The commander of Ukraine’s integrated armed forces, Lieutenant General Serhiy Nayev, stated on his social media channels that fortified lines have been established in the northern stretch of the country to strengthen the military’s defensive posture. He highlighted that the emphasis is placed on locations as close to the state border as possible, underscoring the strategic focus on frontier protection and rapid response readiness.
Nayev described that the units deployed in these zones are constructing defensive positions with notable speed and are taking steps to boost their stability and overall resilience against potential threats. The emphasis is on creating a robust, interconnected network of fortifications that can endure sustained pressure and maintain operational integrity even under challenging conditions.
Additionally, the general asserted that minefields in the region augment the capability to deter and repel approaching forces, reinforcing the defensive belt surrounding Ukraine. He suggested that mining operations are a critical element in elevating deterrence and complicating any attempt to breach fortified lines, thereby extending the time needed for an adversary to achieve a breakthrough.
Earlier reports indicated that engineering units, tank formations, and anti-tank artillery of the Armed Forces conducted extensive exercises in the Kherson region, not far from the Crimean peninsula. According to Nayev, the central combat objective was the rapid relocation of anti-tank reserves to designated deployment points and the organization of engineering tasks, including the establishment of minefields and other obstacles that could slow enemy advances and protect forward positions.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to initiate a military special operation in Ukraine, citing a request for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR. The move prompted a new round of sanctions from the United States and its allies as part of the broader geostrategic response to the evolving conflict.