Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

DeepState: Russians have built over 6,000 km of fortifications in occupied territories

Considering that the active frontline extends over a distance of approximately 1,500 kilometers, there is an average of four kilometers of fortifications for each kilometer of the frontline.
Russian soldier in trench in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Credit: RIA Novosti
DeepState: Russians have built over 6,000 km of fortifications in occupied territories

Analyzing satellite imagery, the DeepState has identified over 4,600 kilometers of Russian military trenches and fortifications across occupied areas in Ukraine, categorizing the structures by type and location.

Considering that the frontline extends over a distance of 1,500 kilometers, there is an average of four kilometers of fortifications for each kilometer of the frontline.

Russian fortifications in the occupied territory of Ukraine. Credit: DeepState

Additionally, the composition of the fortifications varies in proportion across different regions. For instance, in the occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, there are 896 kilometers of trenches, complemented by 410 kilometers of “dragon’s teeth” and 514 kilometers of ditches. Conversely, in Donetsk Oblast, 1285 kilometers of trenches are paired with 269 kilometers of “dragon’s teeth” and 282 kilometers of ditches.

Credit: Original map – DeepState, translation – Defense Express

The region with the highest density is Zaporizhzhia, with 1,869 kilometers of fortifications mapped, closely followed by Donetsk, with 1,865 kilometers. The figure for Donetsk includes enhancements made by Russian forces to positions extending from Horlivka to Olenivka. In Luhansk, 1,140 kilometers of fortifications have been recorded. However, older defenses from the years of the Donbas war were not included in the count.

The Kherson region’s defenses amount to 886 kilometers, predominantly along the Dnipro River from Nova Kakhovka to beyond Heroyske. Strategic routes leading to the Crimean peninsula have also been fortified. Crimea’s fortifications are relatively modest at 265 kilometers in total.

Some positions have been flooded without proper drainage, making them inoperative, DeepState noted. Analysts have also identified some completely buried structures, detectable only by changes in the soil, now camouflaged by autumnal grass.

The data is being updated and reflects the situation as of the end of October 2023.

Read also:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts