Fortifications around Vovchansk were built, but due to constant shelling, perhaps not so tightly

Fortification structures / Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The head of the Vovchan city military administration, Tamaz Gambarashvili, assures that there were fortifications around the city on the border with Russia, but it was not easy to erect them due to Russian shelling.

He announced this on the air of Radio Svoboda on May 13.

«Fortification structures were built. And now they are being built and strengthened. But the situation was and is extremely difficult. Because the city itself is very close to the border. And it is very difficult to carry out any construction work right on the border now. Thanks to the builders and everyone who worked. It is extremely difficult. Because working under shelling is very dangerous,» says Tamaz Gambarashvili.

To the presenter's clarifying question about what kind of work was carried out before the offensive of the Russian forces, the city's military administration replied that «perhaps the construction was not so dense.»

«Everything was built, but perhaps not so densely. Vovchansk has been under constant shelling for a year and a half after the deoccupation. And mortars and artillery. Therefore, I repeat once again: it is four kilometers from Vovchansk to the border. It was extremely difficult to build fortifications,» said Tamaz Gambarashvili.

Russian offensive on Kharkiv Oblast

It will be recalled that Russian troops intensified their shelling in the northern direction of the Kharkiv region. First of all, the enemy attacks the city of Vovchansk.

Reserve units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been sent to strengthen the defense in the Vovchan direction. The military continues to hold back the enemy's advance.

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Subsequently, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed that the Russian army had launched a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv direction. He noted that the military command knew about the enemy's plans for a new offensive and calculated the forces to respond to the attack.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reported on the strengthening of positions in the Kharkiv region, where defensive operations continue.

On May 13, the head of the Kharkiv regional state administration, Oleh Syniehubov, noted that the Russian army shelled more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region. Seven people were injured.