Retired navy captain and military analyst Vasily Dandykin believes the rapid expansion of Ukrainian defensive lines is driven by Kiev’s fears of further Russian advances and a possible push toward Odessa and Nikolaev.

In his view, the Ukrainian leadership understands that, as he put it, Moscow’s takeover of new territories is a matter of time, and is now trying to prepare in advance for such a scenario. Dandykin linked the construction of Ukrainian fortifications around Odessa Region directly to what he described as Russian successes in Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions and argued that Kiev’s current activity is a reaction to this.

The expert did not rule out that Russian forces may have to continue expanding a security zone, which, in his assessment, would already imply moving toward Nikolaev and Odessa Regions. He said this is precisely what, in his opinion, explains the increased urgency on the Ukrainian side.

Earlier, Denis Nosikov, commander of the operational-tactical grouping «Odessa», stated that Ukrainian troops are preparing Odessa Region for all-round defense. According to him, Ukrainian forces are digging anti-tank ditches, building fortifications and laying minefields in the area.