The Russian authorities and the military are building fortifications behind the lines, including in areas that are unlikely to ever be the scene of hostilities. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) draws attention to this in a daily summary.
Analysts point out that the construction of defense lines in the Belgorod and Kursk regions is likely to be an information operation, the purpose of which is to depict the threat allegedly posed by Ukraine to Russian territories.
The summary cites an example of a statement by the Governor of the Belgorod Region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, who on March 9 announced the completion of the construction of a “security line” along the border with Ukraine. He stated that 10 billion rubles (about $132 million) had been spent. ISW analysts believe that this is most likely a waste of money, especially amid questions about Russia’s ability to finance military operations in Ukraine.
On Friday, the head of the annexed Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by Moscow, announced the construction of the fortification line, noting that this was an order from President Vladimir Putin. Fortifications in the Crimea are being built at a great distance from the front line, and for this they attract people who could solve more pressing combat missions, according to the construction. This may indicate that Moscow is not sure that it will be able to hold the occupied territories of southern Ukraine for a long time, the ISW notes.
Source: Racurs
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