Ukraine builds record number of defense structures amid ongoing war - WSJ
Ukraine has launched record-breaking construction of defensive structures (Illustrative photo: GettyImages)
Ukraine is carrying out the largest construction of defensive structures since the beginning of the Russian invasion. The defensive line is being built to stop Russia's summer offensive, according to The Wall Street Journal.
As WSJ reports, the Ukrainian army is currently focusing on the rapid construction of anti-tank ditches and barbed wire fortifications in the east.
Military engineer Oleh, who is responsible for nearly 300 kilometers of defensive lines as part of the large-scale project, said that an army that digs deeper is an army that survives.
According to the media, the program to strengthen the frontline has been ongoing for two years but faces constant delays, attacks, and even arrests on corruption charges.
In particular, over the past year and a half, Russian forces have broken through several weak points in Ukraine’s defenses and exploited unfinished fortifications in the north, launching a new offensive with around 50,000 troops.
The article states that Ukraine hopes a triple layer of fortifications will be able to stop similar breakthroughs in the east, where Russia is fighting for Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.
Defense lines
The Wall Street Journal reports that the first line of defense is built by infantry units, while the second line is constructed by engineering troops. The third line is the responsibility of civilian administrations - it is meant to surround key cities and strengthen regional borders. The goal of these defense lines is to stop Russian forces before they can break through deeper.
In 2024, more than 46 billion hryvnias have been allocated for fortifications - almost 2% of the total military budget. Officials claim the actual amount is even higher but do not disclose exact figures.
Due to rapid changes on the battlefield, some defensive structures may become obsolete before the enemy even reaches them. While in 2022 Ukrainian forces relied on long trenches to protect against artillery, the main threat now is drones.
Modern trenches are dug deeper, equipped with shelters for small groups and command posts for drone operators. At the same time, traditional constructions like observation posts have already lost their effectiveness.
Amid shrinking armored vehicle reserves, Russia increasingly deploys small mobile groups - on motorcycles or buggies. In response, Ukrainian units are installing dense networks of discreet metal coils designed to confuse soldiers and equipment, making them easy targets for drones.
Expenditures on fortifications
Last year, 3,000 defensive positions were established both in threatened areas and in locations where active combat is not currently underway. For this purpose, the government allocated 46.2 billion hryvnias, which were directed to military administrations and the Recovery Agency.
At the beginning of 2025, these fortifications were transferred under the management of the Ministry of Defense.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that 21 regional military administrations and contractor organizations are involved in carrying out tasks related to the construction of military engineering and fortification structures.
