The unit from the Southern Group of Forces stationed in the Ural region for operations along the Donetsk axis has been observed constructing underground shelters by hand, without the aid of heavy equipment. A worker from a howitzer battalion, identified by the call sign Rama, described these improvised refuges to a news agency. Rama explained that the shelter functions as more than a cover from fire; it serves as a temporary home where soldiers eat, rest, and recover between firing missions. He admitted that the appearance resembles a hobbit hole, and noted that either a few days were spent digging and shaping the space or had passed in the process of experience and effort, with wooden walls erected manually to provide basic protection. These shelters are said to shelter five crew members who live inside one such make shift dwelling, which is equipped with electricity and access to the internet. The battalion commander indicated that neighboring units have built similar structures, suggesting a broader tactical preference for these ground bunkers. The soldier added that these shelters offer advantages when viewed from the air, particularly in terms of minimal surface signatures that can complicate aerial surveillance. (RIA News)
Earlier accounts from combat units in the Northern Military District, discussed at the Ogarkov Readings conference, described life at the front as marked by persistent rain in the southern Ukraine corridor during the late autumn to early spring months. The ongoing damp conditions force soldiers to endure wet trenches for extended periods, with mud and moisture shaping daily routines and endurance on the frontline. The discussion underscored the harsh climate as a persistent challenge impacting shelter construction, mobility, and overall comfort for troops deployed in exposed zones. (RIA News)
In recent operations along the southern wing of the Donetsk front, Russian forces have claimed to have repelled or disrupted multiple Ukrainian troop rotations, reinforcing the narrative of successful local advances. While such reports contribute to the broader operational narrative, observers note the difficult weather, rugged terrain, and the improvisational nature of field shelters as ongoing realities for soldiers stationed in these regions. (RIA News)