be a boost and an acceleration in the construction of structures,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
“This of course means the greatest attention to the Avdiivka, Maryinka and other sectors in Donetsk region. In Kharkiv region, this means the Kupiansk sector and the Kupiansk-lyman line.”
Russia has made slow progress in trying to secure all of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, but has boosted attacks in several areas. These include Kupiansk near Kharkiv, retaken by Ukraine in a drive through the northeast a year ago.
Russian occupying forces have built solid fortifications and minefields of their own in areas they have held since pouring over the border in February 2022.
Those defenses have been a key factor in holding back a Ukrainian counteroffensive under way since June. Ukrainian troops have made only incremental gains in the east and south.
Russian forces have focused attention since mid-october on the devastated town of Avdiivka, known for its vast coking plant and its position as a gateway to the Russian-held regional center of Donetsk, 12 miles to the east.
Military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said Ukrainian forces had rebuffed Russian attacks on the coking plant.
“The plant is under our control. The enemy is suffering significant losses there,” Shtupun told Espreso TV, noting Russian artillery and air attacks inside and around the town.
WAR IN UKRAINE
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2023-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z
2023-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z
https://daily.gazette.com/article/281771338953446
The Gazette, Colorado Springs
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