Skip to content
Edit post

Governor: Almost 10,000 'dragon's teeth' anti-tank structures built in Kyiv Oblast

by Kateryna Denisova and The Kyiv Independent news desk March 30, 2024 2:58 PM 2 min read
A view of the construction of fortifications. (Kyiv Oblast Military Administration/Telegram)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Nearly 10,000 concrete pyramids, known as "dragon's teeth," have been installed in Kyiv Oblast as part of an effort to fortify the region, Governor Ruslan Kravchenko said on March 30.

In the fall of 2023, the authorities received criticism for the progress on fortifying defensive lines. A working group was established in November to coordinate fortification efforts.

In early March, Zelensky announced that Ukraine was building 2,000 kilometers of fortifications.

The construction in Kyiv Oblast includes an extensive system of trenches, dugouts, anti-tank ditches and other non-explosive barriers, according to Kravchenko.

Subscribe to newsletter
War Notes

"Almost 10,000 concrete pyramids have already been installed, and an anti-tank ditch has been arranged," he said.

The construction is "under strict control" and local authorities are constantly communicating with the military to build "the most effective structures with the most reliable protection," Kravchenko said.

"There is only one requirement: quality, meeting deadlines and efficient use of funds," the governor added.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Ukrainian troops are building fortifications in expectation of a Russian offensive in the spring, though there are worries that the progress is not fast enough.

Zelensky said in late March that the situation on the battlefield has been stabilized compared to earlier months, but he did not rule out that a major Russian offensive may come at the end of May or in June.

Zelensky visits Sumy Oblast, inspects fortifications
President Volodymyr Zelensky was briefed on the project for the construction of a platoon stronghold near Sumy, which includes reinforced concrete structures, firing positions for tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, and corrugated steel shelters.

News Feed

12:59 AM

Supervisory board extends arms procurement head's contract, initiates audit following proposed merger.

The contract extensions comes after Defense Minister Rustem Umerov walked back on plans to merge the Defense Procurement Agency and the State Logistics Operator into one agency, following a NATO statement said that the two agencies should be kept separate and two separate supervisory boards established "to perform their tasks and supporting their independence and anti-corruption policies."
11:04 AM  (Updated: )

Trump pauses US foreign development aid for 90 days, orders review.

In the executive order, Donald Trump wrote that "the United States foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values," without mentioning specific examples.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.