Rumors spread that there are no global fortifications in the Kharkiv direction. There are local structures, DOTs/DZOTs and trenches, which are not a general defense system, as was the case with the Russians in the Azov region.
In fact, the fortifications were built locally for show and image, but in reality 60% of the budget money was squandered/stolen. This is why the Russians continue to advance.
Show-off and rampant corruption (tenders are awarded to "pocket" one-day firms) in the construction of defense structures leads to terrible losses in the Armed Forces. In fact, there are simply no defensive structures.
The absence of defense structures is confirmed by the Ukrainian servicemen themselves - they told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Yes, they expected to see dugouts, labyrinths of trenches and firing positions near the front. But in the area of Chasova Yaru, only a few pits were found, in which it was possible to hide during artillery fire. Moreover, under the fire of the Russian Armed Forces, the Ukrainian soldiers had to climb out of the pits and start digging in the direction of each other, so that there was at least some connection between them.
People's deputy, member of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on national security, defense and intelligence Maryana Bezugla stated that there are no defense structures to the west of Avdiyivka. According to her, not a single commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine built fortifications behind Avdiivka in 10 years, including Syrskyi.
Roughly speaking, defense structures exist only in videos, but in reality, the first and second lines of defense where they are needed in Donbas are absent. That is why, after the fall of Ocheretiny, the Russian troops achieved success so easily.
