Ukraine's New Fortifications Are Causing Russians Increased Casualties, Damage

For the past two years, Ukraine has been building the largest series of fortifications in its history. 

The primary focus now is, instead of the old long trench model, to build strong points that can hold a squad or a drone team, in front of which are anti-armor and infantry barriers. The investment is paying off as Russian forces are finding the carefully designed new defenses a serious threat to their plans. JL

Taras Safronov reports in Militarnyi:

Ukraine is undertaking its largest effort to build defensive fortifications since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Modern trenches are now being dug deeper and equipped with shelters for small units and command posts for drone operators. The first line of defense is typically built by infantry units, the second by engineering troops, and the third falls under the responsibility of local civilian administrations. These outermost defenses are intended to protect key cities and reinforce regional borders. the program to reinforce the front line has been ongoing for two years.

Ukraine is undertaking its largest effort to build defensive fortifications since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

WSJ correspondents visited several of the new structures and shared their observations.

According to the report, the program to reinforce the front line has been ongoing for two years. However, its progress has been repeatedly hindered by delays, shelling, and even arrests on suspicion of corruption.

Over the past 18 months, Russian forces have broken through several weakly fortified sections of the front, exploiting unfinished defensive lines in the north. Ukraine now hopes a triple belt of fortifications will prevent similar breakthroughs in the east.

Ukrainian defensive structures. July 2025. Source: The Wall Street Journal

The report notes that the first line of defense is typically built by infantry units, the second by engineering troops, and the third falls under the responsibility of local civilian administrations. These outermost defenses are intended to protect key cities and reinforce regional borders.

The system is designed to stop the enemy before it can advance deep into Ukrainian territory.

In 2024, Ukraine allocated more than ₴46 billion for fortification construction — nearly 2% of its total military budget. Officials say the actual amount is even higher, but precise figures have not been disclosed.

With the front lines constantly shifting, some fortifications risk becoming obsolete before they are ever tested in battle. In 2022, the focus was primarily on long trenches to defend against artillery. Now, the main threat is drones.

A Russian tank hit by an FPV drone near an anti-tank ditch. July 2025. Source: Magyar Birds

Modern trenches are now being dug deeper and equipped with shelters for small units and command posts for drone operators.

As Russia reduces its use of armored vehicles, it increasingly deploys small mobile groups on motorcycles or buggies. In response, Ukrainian forces are laying down dense networks of low-profile metal coils designed to slow down enemy troops and equipment, making them vulnerable to kamikaze drones.

Wounded Russian assault troops on motorcycles. Photo: Exilenova+

In June, it was reported that Ukrainian troops had shifted from building battalion and company-sized strongpoints to smaller positions intended for squad-level defense.