Forbes: Ukraine Has Rebuilt Defense Lines For Total Control On The Frontline
1- 7.05.2026, 12:28
- 2,416
The Ukrainian army's defensive lines have undergone significant changes.
In the early stages of the 2022 invasion, the defensive positions and fence lines built by Ukrainian military engineers played a key role in stopping the Russians from advancing toward Kiev. Ukrainian engineers continued to improve their defensive network as the war evolved into a war of attrition and Russian forces used both traditional tactics and new technologies to advance their lines.
These defenses underwent further evolution in response to the Russian military shifting its approach from an emphasis on armored vehicles and artillery to an increased reliance on drones and infantry. As a result of these changing dynamics on the battlefield, Ukraine now has a complex, deep defensive network that combines traditional measures with new tactics and technologies, writes Forbes.
In a recent interview at the Combat Engineering and Logistics 2026 forum, Brigadier General Vasyliy Sirotenko, chief of the Engineering Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Support Forces Command, described the current state of the Ukrainian defense system.
He explained that it has evolved from a traditional layered structure to a "sustainable defense" created through continuous adaptation. The current scheme is designed not only to hold positions, but also to shape the battlefield and create favorable conditions for Ukrainian forces.
Current Ukrainian Defense
The backbone of the defensive system is a dense, layered network of engineering barriers designed to block any Russian advance by vehicles or on foot. These include extensive bands of spiral barbed wire, anti-tank ditches, and "dragon's teeth" concrete barriers, arranged in depth and often repeated in successive lines.
These barriers are more extensive than traditional doctrinal designs, made possible in part by innovation on the battlefield. For example, Ukraine has adapted the BTM-3 trench excavator to lay multiple strands of barbed wire simultaneously, allowing units to quickly create dense bands of three strands that sometimes reach 18 rows within a single obstacle system.
The result is a deep and highly complex defensive network. Sirotenko emphasized that instead of serving only to protect Ukrainian units during an assault, these obstacles have become a primary means of combat, destroying, disorienting, and directly inflicting casualties on the forces that encounter them.
Sirotenko also stated that a defining feature of this defensive system is the integration of unmanned and remote capabilities into engineering operations. Ukrainian forces are increasingly relying on aerial drones and ground robots to create and expand obstacle courses, especially through remote mining.
This allows engineers to place mines both along the leading edge and deep into contested areas without putting personnel at risk. These efforts are coordinated in real time, allowing commanders to monitor obstacles, assess their effect, and make dynamic adjustments based on battlefield conditions.
Ukraine has also moved away from the large fortified strongholds common in Soviet doctrine. Instead, the defensive network is manned by numerous small, dispersed units in positions designed for survivability. These positions are intentionally made low-visibility and equipped with drone and precision strike defenses, including covered interlocking trenches and reinforced shelters.
Some of these shelters are so well fortified that Russian forces have had to use TM-62 anti-tank mines to breach their doors. In addition, routes to and from these positions are protected by anti-drone nets, allowing for safe supply and rotation of units. In some areas, these protective corridors extend up to 100 km from the front line.
Russian assaults on these Ukrainian defenses
As they consider their failures in Ukraine, it is easy to forget that Russia still possesses one of the largest armies in the world with a wide range of advanced weapons systems. Meanwhile, its defense industrial base has pioneered many advanced military technologies, including drones, electronic warfare, and hypersonic weapons.
With this vast arsenal, Russia is able to take a multilateral approach in trying to break through the Ukrainian defensive network, journalists say.
Before ground forces enter, Russian operations typically begin with air and fire strikes using a combination of large drones, planning bombs, artillery, and missiles to weaken sections of defenses and create a b Ukrainian defenses integrate air defense systems and interceptor drones to limit the effectiveness of these strikes. Nevertheless, some munitions, especially planning bombs, do get through.
The depth of the Ukrainian defense system, however, makes it difficult for these strikes to fully penetrate. At the same time, Ukrainian defenders are dispersed in small groups, which reduces their vulnerability. Even after the initial strike, these units often remain capable and can launch drones or call in artillery against advancing forces attempting to breach the barriers.
During these bombardments, Russian forces move drone operators forward to launch tactical FPV drones in search of Ukrainian soldiers and equipment. While defensive positions provide physical protection, Ukrainian soldiers are also equipped with drone countermeasures, including REB equipment and shotguns, reducing the effectiveness of these attacks.
After shelling, ground troops launch an assault, attempting to exploit any vulnerabilities created by the strikes. However, they quickly encounter a deep and echeloned barrier system designed to slow and direct their movement. Barbed wire impedes infantry advances, while "dragon's teeth" and anti-tank ditches restrict vehicles.
Breaking through these obstacles takes time, especially given their depth and density. This delay allows Ukrainian defenders to detect the attempt and react, usually by directing drones or artillery to the point of breach.
Russian forces often launch multiple assaults simultaneously in an attempt to crush Ukrainian defenses. For these assaults to succeed, they must be synchronized and supported by reliable communications. Ukrainian defenses include electronic warfare systems that disrupt this communication, making coordination difficult. These systems, like drone suppression capabilities, are constantly being upgraded to maintain their effectiveness.
The Evolution of Ukrainian Defense
As the war continues, Ukrainian defenses and the Russian offensive will evolve. Russia will continue to introduce new technologies in an attempt to gain tactical advantage on the battlefield, as it has done throughout the conflict.
Some Russian analysts have pointed to drone swarms as a potential means of breaking through defensive lines, allowing operators in forward positions to coordinate complex strikes. Others highlighted the possible use of ground robots to perform breakthrough missions.
These technologies are likely to be coupled with continued adaptation of tactics as Russia moves away from Soviet-era approaches that have proven less effective on the modern battlefield.
In the meantime, Ukrainian engineers are widening and deepening their defensive network with additional barriers and fence strips, further reducing penetration.
Sirotenko also noted that Ukraine is developing unmanned defensive poses These systems are expected to be remotely operated at first, with increasing integration of AI to reduce the cognitive burden on operators.
Military operations generally favor defense, especially when it is as well fortified as Ukraine's. At the same time, the side that can adapt its tactics and leverage new technologies also gains a distinct advantage on the modern battlefield.
Ukraine currently has both of these advantages. Russia will continue to adapt in an attempt to find and exploit vulnerabilities, while Ukraine will continue to improve its defenses in response to these changing conditions.
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