Satellite images from Maxar reveal Russian defenses as forces prepare for strong Ukrainian counterattack
Russian forces are fortifying as they await a strong counterattack by Ukrainian forces. BBC Verify’s satellite analysis has revealed some of the Russian defenses.
Specifically, by looking at hundreds of satellite images, the BBC identified some key points from the significant build-up of trenches and other fortifications in southern Ukraine since last October that are Russian strongholds.
These are four locations that offer insight into what awaits Russia from a counterattack and what defenses Ukrainian forces might face.
See the satellite images from Maxar of the Russian fortifications
1. West coast of Crimea
Seized by Russia in 2014, Crimea was formerly known for its beach resorts. Now, instead of sunbeds and umbrellas, the 15-mile (25-kilometer) coastline is lined with defensive structures installed by Russian troops.
2. Tokmak
The small town of Tokmak is on a key route in the country’s southeast that Ukrainian forces may want to use to cut off Crimea from other Russian-held territory.
The satellite image shows that a network of trenches in two lines has been dug north of Tokmak. Behind these trenches is a further ring of fortifications around the city, with three layers of defense that can be clearly seen in this close-up satellite image.
3. Motorway E105
A series of anti-tank ditches and trenches now run parallel to a 22-mile (35 km) stretch of the main E105 highway, west of Tokmak. The E105 is strategically important, connecting the Russian city of Melitopol in the south with the northern Ukrainian-held city of Kharkiv. On the same road is Zaporizhia, which could become the target of a Ukrainian counterattack.
4. Rivnopil, north of Mariupol
The port of Mariupol is strategically located between the Russian occupied territories to the east and Crimea to the south. It also became a symbol of resistance to the invasion when a hardened core of fighters held out for months as the city was besieged.
As Russia expects Ukraine to try to retake it, BBC Verify decided to examine the area around the town – leading to the discovery of a collection of circular trenches. This is near the small village of Rivnopil, about 34 miles (55km) north of Mariupol, where each circular ditch has a mound of earth in the middle, probably either to protect the artillery or to keep the guns steady.
Source :Skai
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