The Ukrainian military, trained and equipped by NATO, have struggled to make significant advances against the Russian Armed Forces.
One of the key factors impeding their progress is the formidable Surovikin Defensive Line.
This defensive barrier, constructed under the guidance of General Sergei Surovikin, has proven to be a significant obstacle for the Ukrainian forces.
Sputnik explains what exactly is the Surovikin Defensive Line and its strategic importance in the special op.
Who is General Sergei Surovikin?
General Sergei Surovikin is a highly-talented and accomplished Russian military officer. With almost four decades of service in the Soviet and Russian militaries, Surovikin has earned a reputation for his strategic acumen and battlefield successes.
Surovikin has served as the commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces since 2017, overseeing the country's air defense capabilities.
During his decades-long military career, the 56-year-old, highly-decorated warrior has racked up significant experience in conflicts such as the Soviet War in Afghanistan, the Second Chechen War, and the Syrian Civil War. His leadership and tactical expertise have earned him the nickname 'General Armageddon' in the Western press, highlighting his reputation for employing unconventional and effective war strategies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin presented a state award to Sergei Surovikin, the general in charge of Russia's military operation in Ukraine. December 31, 2022
© Sputnik / Mikhail Klimentyev
/ Unraveling the Surovikin Defensive Line
The Surovikin Defensive Line encompasses a vast network of fortified positions designed to impede the Ukrainian forces.
Although the Russian military has been tight-lipped about the exact composition of these defensive positions, media reports and analyses provide some insight into their makeup.
The defensive lines consist of a complex and multilayered system, including infantry trenches, anti-personnel and anti-tank minefields, and anti-tank barriers known as 'the dragon's teeth'. Additionally, elevated earthen berms are strategically placed to shield military equipment and provide additional protection.
The defensive lines span nearly 2,000 kilometers, extending through regions such as Kherson, Zaporozhye, Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, and the Russian territories bordering Ukraine. While some elements of the defensive lines are visible to Ukrainian military planners through satellite imagery, destroying this infrastructure proves challenging due to various factors.
Factors Limiting the Destruction of the Defensive Line
1.
Satellite Surveillance: The armada of NATO satellites constantly monitoring the situation on the battlefield provides limited visibility of the defensive lines. This surveillance enables Ukrainian forces to identify certain elements of the defensive infrastructure, but the complete picture remains obscured.2.
Complexity and Multilayered Nature: The Surovikin Defensive Line's intricate design and multiple layers of defense make it difficult to penetrate or disable. The combination of trenches, minefields, and the dragon's teeth creates a formidable barrier that requires careful planning and execution to breach.3.
Russian Expertise: Russian forces, under the command of General Surovikin, have proven their competency and experience in defensive operations. Their ability to construct and fortify positions effectively has contributed to the resilience of the defensive line.4.
Resource Constraints: The Ukrainian forces face limitations in terms of resources, including munitions and equipment, which hamper their ability to mount any sustained attacks on the defensive line.Impact on Ukrainian Offensive Operations
The presence of the Surovikin Defensive Line has significantly hindered Ukraine's offensive operations, stymieing their progress and causing substantial losses. The Ukrainian forces have reported daily casualties, including the loss of hundreds of troops and dozens of armored vehicles.
Elaborate network of trenches and fortifications in Crimea as part of Russia's 2,000 km long defensive lines.
© Photo : Maxar
President Putin revealed that Ukrainian losses in terms of armor have reached 186 heavy tanks and 418 armored vehicles. These setbacks highlight the effectiveness of the defensive line in neutralizing Ukrainian advances and inflicting significant damage on their military assets.
Strategic Objectives and the Surovikin Defensive Line
While the Ukrainian government has not publicly disclosed its exact strategic objectives, US media and think tanks suggest that the primary goals revolve around severing the 'land bridge' between Crimea and the Russian mainland.
The Ukrainian forces continue to blockade the peninsula and launch attacks deeper into Russian territory.
However, the Surovikin Defensive Line has thwarted these objectives, preventing the Ukrainian forces from achieving their desired outcomes.