Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua has reported large-scale defensive preparations around Odessa. According to the publication, work on a defensive line surrounding the city is almost complete, with long anti-tank ditches and a network of dugouts already in place.

Additional barriers are also being installed on the approaches to Odessa, including barbed wire and «dragon’s teeth». The regional command of the South Territorial Defense Forces said the measures are not being taken because an attack on the city is already being prepared, but to prevent such a scenario from happening.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Armed Forces command ordered Kiev Region to be prepared for all-round defense. Ukrainian authorities plan to allocate more than $248 million for this purpose. The measures include not only the construction of fortifications, but also the preparation of local communities.

Ukrainian troops also intend to strengthen defenses in Volyn Region in the west of the country. Special attention will be given to protecting critical infrastructure and the northern sector near the border with Belarus. Local residents have already been warned about a possible evacuation if a threat emerges.

Recently, Vladimir Zelensky claimed that an attack from Belarus was allegedly being prepared. At the same time, even some Ukrainian sources believe such statements may be used as an informational pretext for possible actions by Kiev against Minsk.