Construction of Fortifications Near Zaporizhzhia Nearly Complete
2 December, 2024 Ukrainian defense line in the Kharkiv region. March 2024. Ukraine.
Photo credits: Oleh Syniehubov The construction of fortifications near Zaporizhzhia and the nearest settlements is almost complete. Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration (RMA), said that the defenses include protection against enemy drones.
He noted that some of the fortifications were built in the summer, within the timeframe set by the military command. "This is a multi-echelon defense not only of the city but also of the nearest settlements to make the region well fortified," said Ivan Fedorov. According to him, the modern fortifications are significantly improved compared to the previous ones.
Ivan Fedorov.Photo credits: i.lb.ua
The main focus is on protection against enemy drones, as they currently pose the greatest threat and come in various modifications. It is possible that Russia is preparing for an attempt to break through to the city of Zaporizhzhia, 30 kilometers from the front. This regional center of heavy industry remains critically important to Ukraine.
In March, the government allocated 20 billion hryvnias for fortifications and construction of the defense borders. Funds for fortifications by region:
- UAH 4 billion - Kharkiv region;
- UAH 1.8 billion - Sumy region;
- UAH 1.5 billion - Volyn region;
- UAH 1.5 billion - Odesa region;
- UAH 1.3 billion - Zaporizhzhia region;
- UAH 1.3 billion - Kherson region;
- UAH 1.2 billion - Donetsk region;
- UAH 1.1 billion - Kyiv region.
Ukraine. Photo credits: Oleh Syniehubov
In August, the Government reallocated money previously allocated from the state budget reserve fund for fortifications in Zaporizhzhia region. In particular, the Cabinet of Ministers redistributed UAH 146.93 million previously allocated from the reserve fund of the Ministry of Defense to Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv regional military administrations.
These funds were allocated to the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration for the construction of military engineering and fortification structures; fortification equipment for defense borders; and the installation of a system of passive obstacles.