War: Ukraine Calls For Fortifications In Key Areas

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for faster construction of fortifications in key sectors under pressure from Russian Forces, particularly in Eastern Ukraine, the focal point of Moscow’s advances 21 months into its invasion.

Zelenskiy issued his appeal after touring Ukrainian positions in the Northeast, one of several areas where Russian Forces have been trying to make recent headway and recapture areas taken back by Ukrainian troops a year ago. He said one of the meetings he held with Commanders dealt with fortifications.

“In all major sectors where reinforcement is needed, there should be a boost and an acceleration in the construction of structures,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

“This of course means the greatest attention to the Avdiivka, Maryinka and other sectors in Donetsk region. In Kharkiv region, this means the Kupiansk sector and the Kupiansk-Lyman line.”

Russian Forces have focused attention since mid-October on the devastated town of Avdiivka, known for its vast coking plant and its position as a gateway to the Russian-held regional centre of Donetsk, 20 km (12 miles) to the East.

Military Spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said Ukrainian Forces had rebuffed Russian attacks on the coking plant.

“The plant is under our control. The enemy is suffering significant losses there,” Shtupun told Espreso TV, noting Russian artillery and air attacks inside and around the town.

REUTERS