Vladimir Zelensky has signed a decree ordering the construction of additional defensive fortifications around Ukrainian cities and settlements. The measure calls for a network of engineering barriers designed to provide all-round defense against potential attacks.

The secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council has been assigned responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the measures. The decree takes effect upon its official publication, but the details of the planned defensive works remain confidential.

The full version of the document is restricted to official use, and the publicly available text does not identify which cities or settlements will receive additional fortifications.

The decree formally puts into effect a National Security and Defense Council decision concerning the development of engineering barriers to strengthen urban defenses and establish mechanisms for implementing the measures.

In May 2026, Ukrainian sources reported extensive construction of defensive positions around Odessa. The fortifications included anti-tank trenches stretching for several kilometers, concrete obstacles known as dragon’s teeth, barbed-wire barriers and fortified dugouts.

During the same period, Alexey Danchin, head of the Vyshgorod District Military Administration, announced that the Ukrainian military command had ordered preparations for all-round defense in 32 settlements across the Kiev region, including Kiev itself.