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.
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.
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:
- SBU Cybersecurity destroys Russian surveillance systems, a tank, artillery guns (video)
- Frontline report: Ukrainians launch successful counterattack as Russians regroup near Avdiivka
- ISW: Vehicles and drones struggle but fighting persists in Ukraine frontline amid rainy and snowy conditions
- Military: Russian assault actions, air strikes rapidly intensified
