russian occupiers have completed the construction of three defence lines in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast in anticipation of a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the direction of Melitopol.
The UK Ministry of Defence tweeted this citing a defence intelligence report.
"Over recent weeks, russia has continued to develop extensive linear defences in Zaporizhzhia Oblast in southern Ukraine. The area is highly likely the responsibility of russia’s Southern Grouping of Forces. russia has now completed three layers of defensive zones across approximately 120 km of this sector," the statement reads.
It is noted that the continuous defence lines are located at a distance of 10-20 km from each other.
"russia has probably put significant effort into these defensive works because it is convinced Ukraine is considering an assault towards the city of Melitopol. The defences have the potential to be formidable obstacles, but their utility almost entirely depends on them being supported by sufficient artillery and personnel. It remains unclear if the Southern Grouping of Forces can currently muster these resources," the report says.
Previously. Ukraine has prepared a group of 40,000 people for a counter-offensive.